110 Comments
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

I'm 35 and the anti aging narrative for women drives me truly bananas. Many of my friends get botox and I didn't even realize until recently. The way society/the patriarchy has convinced women the worst thing they can do is age and to spend wild amounts of $ on it makes me so sad. I am not saying I would never do any procedures, but I hope I can hold out mostly because it's depressing. The men in my life spend zero brain space or $ on this - I try to be more like them. Women are always in a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. So I also try not to criticize women ever for this.

Expand full comment
author

Yeah, when my husband was editing this he was, I NEVER THINK ABOUT THIS. I definitely feel jealous!

Expand full comment

IMAGINE the free brain space and energy he has 😮‍💨

Expand full comment
author

I know!

Expand full comment

True but good number of the men I work with who are late 20s/early 30s get ‘tweakments’ - profhilo, botox and filler - my daughter’s male friends/boyfriends (they’re older teens) also seem much more preoccupied with their looks than previous generations.

Expand full comment
author

That's interesting! I wonder if they're also influenced by spending so much time on Zoom/social media? I have noticed more male celebs who seem to be participating in anti-aging treatments. Also, Katie reported on her podcast that the amount that men spend on self-care products isn't significantly lower than what women spend.

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

Happy birthday! Hopefully I’ll turn 70 next year. Greyhaired and wrinkled. The thing I’ve realized is that being fit - and I’m quite overweight as well - is by far the most important thing when you grow older. Who cares if you’ve got lines on your forehead if you can play soccer with your grandchildren, get up from the floor ( and chairs) without moaning and don’t loose your breath when walking and can carry your groceries! And help others that aren’t that fortunate. So place your money on an activity instead of Botox. Being flexible and in good condition makes you happy and … very attractive 😍!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Lotte! I was actually thinking I should redirect some money I might spend on anti-aging products to pay for strength training of some kind!

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

Now you're talking. The confidence that comes from being strong will smooth those lines right outta' your face.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Joy!

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

YES! And yes to Lotte. Can I stand up? Sit down? Can I get off the floor? Can I use my core and my glutes? Do I have osteoporosis? Can I bend over? Squat down?

Expand full comment
Nov 19Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

I love this so much!

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

I'm 42 and the Botox siren is calling, but I have resisted so far and intend to continue resisting! Here's how I rationalize it to myself: Botox/fillers might make me look 10% better. But what would that 10% cost in terms of time, money, energy, and what would I gain from it? Would I have a better career, more money, a better marriage, cooler friends? I'm pretty sure the answer to all those things is a big no. Which makes the whole ordeal decidedly not worth it. When I think about it that way, I'm fine with the lines on my face and the grays on my head, and choosing to spend my time, money, and energy on other things!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Chrissy! I love this!

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

I really loved this line from your essay: "But once you start, you’ve got to keep going. I can’t get Botox next week and then never get it again." This is one of the reasons I don't mind splurging on 3 gym memberships. Exercise makes me feel happy and healthy, which improves my confidence, which makes it easier to say no to "quick fixes" like Botox, which saves me money.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Chrissy!

Expand full comment
Nov 19Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

I love the way you phrased this Chrissy, and I feel the same—the cost of Botox, not only financially, but also in how I would feel I'd betrayed my own beliefs and contributed to the overall problem by doing it, is too high for me (I'm 40!). I try to practice "don't hate the player, hate the game," but I do think people need to consider how they are playing into the very system they claim they are trying to circumvent by getting these procedures. AND let's not forget that the medical establishment does not value women's long-term health—we do not have clear data on what 40+ years of injecting botulism into your face will do to you.

Expand full comment

100% agree on the long term health risks, which are 100% not worth it to me!

I work with a lot of younger women (marketing at a tech company - at 42 I'm one of the oldest people in my department), and I like to think my unconventional choices help them see that they do, in fact, have options when it comes to things like having kids, changing your name, and skipping Botox. Be the change you wish to see, etc, etc!

Expand full comment

Also 42 (43 this week) and feel all of this.

Reminding myself daily that Investing that money to have more financial freedom later or more fun now definitely has to be better.

I also worry about the slippery slope. I think it’s easy for Botox and other treatments to make you look better in your forties and into your fifties but then? I worry.

At an event earlier this year the younger people shared their age so I did too. After expressing surprise (the done thing, right?), another person shared that they were turning 57 the next day but “you wouldn’t know, right?”. Well, no, but you could’ve told me she was 65 and I’d have believed you because there was so much work done all you could see was the work. Which was fine but also, for me, kind of defeated some of the goal of getting the work done because you then knew she was some kind of “older”. 🤔

Expand full comment
author

Happy birthday, Jen!

And that's so interesting about people sharing ages at the event!

I honestly struggle so much to know how old people are. For a long time, I always assumed everyone was older than me and now I just assume everyone is younger, LOL. But it's nearly impossible for me to look at someone's face and guess their age.

