An amusing encounter in my search for a panacea to aging.
Summer Lotus Sep 18 · 4 min read
Recently, I received an invitation to a free beauty analysis which mentioned that a consultant would be especially engaged to give the customer more information and advice on beauty care. Little did I know that I would be in for an esteemed battering.
That fateful day, I arrived huff and puff from my office to be seated in front of the Consultant apologizing profusely for being late. She remarked that I was a visibly stressed person. I looked at her porcelain, even-toned face with fine features, and was very receptive to any make-over tips that she could offer to a woman on the physical decline.
‘We need to get some details’, the Consultant started, ‘ like your age, skincare routine and personal habits.’ I reluctantly told her my age, that my skincare routine was haphazard and that I depended on the free art of exercise to keep whatever remaining vestiges of youth intact.
Very calmly, she placed a box in front of me that was covered with a black cloth.
‘Now, put your face into the box. Keep close to the screen inside and adjust the mirror for a full view. I will be switching on some UV light and will explain to you about the findings’, she instructed.
Once inside and the UV light was switched on, I was momentarily shocked when confronted with a bluish face, eyes gleaming light purple. My face was bathed in UV light, a grim reminder of the possessed Linda Blair, who acted in the movie, The Exorcist. (dead giveaway of my age in mentioning this movie).
‘Hey, what’s this?’ I asked.
The Consultant started to elaborate,’ Now, can you see those white spots on the nose and near the eye-brows? — -those are the whiteheads. You have missed these areas during your cleansing. Next, notice these areas here on both sides of your cheeks? Your pigments are quite deep and extensive. Your skin is also very dry.’
With an eagle eye, she scanned my face further. ‘ Your face lacks moisture, your smile line is deep and that pulls on your face and results in open pores. Your eyes are also quite baggy with dark shadows beneath them.’
‘Wow, I knew that I was not young anymore but those findings caused my heart to sink and my self-esteem took a free fall.
I emerged from the black box to see reassurance that my vision would not be impaired by the UV light while listening to her explanations. That would add to my list of imperfections.
Next, the beautiful Consultant who had age on her side spread a survey form before me and proceeded to discover what led to the tragedy of her findings. In conclusion, she found that although I tried to keep relatively fit and eat quite sensibly, I suffered from a lack of adequate sleep, and was not heavily invested enough in skincare.
Hmm, something ought to be done, she hummed. Otherwise, the damage would be irreparable.
I was all ears. As a toastmaster, I knew she had made an excellent, persuasive presentation. A daily routine for skincare, night skincare, and the weekly skincare were all spelled out in sequence. If I followed religiously, I would be able to reduce or even eradicate some of the aging effects.
It all sounded so promising. However, the hurdle was that it would set me back at least $2000, and the fee was not for the whole regime but for the indispensable potions, the alchemy that only her salon possessed. The cost of the facial sessions was also not included.
Buying there and then would entitle me to a 5% discount and a gift. The pressure was on. I said that I would reply the following day after my deliberation.
I left the salon quite downcast. In my mind, I knew it was all an ancient marketing game. Create a need and you have a want. Then you get a sale. This creation of need, we see enough of it around us. Want to look young again? Well, botox away your wrinkles and create that V shape facial outline. The snag is that they do not last and require repeated doses after an interval.
Probably the most ubiquitous marketing is about boosting your physical assets that we see in newspapers, magazines, and social media. Want to feel confident, look good, and make your spouse happy? Go for it! If you feel vulnerable, there are solutions.
In all fairness, people should ride on the wave of new technology in material sciences and techniques as long as they can afford them. That is part of the enjoyment of life. Yes, I wanted to indulge in the labor and fruits of today’s scientific research. That’s how the world will continue to progress and human intelligence will never stagnate.
I went back to purchase selected items to test them in case they do not suit me. I also worked on my predisposing factors. However, I have become mindful that we all cannot escape the ravages of time. Otherwise, those aging millionairess would have soft, velvety skins which are not evident as far as I notice.
However, I would look inward and seek my peace and well-being through my connection with Providence and do good in life. One must continue to strive and discipline ourselves regularly to develop self-confidence and steadfastness. This is by continuous learning to keep abreast of changes around us and imbibe new, useful knowledge. Learning public speaking, reading and writing, meaningful social interaction, and developing new hobbies to excel are just a few ways.
So, if the skincare finally fails, these qualities that would make me shine could still carry me well into my grave and inspire others at the same time.
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