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Aging is a privilege. It’s a beautiful privilege. The older I have become, the more confident I am. I know who I am, what I believe, what I want, and what really matters in life. Confidence takes time and for me, it came with age. It’s a journey of its’ own and is different for us all but confidence is also a superpower. And it is the most beautiful thing you can wear.
After spending a decade and a half working in the ICU, I never thought I would open a medspa and become an aesthetic provider. It’s quite the transition to put down the laryngoscope and pick up the Botox needle. But years later, here I am. And I love it. After so many years of caring for patients who were fighting for their lives and struggling to survive, I now get to watch healthy patients thrive. I get to meet amazing people every day who are doing incredible things. They all inspire me. I see them doing great things and changing the world. When they come to my office, they’re often dabbling with the idea of a little self-care but also wrestling with more existential questions like who am I; how do I want to be perceived by the world; and how will these treatments impact my life’s work, and my human connections?
Aging fascinates me. We may feel young at heart, energetic, and ready to conquer the world but sometimes no matter how much sleep we got, when we look in the mirror we just feel haggard. Why? Well, lots of things. Science. Biologically, the production of collagen and elastin slows down after age 25. We develop fine lines and volume loss. Add a pandemic, increased stress, higher cortisol levels, and all these physiologic changes increase exponentially. On one hand, I truly think who cares but on the other hand, when our faces look tired, angry, and sad but we actually are not, it’s a mismatch. Biology defies us. When our outsides don’t match our insides, here’s the ugly truth - how we are perceived affects a lot of things from who gets better service, the date, the job, the promotion, etc. Our brains are wired to appreciate facial harmony, youth, and beauty.
So in the modern era, graceful aging means living well. It means biohacking – finding what helps you THRIVE and optimizes your health. Maybe that’s a splash of neurotoxin, a dash of hyaluronic acid, or a couple zaps with a laser. When are faces look refreshed, relaxed, and rejuvenated, we appear happier, healthier, and more confident. Now I definitely think that just because we can, does not always mean we should. So it’s about finding a person you can trust, confiding in them, and starting a journey together. All aesthetic treatments are a treat. No one needs them. We want them. And it’s ok to WANT to live well and WANT to thrive. Let’s just never overlook the point - to help your insides shine. That’s what makes you beautiful. Beauty is not skin deep.
--Jennifer Hartley
Owner & Medical Director of Skin Synthesis Clinic & Spa
