Wrinkles: To fear or not to fear

ABRAHAM Lincoln once said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

Sounds too profound for the article title, right? Let’s make it closer to reality and a more pressing question, “Should we fear wrinkles?” Wrinkles are often associated with age, but let’s not jump to conclusions too fast. I know people who have reached a certain age but don’t have a line or two in their faces. But let’s not get into the scientific details—I’m no Vicky.

Yes, I may not be a Vicky, but I do know that collagen keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look. Our body naturally makes collagen, but production decreases with age. Celebrities and mere mortals alike rush to beauty clinics to get a dose. There are even over-the-counter drinks or skin-care products infused with this elixir of youth.

Do these work? Only time will tell.

Why am I talking about wrinkles? For one, I’ve seen crow’s feet lurking where there were none before. Crow’s feet are those lines you see in the outer corners of your eye when you smile or squint.

Am I bothered? I’d be a hypocrite if I said I’m not. Perhaps I’ll stop smiling and avoid mirrors as much as possible. Just kidding. I’ll keep grinning and frowning. I’ve learned to embrace it.

Is this fear of wrinkles gender-related? Quite possibly. Women are more likely to fear wrinkles and aging because of societal judgment based on appearance. It’s a sad thing for women because we are much more than how we look.

No matter how much collagen we take, we can never reverse aging. Unless, of course, when you happen to be a vampire. Our wrinkles take center stage in our theater-like existence. Those delicate etchings at the corners of our eyes are imprints of laughter and expressions shared with family and friends. Each of these lines whispers stories of joy, tears, and the strength of character.

So what do we do?

We should shift our perspective. Instead of fearing these lines, let’s embrace them as signs of growth and authenticity. Imagine a society less obsessed with flawless skin and eternal youth and more focused on self-care.

As we raise our glasses, let’s toast to these imperfections. They are more than creases in our skin. They are narratives—the laughter lines, the tear tracks, and the hard-won wisdom etched into our very being. All are a testament to a life well lived. Cheers to wrinkles, my dear readers.