Laugh Lines and Beach Freckles – in My Sixties

If you’re a woman in your sixties like me, you probably have “laugh lines” around your eyes, and what I call “beach freckles” on the tops of your hands and arms. Actually that includes women in their 40s and 50s according to my 34 year old beautiful daughter who is way smarter about skincare than I was at her age! Remember, back when no one even wore sunscreen? Unless you had to wear zinc on a sunburnt nose, or used baby oil or Hawaiian Tropic oil with maybe 10% protection at the most!

I’ve trained my brain to think of these lines and little brown spots as a healthy thing to have because they’re symbolic of a life well lived (so far ; ) And the laugh lines are a result of so many sweet times of laughing with best friends, sisters, my Mom and my kids. So they are well worth it!

And I wouldn’t trade those beach freckled hands for anything. If I didn’t have them it would mean there were no relaxing days by the ocean, no healing that came from the many peaceful walks by the sea. And no hilarious moments, or amazing memories and special times with my kids and grandkids!

I haven’t always thought like this. I used to be like a lot of women who compare themselves to women they see, especially on social media. But no more. Now I research skincare products until I find what works best for me. And consistently take care of my skin knowing I’m doing what I can and that’s enough.

Also, I don’t have to worry about deciding whether or not to get work done on my face. One reason is because I’m an artist and small business owner, which means not rich! No shame on anyone who has the money and chooses needles or surgery. Oh, did I mention I hate needles so botox? Nope.

Now most days when I look in a mirror and see my laugh lines or wrinkles up close, I remind myself that I’m lucky/blessed to have lived six decades so far! And every year ahead is a gift!

* Photo taken at Wrightsville Beach, NC