The Skin Tag Invasian (a Midlife Surprise)

It happened quietly.

I used to own a gym and work as a personal trainer, so I’m no stranger to weird aches, tight hamstrings, or the occasional "what is that and why does it hurt?" moment. But nothing prepared me for the midlife skin tag takeover. Somewhere around 45, these tiny freeloaders started popping up like Florida summer mosquitoes—with zero warning and zero chill.

I live in the Sunshine State, so of course I Googled, “Can stress or the sun worsen them?” Apparently, yes.“Do skin tags mean I have diabetes?” Nope. But here’s what cracked me up: the internet says they usually show up in families… except they skipped my mom. She's skin-tag free, and I have enough for both of us.

And kids? Kids just won't let you be great. One summer, during my gym’s youth program, I was talking to the group when this little boy pointed right at my neck and shouted, “What are those?!”

I said, “Skin tags.”

He blinked while everyone turned to see. Every. Single. Child. And. Adult.

I didn’t get mad, because he was the same honest-to-a-fault kid who once tattled, “My mom drinks Coke from the time she wakes up.” 😂 So the little bugger notices things and then tells what he knows. Noted.

Quick PSA: Don’t assume it’s a skin tag. Let a professional tell you whether it’s a mole, skin tag, or something that needs attention. Better safe than sorry.

Let me just say that there is a Dr. Tiffany Marie who goes live on TikTok about skin tags and she is amazing. She says that skin tags have nothing to do with genetics, and says there is an underlining problem (Insulin resistance. "So ask for your insulin levels with those fasting labs."). I'm not doubting her. I believe she knows what she is talking about. I'm just saying, mine have coincided with aging. Just thought I would bring her up before you do. LOL

And let me save you some money (and regret): those TikTok tricks and over-the-counter patches? Don’t work. You’re gonna end up mad, broke, and still bumpy. You were warned. 😉

Thankfully, twice a year, I go to my esthetician’s medspa and have them zapped away with Aerolase laser treatment. It’s quick and a little painful. But honestly, it’s the only thing that keeps them from multiplying like wild. If I didn’t, my neck would be a whole new terrain.

So no, I don’t have diabetes. Yes, my husband claims he doesn’t notice them (which is either very sweet or very suspicious). And yes, skin tags are real and normal. Just another midlife surprise.

Until the next hot flash…

 💋 LB