When I was about 23 years old, I thought I’d better start using anti aging products, as I was starting to get old. This is hysterically funny to me now. But I digress.
So, I went to The Expensive Skincare Counter in The Department Store and asked about what I could do to prevent wrinkles. The young man and young lady, both of which were younger than me, extolled the virtues of/raved about this one particular jar of anti aging cream. It was the latest offering by the company and it promised to turn around my skin. They couldn’t say enough about it. At the time, I didn’t know much about the beauty industry. Despite this, it occurred to me to ask about what was in the cream that made it work so well. Neither of them knew. Somehow, it also occurred to me to ask about how it actually worked – what it actually did. I got the distinct impression that I’d just asked a really dumb question. After all, we were talking about THE BRAND. Who was I to challenge The Expensive Skincare Counter?
It was very expensive for me but I bought it. Anyone who could shame me into silence must be an expert.
I remember reading the label when I got home, and seeing the instructions, “AVOID EYE AREA”. Disappointing. This was the very area that I was worried about. I decided to take action – I planned to take the jar back to the counter the next day.
When I arrived at the counter a day later, the same dynamic duo was working again. I explained my dilemma. Their young, smooth, 20 year old foreheads furrowed – they’d never noticed that instruction before. Collectively, it was decided that if it performed such amazing feats of youth for the rest of the skin, it was probably the best thing for my “high needs” 23 year old eye area. This seemed like sound logic. So I marched that precious jar home and promptly slathered it all over my face, including my eye area. And it kind of…burned. “Well,” I thought, “This burning sensation must mean it’s really doing something.
I threw on another dollop. Why not? This anti aging stuff was really working!
Now, I’m 45 years old. When I think back on this experience, I realize that it was the tipping point. The catalyst for change. I began to do my own research; I started to question more, not less, about the correct use of skincare products. Here’s the first thing that I learned: “USE AS DIRECTED” means exactly that, even if you don’t know why. If a jar says, “AVOID EYE AREA,” do it. I often wonder how many of my present day eye area concerns originated from that jar. I’ve also learned, if it burns, speak up, and get it off of your face. Just like the burning sensation of a hand on a hot stove, I can assure you, it is most certainly doing something.