Expand full comment

It really is. I've been way off in recent guesses and glad I didn't say the ones that swung older aloud!

And thanks. :-) Hope you've had some lovely celebrations!

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

I always share my age (especially on my birthday, which I love). Trying real hard to be an inspirational icon when it comes to aging happily and naturally.

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

I'm 56!!!!!!!! I tell everyone. I am like a 9-year-old or something. I happily tell everyone and also add, "9 years until I can retire!"

Expand full comment
author

Love this!

Expand full comment

For the sake of my daugher and for me, thank you! Also trying to do the same but oof... I don't always share my age, I even hesitated here, because I don't want it to be a thing. Who cares? I feel like it just leads to comparison, whether it's in looks or accomplishments, against what's expected by certain ages, which is something I'd love to fight against too!

Expand full comment
Nov 19Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

That's a great point: re: comparison. On the flip side, having more varied examples of what a particular age can look is helpful, too!

Expand full comment

So true! I always love to know. Ha.

Expand full comment
author

Love this side convo and agree with both points of view!

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

This resonated with me so much. I got my first botox in my mid-30s after a zillion people telling me not to. But I had these "elevens" lines that drove me crazy. When I finally did it, I loved the way it looked and thought it was worth doing FOR me. I did it on and off for 15 years -- mostly off -- because it's expensive and I'm lazy. And then, at 50, I decided no more. I'd rather spend $600 on traveling. Or flowers. Or entertaining. I'm going for the French approach to aging where the aim is to be "bien dans son age" -- looking good for you age. That one phrase has been so meaningful to me and essential. (If you need to talk to someone over 40, I'm here!)

Expand full comment
author

Love this, Jane! Thank you for sharing!

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

Check out Val Monroe’s Substack, How Not to F*ck Up Your Face, for a fresh, sane and frank perspective on aging. Highly, highly recommend!

Expand full comment
author

Yes! I'm familiar with her work! Thank you, Maggie!

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

My peak in terms of beauty (no botox or enhancements) was when I turned 55 years old. This profile pic was 5 years later. Although I was always waiting for the worst to happen, I learned it is all about what is going on inside. Yes, we wear it on the face. Change what you need to change, inside yourself, and the rest will follow. I knew I was at my peak because I felt alive and beautiful and people around me responded to me in a way that told me, it was true. I am going for another peak....still resisting the botox or enhancements. Maybe my reluctance will change as things in life shift, but I don't want to lose my inner confidence which is about knowing who I am and trusting what I have to offer the world is enough.

Expand full comment
author

I love this, Nancy! And I love the idea of hitting multiple peaks!

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

This is unboxing Pandora's box when it comes to looks and age. I'm 42, eventhough by many accounts, I look and act way younger than that. It's all about confidence in yourself, in your looks. But we all feel self conscious about our aging bodies one way or another. For me, it's my thinning hair. If there's nothing short of a disease because of this hair thinning, then I might consider going for a pixie cut. Who am I trying to impress if I'm already married with a child?

I work from home and am in sweats all day. I've stopped wearing makeup on the regular for 7 years now, initially starting it as a makeup-free month as a challenge to myself. Not only do I feel better about myself, but I've gotten used to my real face reflecting in the mirror every day. I only do skincare, even then, it's very minimal. No fancy skincare routine at all, just splash water on my face and put day cream moisturizer and on occasion, night cream moisturizer. Personally, I don't need the botox and invasive procedures if I know for sure that those things won't help me feel better about myself. For many women though, it does help with their confidence, and if it rubs you the wrong way, then perhaps it's not for you. And yes, on rare occcasions, I do wear makeup, but I'm always glad when it comes off and my skin feels free.

If we have the chance to look up to our female heros in our family, by all means, take note. I'm lucky to have hard working, smart women in my family. Some more concerned with their looks than others, but it doesn't really change my perception of them. I love them and they love me, regardless of what I look like. That's enough to validate me being comfortable in my skin. I get bombarded with Instagram ads with skincare and makeup all the time, but the trick is not to fall for it.

Expand full comment
Nov 19Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

Happy Birthday. I LOVE this article so much, really great information!

Ultimately, trying to look younger is actually trying to look younger than other women the same age in your circles and is a form of misogyny by upholding the patriarchy which values women for their youth and beauty. Getting procedures and surgeries for the sole reason of looking younger is a choice that women make when they value more the benefit they get from patriarchy over pushing against it, and I can 100% understand it. Many women do it, and it is their personal choice and they shouldn't be attacked, but let's not pretend that the ultimate goal isn't to look younger than your female peers.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Claire! And thank you for sharing Jessica's article that ultimately sent me down this rabbit hole!

