Embracing Ageing: A Journey Inspired by Mum

It's been ten years since my Mum passed away. I still miss her, but I hold her memory close. Mum had a fantastic positive attitude toward life and ageing. She never complained about growing older. Instead, she encouraged me to make the best of myself. Mum had beautiful skin. Her only beauty regimen was to apply Ponds cold cream after washing her face with Palmolive soap.

Her makeup was simple—a light dusting of face powder and lipstick. Mum would never leave the house without her lipstick. Because of her influence, I've never stressed over milestone birthdays like turning 40, 50, or 60. I've taken her advice to heart:

**"No face cream will stop you from getting wrinkles; you must embrace the changes and enjoy life!"

Mum's Wisdom

Mum came from a generation that valued natural beauty. Her mantra was always about the principle of "less is more." She also stressed the importance of removing makeup before bed. This wisdom has stuck with me throughout my life.

Skincare Through the Ages

When I was young, I experimented with different skincare products. I made it a priority to take excellent care of my skin by regularly cleansing and moisturizing. However, I lacked awareness about sun exposure back in the early 1970s. Unfortunately, too much sun can cause premature ageing. In that sense, my younger sisters have the advantage. They are much better informed about the damage the sun can inflict on our skin.

The Importance of Sun Protection

In the early 1970s, SPF creams were only a must-have for Mediterranean holidays. Thankfully, we now have more knowledge about how to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. Wearing sunblock has become a part of daily routines for many, and it's essential for maintaining youthful skin.

As a fair-skinned person with freckles, I experience dry patches and irritations from synthetic ingredients. Luckily, I have avoided serious skin issues like acne or teenage spots. Approaching retirement, I decided to launch a small cruelty-free and vegan skincare collection in 2020. This venture gave me a new sense of purpose.

Live Well Natural Skincare: A Tribute to Mum

Creating our small collection of organic-natural skincare products is a tribute to Mum's lessons on skin ageing. Our range is predominantly organic and cruelty-free and free from harmful chemicals found in many commercial products. This makes it suitable for all skin types.

Navigating Menopause

Turning 50 was a challenging time. I struggled with menopause while grappling with the reality of being 'half a century old.' However, wisdom from my youth helped me adopt a pro-age mindset. This perspective allows me to appreciate and celebrate the changes that come with ageing. Focusing only on looking younger does a disservice to ourselves.

Embracing a Pro-age Mindset

Being present and enjoying life has shifted my focus. Instead of resisting, I've learned to accept and celebrate my physical changes. This positive attitude towards ageing empowers me to live life to the fullest. After marking another birthday, I've adjusted my skincare routine, opting for gentle, skin-kind natural and organic soaps and moisturizers.

Embracing ageing means paying attention to my inner voice. While looking my best is still important, I want to nurture my skin health. Here are some tips for accepting ageing:

Think Happy Thoughts

I've found that I'm happier now than in my younger years. Mindfulness plays a role here. I've learned to focus on the positive aspects of life. Negative thoughts concerning ageing can harm not just your spirit but also your skin.

Staying Active and Engaged

Retirement offers the perfect opportunity to embrace new hobbies. Two years ago, I discovered yoga. It promotes inner peace and satisfaction. Staying active is essential for both my mind and body. I recommend joining walking groups or yoga classes to invigorate your spirit and increase your social network.

Finding Joy in New Experiences

Now that I've turned 70, I appreciate the joy new hobbies bring. These experiences fill my life with excitement and purpose. Recently, a dear friend took me to a stained glass workshop. It allowed me to use my artistic skills, which had languished since school!

Managing Stress for Skin Health

Stress can significantly affect your skin. To combat it, I unwind by listening to music, enjoying coffee with friends, and practicing mindfulness. Techniques like meditation also help, along with regular brisk walks in nature. My daily walks rejuvenate my skin, giving it a healthy glow.

Life's Unpredictable Journey

Last year was tough. I broke my wrist, followed by a challenging bout with COVID-19 while on vacation. The frustration of being injured limited my ability to grow my business. Instead of feeling defeated, I shifted my focus inward. I found value in spending less time on social media and nurturing myself in other ways.

You can discover more pro-age articles on this site or visit the Live Well Natural Skincare blog at www.livewellnaturalskincare for advice on natural and organic beauty products. Embrace ageing with a positive mindset and explore the beauty in every stage of life!