Real Talk: Do You Have Realistic Skin Goals?
The pressure of looking your best is not a new concept. Fitting into society’s standards of “Beauty” has always been prevalent at any moment in history. Today we face constant subliminal and not-so-subliminal messages about how we should look to be considered desirable. And when we don’t measure up, it can feel pretty sh!++y…
We see picture-perfect faces in our televisions, magazines, movies, and now social media. It’s all smoke and mirrors. What we forget is that behind these perfect shots stands a whole team of incredibly talented individuals who were paid to make another human look just that – Perfect. It’s all about realistic expectations and putting things into perspective. No shade at Jlo, but she did not get that skin by only using olive oil. And Kylie Jenner did not get her body by simply going through puberty. I just wish that people in their positions would be more honest about how they REALLY got their looks. In their defense, if I were to be seen by millions, I would want to look my absolute best too!
I once went to a dermatologist, and when asked what my goal was for my skin I replied, “I want perfect skin!” When the doctor chuckled and told me that perfect skin was not attainable, I felt incredibly frustrated and irritated by her. I felt defeated by that answer. It all seems so silly to me today, but back then, that was the first time I had ever heard that perfect skin is not a thing. It does not exist, and therefore, cannot be attained.
Whether you want to admit it or not, we are biologically vain creatures. Some of us, admittedly, more than others. I say this to clarify that there is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best. You know damn well that for every 1 selfie you post, there are about 30 that did not make the cut! Am I right?!? It doesn’t make you a bad person, or self-involved, or dumb. Don’t feel ashamed for taking pride in how you look. Just know that if you’re human, you’ll have bad days too. Some of those days will feel like crap, and you’ll probably look like crap, and that’s all part of the human experience. It’s very important to know that in these bad days, weeks, or even months, you are no less worthy of a person than you were when you had your best days.
As a skin care professional, I stress the fact that real skin has pores, has texture, has lines, has spots, it has a history. That is not to say that those areas cannot be addressed and managed. You can have beautiful, glowing skin that you are proud of! It will take work and time, but it can happen for you. My point is that being kind to yourself and your skin should be your number one priority in your skin care journey. And in every aspect of your life!
XO – Pachee
