A study from the University of Toronto Psychology Department indicates that people who resort to anti-aging techniques, particularly more invasive ones such as injectables and cosmetic surgery, are viewed more negatively than those who use milder techniques such as avoiding the sun and using topical creams. And, surprise!, younger adults are more negative about using anti-aging techniques than older adults. (Yeah, I’d like to talk to them in a couple of decades.)
The findings suggest that “despite the rapid growth of the anti-aging cosmetic industry, age concealment has not yet become universally accepted,” says lead author and associate professor, Alison Chasteen. “This is important because it shows that despite the emphasis on looking younger in society, there are possible negative social consequences to fighting the signs of aging by engaging in cosmetic age concealment.”
(Age concealment – ya gotta love it.)
I have no problems with anyone who wants to conceal their age. More power to them, I say. I do take issue with cosmetics companies that hire 20 year old models to hawk wrinkle creams. Would it be such a horrible thing if they showed a beautiful 40 or 50 year old model – the relative age of the consumer to whom the product is intended – slathering wrinkle cream on her face? Some companies are heeding this call. To wit: L’Oreal with Diane Keaton and Estee Lauder with Elizabeth Hurley. Most, however, hire barely post-pubescent models with flawless, resilient skin. So how am I supposed to believe the products work? I surely don’t believe that a 20 year old is using them. But that’s the biz and I can’t fight it alone, so back to the study …
The study, which assessed the reactions of about 250 people, ages 19 through 70, found that older adults had more positive feelings towards anyone who uses any form of anti-aging technique than do younger adults. However, both age groups had a higher approval of milder, less invasive methods than of more invasive techniques. (It occurs to me that I’d be a horrible study participant because I would have to answer “I don’t care” to this type of question. And I don’t. I applaud you if you want to look your best and I don’t particularly care if you don’t want to use products or surgery to do it. I do think you should protect yourself from the sun with the liberal use of sunscreen but that’s a health issue as opposed to a purely cosmetic one.)
Society, however, wants it both ways. Ours is – and, in my memory, has always been – a youth-obsessed society. We admire youth and youthful beauty and energy. That’s fine – as long as it’s not at the exclusion of everyone else. But alas, ageism is rampant, especially in certain industries, including mine. I hear that today 30 is the new 20; 40 is the new 30; 50 is the new 40. It that’s the case, we are making headway as a society in our acceptance of aging. But we haven’t gone nearly far enough.
So what are we supposed to do as we age? Do we crawl into a hole to wither away and die when our once-flawless faces and bodies begin to show the signs of age? Hell, no, I say! I am going to do everything in my power – and that includes eating well, getting enough sleep, staying out of the sun, staying active, using skin creams and moisturizers and yes, getting Botox and maybe fillers and cosmetic surgery if and when the time comes – to look my best. I contend that looking good and feeling good are closely allied. We look good when we feel good – and vice versa. I intend to try to look as good as I can for as long as I can and do whatever I can to keep it going.
You may not understand my point of view if you’re of a particular age – but just wait. You’ll get there and when you do, call me. I have the name and number of a very good cosmetic doctor who has a fabulous way with a syringe full of Botox.
