Do you know what I absolutely love? And by “love” I mean HATE…?
The way the public discusses aging. In particular, I’ve noticed certain stereotyping related to women who are over 40.
On social media I keep seeing plastic surgeons who claim to know which celebrity has had what done to their face. These people seem to love nothing more than showing folks photos of famous 40-something women and screeching about how much work they’ve supposedly had done.
Before I continue, I should offer a disclaimer: I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having wrinkles. As for me personally, there’s a high chance that I’ll develop laugh lines. And I’m currently keeping an eye on the area under my eyes just because…
That said, concerning alarmist plastic surgeons, I can’t help but wonder: Do they know any women in their 40s? I mean, in real life?
During a woman’s fourth decade of living, concerning our appearance, anything is possible. Some of us may indeed have deep wrinkles. But there are others among us who don’t. And speaking from experience, having smooth skin at this age doesn’t necessarily require Botox and access to Hollywood’s most popular procedures.
So why do some doctors insist on depicting us this way?
On one hand they may genuinely believe that women in their 40s can’t be wrinkle-free without going under the knife. On the other, I think they’re trying to give older women a complex. Mind you for some, I imagine it’s some sort of strange marketing tactic. Nevertheless–either way, I’m tired of their rhetoric.
Photo by Sam Moghadam Khamseh
claire.she.goes 