This is your skin. This is your hair. These are YOUR eyelashes. Don’t be a bystander

The years don’t always bring wisdom. I see plenty of older people who seems strangely passive when it comes to their bodies, including their skin. You can’t just stand there and let your skin and hair deteriorate because you will need them for many years to come.

Expressions like “I have dry skin” or “I have sensitive skin” are misleading, they make you feel like a passive observer, and that is dangerous. I prefer to say “these days my skin is sensitive” because it implies that it is a temporary situation, not fate. Then you can start looking for options that will allow you to change the status quo.

Think of your skin like your think of your muscles. You would not say that your muscles cannot change. Even your heart’s health can improve with some work (and, sometimes, medication). If you hurt yourself, you do your best to heal your arm and exercise it as soon as you can, because you know that if you just accept the temporary situation as permanent, it will become permanent.

I am not saying that we are to blame for our health problems, otherwise I would have to feel very guilty and guilt is not particularly useful. But like when you go to the doctor and he/she gives you a medication for that particular ailment, the doctor is likely to tell you also what you can do (besides taking the medication) to improve the outcome.

In the case of sensitive skin, I am sure that genes have something to do with it. But if you forget the influence of what you do to your skin, you are bound for failure. Are you treating your skin the way you would the wall? Polishing it with sand (or crystals, or whatever) or removing epidermis as if you were removing tarnish from the family silver? Are you using “natural” essential oils that irritate your skin and lead to allergies?

You are modifying your environment, every day and every minute, and this is especially true for your skin.

What can you do? If your skin is dry, or inflamed, avoid using toners containing alcohol or essential oils. Don’t use bubble bath (=detergent) even if it is fun, a home-made bath bomb with rosehip oil is also enjoyable and will not dry your skin. Appreciate the essential role your skin is performing for you, and appreciate that this is a long term task. It is up to you to preserve your skin and the precious stem cells your skin contains. Avoid the sun and wear sun-block if you can’t avoid the sun.

In short, be nice to your skin and your body.