As I approach the end of my thirties, I’ve become more aware of the immense pressure placed on women to look younger. Recently, a friend shared an insightful perspective: many of the beauty procedures women feel compelled to undergo are simply another means of keeping wealth in the hands of men. It's true. Think about it – how many men you know spend even a fraction of what women do on cosmetic procedures or beauty products? The beauty industry isn’t marketed to them in the same way. Men are allowed to age gracefully in our society, while women are often made to feel as if they’re "over the hill."
I follow inspiring women on Instagram who are fully embracing their grey hair, wrinkles, and aging skin. These are the women who inspire me! They’re not trying to cling to their youth by any means necessary, and I love seeing that confidence and authenticity.
That being said, I’m not here to shame anyone. We all feel the pressures in different ways, and I completely understand why some people choose to have procedures done. I’ve even considered it myself. But every time I think about it, there’s a part of me that feels angry – angry at a society that seems to fail aging women. Aging is a privilege denied to many, and yet, so many of us feel we must alter ourselves to remain desirable or worthy.
I am definitely not immune to these pressures. I’ve had my moments of wanting to erase a wrinkle or two. But the more I reflect on it, the more I feel connected to the stories these lines tell – the life experiences they represent. Our wrinkles and grey hairs are a reflection of the inner wisdom and knowledge we’ve gained over the years.
My work revolves around embodiment, connection, and female empowerment, and that includes embracing all the stages of the feminine cycle. That, of course, includes the menstrual cycle and the inner seasons, but those same seasons also show up in the life cycle. We need to embrace the different stages of life as they come.
The more we tend to our inner health, the more it radiates outwards. There are natural ways to support the aging process, enhance vitality, and ensure we feel confident as we grow older. Aging doesn’t mean going downhill – in fact, with age comes wisdom, experience, and depth. Those qualities may show up in our faces and bodies in various ways, but that’s a beautiful thing.
Instead of spending energy chasing impossible standards of beauty, let’s show up for ourselves, our health, our families, and our communities.
My Current Skin Health Routine
After years of experimenting, I’ve simplified my skincare routine and focused on natural methods to support my skin and overall health:
Facial Acupuncture – This has been a game changer for me. My partner is an acupuncturist, so I’m lucky to have regular treatments, and I’ve seen a big difference in my skin.
Collagen – I noticed that when I was vegan, my skin became thinner and aged faster. Now I take a plant-based collagen supplement from @omvits, which has made a significant difference. Use my code GINATORRES for 20% off.
Red Light Therapy – I’ve been using red light therapy for about 18 months now, and it’s really improved my skin tone. I initially bought it to treat a persistent rash under my eye, and it cleared it up within two weeks. I use the red light rising target 2.0 light.
Organ Meat Capsules – Since learning about the benefits of organ meats, I’ve been taking @carnipcopia’s ‘goddess’ capsules, which include oysters (high in zinc) for skin health. Use my code GINA for 10% off.
Oil Cleansing – I’ve been oil cleansing with jojoba oil for years. I use it to remove makeup and cleanse my skin, paired with rose hydrosol. It’s simple and effective!
Facial Massage/Gua Sha/Cupping – These practices help drain lymphatic fluid and improve skin tone. It’s a lovely self-care ritual that takes just a few minutes a day but makes a big difference.
Hydration & Diet – I start each day with a quart of water mixed with collagen powder, baobab for vitamin C, electrolytes, and lemon. Staying hydrated and nourished from within is key.
Cutting Out Toxic People – Not directly related to skin health, but prioritising my own happiness and cutting out toxic relationships has done wonders for my mental and emotional wellbeing – and yes, my face too!
I’m not a skincare expert, so always consult a professional for advice tailored to you. But this is what works for me – and most importantly, I enjoy it. That’s key. Find what feels good for you, and if something feels overwhelming, start small. You don’t need a complicated routine to feel good in your skin.
What natural ways do you support your skin and aging process? I’d love to hear your tips!
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