Embracing Wrinkles as the "Badges of Your Life"
One of the most profound statements defining Lauren Hutton's philosophy on aging is her perspective on wrinkles. She famously told People magazine, “I’ve let go that I look like a miniature Shar-Pei. The wrinkles are going to be there and they really are the badges of your life”. This view frames the natural signs of aging not as flaws to be erased but as meaningful markers of a life well-lived. Hutton's public embrace of her lines and wisdom stands in stark contrast to an industry that has historically promoted youth at all costs, a standard she herself has actively worked to dismantle since her comeback in her late 40s.
The Futility of "Anti-Aging"
Central to Hutton's perspective is her outright criticism of the "anti-aging" movement. She has called the term "old-fashioned" and has stated it never made sense to her. Her point is that fighting a natural, inevitable process is a cultural obsession that leads to unhappiness. Instead of worrying about every line or spot, she advocates for focusing on good self-care and shifting the conversation towards age positivity. Hutton's partnership with StriVectin, a brand that moved towards an age-positive mission, exemplified her commitment to this ideology.
Cosmetic Procedures: Proceed with Caution
While Hutton does not condemn all cosmetic enhancements, she approaches them with a significant degree of caution, preferring natural beauty. Her personal experience with Botox was negative; she recalled seeing herself with an eyebrow that looked like the "Wicked Witch" and never repeated the procedure. She noted that there is a "thin line you tread" with such procedures, observing that some people she has known for a long time have altered their faces to the point of being hard to recognize. This provides a powerful warning against the potential pitfalls of chasing a youthful ideal through surgical or injectable means.
More Than Skin Deep: Finding Wisdom and Joy
Hutton's philosophy extends far beyond the physical. She believes that aging is fundamentally about growing up and gaining wisdom. As she once explained, "Aging is the point of life, if you're lucky. Hopefully, it's growing up. You get to be wise. That's the point". She attributes her vitality to an active mind and perpetual curiosity, emphasizing a rich inner life fostered by reading, conversation, and experiencing art. This holistic view positions true beauty as a reflection of one's experiences, intelligence, and happiness, not just a surface-level quality.
The Intersection of Mind, Body, and Spirit
Hutton's approach to health and beauty reflects her broader life philosophy. Her routine is surprisingly simple, focusing on foundational habits rather than complex rituals. She emphasizes:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Getting enough sleep
- Protecting skin from the sun (a lesson she wishes she learned earlier)
- Taking pleasure in life and loving connections
- Using basic, effective skincare, like her beloved jojoba oil and StriVectin retinol products
Her mantra of "mothering yourself" underscores the importance of self-care and prioritizing what makes one happy.
A Legacy of Age Positivity
Hutton's influence on the fashion and beauty industry has been immense. Her bold moves, such as demanding unretouched photos and appearing on the cover of Vogue Italia at 73, have opened doors for greater age diversity. This trailblazing attitude paved the way for other age-defying models and changed the conversation around aging in the public eye. Her legacy is a testament to the idea that authenticity is the ultimate style and that women of all ages can be vibrant, relevant, and beautiful. For further reading on the societal shift toward age positivity, see this insightful piece from The Zoe Report.
Contrasting Conventional vs. Hutton's Approach
| Feature | Conventional "Anti-Aging" View | Lauren Hutton's Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Wrinkles | Signs of decay to be hidden or removed. | "Badges of your life," representing experience and wisdom. |
| Focus | On outward appearance, fighting visible signs of age. | On inner vitality, curiosity, and cultivating a joyful life. |
| Language | Uses terms like "anti-aging," "turn back time," and "youthful." | Rejects "anti-aging," emphasizes "growing up" and "living." |
| Procedures | Promotes injectables, lifts, and other procedures to appear younger. | Cautions against cosmetic procedures, prefers natural beauty. |
| Motivation | Driven by a fear of getting older and societal pressure to look young. | Driven by embracing life's journey and gaining wisdom. |
Conclusion: The True Beauty of Acceptance
Lauren Hutton's thoughts on aging offer a powerful and much-needed counter-narrative to society's relentless obsession with youth. By embracing her wrinkles as the rightful "badges of her life" and focusing on the growth and wisdom that come with each passing year, she has demonstrated that true beauty is not about eternal youth but about vibrant, authentic living. Her journey reminds us that the point of life isn't to look forever young, but to grow, learn, and live with unapologetic joy and curiosity, proving that older women have valuable stories and beauty to share with the world.
