Are you Making This Mistake?
Hello beautiful soul,
There’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about. You see, more and more I am experiencing the same unsettling interaction with friends or clients just like you. It goes something like this, “I’m trying a new workout / I had UL therapy on my neck / I’ve been getting microcurrent facials, what do you think?” "I’m not sure I see a big difference.” "Do you think now my eyes look puffier?" "Do my thighs look too big now?” How come when we do something to enhance our appearance or health we so often use it as a reason to judge ourselves even more harshly? And let me be clear, in every instance the person I was talking to looked great. Why is so much of our focus on what is still “wrong” with us as opposed to what improvement has been made or how truly fabulous we look and feel? Then all too often that same person is off to look for the next instantaneous “fix.”
I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news but there is no such thing as an instant or permanent “fix” when it comes to any part of your appearance. Even a full face lift which is major surgery requiring an average of 6 weeks of recovery only lasts for a max 10-15 years!! Time is passing, gravity is constant, stress is ever present, our environment is wrought with aggressors and our skin is a living, regenerative organ that is always changing. And it’s okay. No one needs you to look perfect or to be perfect. People who seem too perfect are rarely approachable or fun. So let’s focus on what we can. Let’s take care of our bodies and our skin from a place of self-love and self-worth. Let’s look and feel our most healthy and vibrant. Let’s look at ourselves with the same amount of kindness we extend to others everyday.
Take the before and after photo on the cover of this article. This is 25 months after the start of a series of Sculptra injections. Sculptra is an injectable lactic acid that is FDA approved to gradually help restore your natural facial volume. It’s a great alternative to filler. If you’re like most reasonable humans, you are likely looking at that picture thinking she got great results. The after definitely has a more youthful appearance when in fact she's 2 years older -- amazing. But can you guess what this person said about themselves? “I’m not sure I see much of a difference. What can I do about the parenthesis around my mouth that are still there?” It’s truly heartbreaking how critical we are of ourselves.
It’s like when you get a new couch and suddenly your carpet looks old and dingy. Maybe it’s part of being human and serves us well by always having us seek improvement for ourselves and our surroundings. But at what cost?
All of this is why at Orange Poppy Spa we embrace what you might call a French approach to skin care. French women are known for their timeless beauty, that je ne sais quoi. In general they operate from a place of moderation in all things from fine chocolate desserts to workout routines to skin care. French culture teaches personal care from a young age and their healthcare system even covers many wellness treatments. And yes, French women use Botox but in lesser quantities than Americans.
At Orange Poppy, we are here to help you look and feel your most radiant. We believe in ageless vitality. Our uber talented nurse and incredible team of licensed estheticians are here to discuss realistic options in terms of facials, treatments, medical procedures, topical products and good habits. Remember, even your closest friends don’t tend to stand closer than 18-inches from you. They are not leaning in and studying your every imperfection. They see your inner radiance and you should too.
What would it be like if you were to embrace your inner French belle this holiday season? Enjoy the food, enjoy the wine, use high-end skin care, schedule appointments for yourself, buy small gifts for those you love. I think I might give it a try.
Be Well, Be You, Be Radiant!
P.S. Meg, RN will be here every Thursday in December for Botox/Dysport, RHA Clean Filler, Sculptra Collagen Replenishment and PRF MicroNeedling.