Today's teens and young adults are more sophisticated in their skincare than ever, regularly using products such as antioxidant serums, peptide-containing creams, and sunscreens with high sun protection factors (SPF). Besides treating short-term skin ailments like acne, more and more consumers are purchasing skincare products to help keep their skin healthy for years to come.
Generation Z is transforming the beauty and wellness industry significantly, by beginning their use of anti-ageing products earlier, around their teenage years and 20’s, rather than the historical use later in life, after they have noticed their first signs of ageing. The shift, known as preventative care, entails beginning treatment for the skin at a young age, to ensure the skin retains its beauty, youthfulness, and health.
The drivers behind the trend
The changes in lifestyle and technology have made the younger generation more aware of their skin than any previous generation has been:
Social media classroom: Social media is the new classroom for skin anatomy. Skinfluencers and dermatologists are educating about the science behind skincare on platforms like YouTube & Instagram through short video clips.
They are less likely to simply buy the products that celebrities promote, as they will research the ingredients for themselves; Niacinamide for calming inflammation, and hyaluronic acid for moisturization are two of many examples of how this generation does their research before making a purchase.
The blue light and stress effect: Digital glow is another new stressor for this generation. Blue light and increased tension due to long hours on their mobile devices are becoming a significant concern, as evidence becomes more evident each day. So, self-care routines that ease these concerns are important. Dermatologists say this can cause micro-inflammation and premature signs of skin fatigue.
The rise of ingredient-conscious consumers: There's been a big shift away from those rough, skin-scrubbing products from the early 2000s. Now, the focus is entirely on protecting the skin barrier—it keeps moisture in and environmental stressors out.
Understanding preventive skincare
Preventive skincare is not about stopping the natural process of growing older. Instead, it focuses on keeping the skin healthy for as long as possible. For Gen Z, a basic preventive routine is simple and includes just three key steps:
Daily sun protection: Sunscreen remains the ultimate preventive tool. UV rays are responsible for most early skin ageing and collagen breakdown, so wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning is considered non-negotiable.
Antioxidant shields: Ingredients such as Vitamin C are used to create a protective shield that neutralises environmental pollution and smoke before it can impair healthy skin cells.
Gentle hydration: Keeping the skin hydrated keeps it plump and resilient, allowing it to bounce back faster from daily wear and tear
Finding a healthy balance
While taking care of the skin early is excellent, dermatologists do offer a word of caution. Because Gen Z has access to a vast amount of information, it can be easy for individuals to overdo it.
If high-strength anti-ageing products like retinoids and chemical peels are used too early and too often, you risk irritating your younger skin by stripping the much-needed oils and damaging the skin barrier. Gen Z is leaning towards preventative measures instead of quick fixes. They are more interested in keeping their skin hydrated, protecting their skin barrier, and wearing sunscreen to achieve long-term health rather than just for immediate fixes.
(The author is a dermatologist and cosmetologist with Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai)
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
