Do you feel totally comfortable in your natural state? How long did that take?
Helen: In my early adult life, I fully conformed to beauty standards and developed very ingrained habits that were difficult to break. I can say that I've made a complete recovery, and have weathered several visible illnesses with aplomb. It took me four years to recover from hair removal standards, three more years to recover from facial dysmorphia from makeup, and almost no time at all to recover from hair dye or limiting beliefs about frizzy hair. I am grateful to have met my husband when I was 95% healed from beauty sickness, and he has deprogrammed by my side. During our relationship he has embraced my natural appearance during weight changes, surgery, and now during my pregnancy with our first child. This has shattered the lie "women need to perform to be loved" for me. As my natural state continues to shift everyday, I am finding myself totally at peace.
Forty: I have almost never used much makeup or been known for dressing up, so there was no big change in terms of my appearance in that regard. I have very little body hair due to lasering 90% off years ago, but I felt so uncomfortable the first summer I left it alone. However, I'm used to it now and rarely give it a second thought. I still struggle with some issues related to diet culture and sometimes run into unexpected feelings related to my aging process. The difference for me is that I no longer experience any level of self hatred, even if my weight is up, I have a breakout, or my hair is celebrating its independence. I feel confident that I have a right to go wherever I want with my bare face and natural appearance.