Embracing the Journey, Not Fighting the Clock

Birthdays are usually about cake and candles, but today, on my 46th birthday, mine brings a different kind of celebration- I'm not counting wrinkles, I'm counting blessings. 

In a world obsessed with anti-aging, reaching this milestone shouldn't feel liberating, yet here I am-content, free, happy and brimming with confidence! Why? Because I'm finally accepting of the beauty of aging – not as a battle to be fought, but as a cherished badge of honor to be embraced.

Amidst the clamour for eternal youth, every year, billions of dollars cascade into products dangling the much sought after ‘fountain of youth’ magic ingredient, which right now is retinol, to undo or slow down the natural visible signs of aging on our skins. 

In 2023 alone, it was reported that "owing to the increasing consciousness among individuals about their physical appearance" the global anti-aging market swelled into a staggering 71.6 billion U.S. dollars, Yikes!

Beneath this anti-aging madness lies a subtle message stealthily seeping into our subconcious whispering - that aging is to be prevented, feared or something to erase. But here's the truth: Aging is an inevitable life companion! 

Recalling my childhood antics, I chuckle at the eagerness to hasten maturity and would insert guava fruits into my t-shirt to mimic a woman's bust. My 8-year-old self was so ready to be a woman. Now at 46, that same eager spirit still thrives to embrace the newness of this chapter. 

In my previous post, I talked about how i learned to embrace my greys and wrinkles and the three pivotal strategies I employed to authentically love my skin. 

Aging can be stressing and worrying or gentle, you decide.

"Do not complain about growing old, it is a privilege denied to many"- Mark Twain

Aging is the story etched on our faces, the laughter lines cradling our eyes, the sun-kissed wisdom gracing our foreheads. Each crease whispers tales of resilience, of experiences that shaped us, of lives well-lived. Isn't that a story worth celebrating?

I believe in supporting aging not anti-aging. I craft skincare not to fight nature, but to dance alongside our skin's natural journey. I do not create anti-aging products because I advocate for not just 'beautiful' skin but healthy skin which transcends age. 

To me beauty is the confidence in your own skin, the acceptance of who you are at every stage. 

"Know that you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious.."

-Ageless beauty, right?

Every decade holds its own charm, its own magic. Your teens burst with vibrancy, your thirties pulsate with passion, your forties radiate wisdom, and beyond... A treasure trove of experiences! 

Let's not box 'beauty' into a one-size-fits-all mold. The word (or words) ‘Anti-aging’ by definition suggest that fine lines and wrinkles- entirely normal and natural, are flaws.

L’Oréal, the world’s leading cosmetics brand has a serum marketed as "age perfect" comprising over 35 ingredients that promises “1 week to younger looking skin!” 

Well… call me skeptical, but just a little 2-minute research on google will tell you our skin cells take more than 7 days to naturally regenerate, and as we get older the number of days increase. We all know when you mess with mother nature you will pay dearly in the long run.

see full paper here.

At Flora's Aura we champion self-expression. We want you to embrace your authentic self, wrinkles and all. See them not as flaws, but as badges of honor, each one a testament to your journey. 

Remember, confidence is the ultimate 'anti-aging' serum. When you rock your wrinkles with pride, you radiate a vitality that goes far deeper than skin-deep.

So, let's ditch the "anti" and embrace the "pro". Let's celebrate the symphony of time, not fight its melody. Age is just a number, but the stories we write with it? Priceless.

Until next time, with love, Flora 🤍