Why I Had to Unlearn Anti-Aging Before Offering Cosmetic Acupuncture Services

When I considered offering cosmetic acupuncture at Soraluna, I confronted a problem.

As somebody who suffers from perfectionism, I didn’t want to feel pressure to have perfect skin myself. It felt like a trap, and not one I wanted to bring into client sessions.

But I knew there had to be a way to make it work, especially when I do believe we need natural viable alternatives to common anti-aging treatments. So I started developing my own skincare philosophy. One that felt real, sustainable, and aligned with my values.

Enter: Internalized Ageism

And I ran across a book that really helped: Breaking the Age Code by Becca Levy. It’s full of fascinating research about how our beliefs about aging (ie: internalized ageism) shape our actual experience of aging. From how our bodies change to how long we live.

Her research convinced me that the stories we tell ourself about aging matter.

Not only that? We can change those stories.

In addition to exploring the concept of the Original Face, as detailed in a previous blog post, I finally felt grounded enough in my self and values to offer cosmetic services. On my own terms.

Because not only was I more comfortable about my own aging, I felt clearer about the cultural pressures that oppress us, and how I wanted to move beyond them.

A New Philosophy on Skincare

So I decided the energy I wanted to bring to cosmetic session wasn’t one of perfection.

I wanted to embrace the imperfection. Flow with the flaws.

Offer deep tenderness to the parts of us that feel the need to stay perpetually youthful.

And sometimes, yes — throw a big middle finger to cultural expectations that tell women to stay juicy and glowing forever.

Because personally? I’m so tired of those stories.

Also, let’s be real. My goal is to become feral forest creature I was always meant to be. So I’ve always been on a slightly different trajectory.

But my guess is there are dreams and aspirations inside you, too. Dreams that exist beyond dominant cultural narratives about wrinkles and plump lips. And those dreams are important. They truly matter.

Some Questions to Ask

So if you’re curious about how to approach skincare holistically as you age, I recommend starting from the inside out.

Ask yourself:

• What do I actually believe about aging?

• What do I believe about older women and beauty?

• What stories did I grow up with about what aging looks like?

• What fears do I have about aging that come from my family lore?

And can you begin to imagine a different narrative?

One of the most helpful things I did was create a Pinterest board of beautiful, creative, powerful women in the later stages of life. I looked at their faces, their energy, their lives. I saw what they had in common—and more importantly, what I wanted to embody.

I also started spending more time with people who were older than me. I wanted to feel in my bones that turning any age wasn’t the end of anything. It’s just another turn around the sun.

Now it’s your turn!

I’d love to hear from you.

Does this resonate any way?

And if there’s a person you long to become, what does she look like? Truly, deeply, down in her bones?

That’s the energy I wish for you.

And if you’re looking for skincare treatments that embody this philosophy? You know where to find me.