Expand full comment
Nov 19Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

Honestly put the money you would use for Botox or whatever into your retirement account. I was extremely lucky and was employed for the most part of my life. For the most part of my working life I was underpaid. It happens. There are lots of us making under 40K. We never did the big vacations, ran new cars into the ground, lived in a not great section of town. No kids. A conscious decision. We are both retired now, 65 and 70. Big treats are carry out and internet via Elon. We are that far out in the country now. Our biggest cost, health care. Quality healthcare. Small deductible big monthly payment and I hear from the medical staff “you have the good healthcare.” Maybe split your Botox into a nice dinner and your IRA. As far as anti-aging, well it is getting to be a matter of good genes, living your life, and sunscreen.

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

Reading this piece was an emotional rollercoaster for me and I am so appreciative of you writing it, but also creating the space for us all to share our feels as it relates to beauty and aging. For me, the combination of staring at my face on zoom, and also being a tired still-breastfeeding parent of 2, plus the endless scroll of Insta, has warped my sense of self. FWIW, I am kind of a skincare nerd and actually enjoy the act of investing in some of these things (they make me feel good!), but I also am constantly checking in with myself: do I want this?, do I need this?, or am I just being worn down by social media?! And what's wild to me is that amount of brain space this takes up too.

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

This is a small, non-systemic thing, but you can hide your own square on Zoom/Google Meet/Teams! They all have slightly different settings, but I have really appreciated it.

Expand full comment
author

I think I knew that at some point, but thank you for the reminder. I should look into it!

Expand full comment

This feature is the only way I can use Zoom. Otherwise, I go insane.

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

Happy birthday, Lindsey! Your texts with your mom are so sweet—my own mom is in her early 60s and has never gotten any invasive cosmeceuticals, and it doesn't matter at all because she's getting a PhD and she's so hard-working and has so much wisdom to share and is such an inspiration to me. I always find her so beautiful and stylish, and I'm grateful for every year I get to spend with her.

One example of a woman over 40 who is beautiful and hasn't gotten those invasive procedures and has wrinkles is Paulina Porizkova, who frequently posts bare-faced selfies on Instagram. Obviously she's a former supermodel, but she's been quite vocal about the constant pressure women face to always look young. I really love this video she did: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9zYNMJ6nTM

Expand full comment
author

Thanks! I did look at Polina's Instagram! She's doing amazing things in the space!

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

Reading this from a different perspective as a freshly 28 year old in a new role where most of my peers are 15-20 years my senior and I am constantly trying to look older to fit in! I use fashion, eye make up, heels, etc. to mask my insecurity and imposter syndrome. Someone I am leading mistook me as a college intern in our initial meeting and I was crushed!

Anyway, all that to say this was such a reassuring reminder that regardless of our age women are told they need to change something about who they are in the workplace. The best way to be a role model for my daughter and colleagues is to embrace my age openly and the strengths that I bring to work regardless.

Expand full comment
author

Ugh yes, totally get this! There's definitely a different kind of ageism that women face when they're young and not taken seriously! Sometimes it feels like you just can't win! Good luck with the new role!

Expand full comment
Nov 18Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

Great essay! Thank you for "thinking out loud" about this topic! I appeciate your willingness to address this with your trademark openess and transparency. Wishing you a happy birthday and an "it gets better" year ahead! 😊

Expand full comment
author

Thanks so much, Tracy!

Expand full comment

Lindsey, I turned 50 a few months ago and had been doing Botox about once a year since I turned 36. I decided to stop just before my 50th birthday because I want to look good as I age, but according to my own definition, which does not mean looking like my 36-year-old-self, and absolutely includes some wrinkles. Having said that, I've been using Frownies EVERY SINGLE NIGHT to smooth the lines between my eyes (the 11's) since I started Botox and I can tell you they really work - that's why I was able to have Botox just once a year instead of several times...https://www.frownies.com/products/facial-patches-forehead-between-eyes?variant=2380234227721

Expand full comment
author

Ooh yes! I've seen this! I will check it out!

Expand full comment

I am seriously an evangelist for this product - my fancy NY dermatologist regularly marveled at how well the Frownies worked to minimize wrinkles! they're a bargain and not poison!

Expand full comment
Nov 19Liked by Lindsey Stanberry

59-year-old here. I did Botox once and saw what a slippery slope it is. Ok, my forehead lines were gone, but what about my sagging skin, crows feet, older-looking neck... The amount to "fix" all that would be astronomical, and I would still be 58 years old. All the anti-aging treatments in the world don't keep us from actually aging. I think a lot of the fear around aging is not just a fear of being unattractive but a fear of approaching death. That realization caused me to make big changes in my life. I decided to travel now, not later, because I have no idea really how much longer I'll be healthy and active. Another change is paying closer attention to how people make me feel. If a friend makes me feel unattractive or unimportant as an older person, I let that friendship go. My life, at this point, really is too short! The realization that fear of aging is fear of death, while terrifying at first, has been a catalyst that’s enabled me to be more grateful and intentional about how I spend the time I have left.

Expand full comment
author

Love this so much, Linda! Thank you for sharing!

Expand full comment