It is rather ironic that I am writing this AIA Welcome in recognition of two events: AIA’s 50th anniversary and this month’s topic of antiaging. In reality, both topics could be a bit of a downer if one is a “half glass empty” type of person. 

Not me – I am a “half full” kind or girl! I will tell you why. Turning 50 has nothing to do with being old. It is a milestone of growth, success, accomplishment, perseverance, and an abundance of opportunity to look back on and to take all that knowledge and experience to make the next fifty years even better. At least that is what AIA has done and will continue to do. (It is exactly what I have done too.) 

Now for antiaging – the term can also be rephrased as mature skin. So, why is it used in the month’s issue? I apparently neglected to inform the editorial team of the revision. They will know for next time!  

In the earlier days of the skin care industry, the term antiaging was above and beyond acceptable when referring to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and pigmentation as the clear characteristics of older skin. As I got older, antiaging just meant old, so I reverted to a more acceptable term, mature skin. I remember thinking that mature skin sounded so much more appealing, and then it happened. My skin actually became mature! I entered the arena of women and men that now had aged and mature skin. That made me cringe at the suggestion of antiaging products, mature skin treatment, and turning back the hands of time. There must be a better term – a better phrase. That was when it hit me. I am not aged; I am beyond mature. I am sophisticated.  

Yep, that is what I am. And that is what my skin is – sophisticated. I laugh even as I write this, and I hope readers get a giggle out of it too. Not sure how the editorial team feels about it, but I will be sure to have them consider including a retraction in next month’s issue.