Gen Z is obsessed with splurging on skincare. What is it doing to their skin? (2024)

Skincare is of utmost importance, and the millennials gradually embraced the skincare craze at the right age. Social media had just started to bloom around that time, and information about the beauty industry was not as easily accessible as it is today.

From simply using moisturiser and sunscreen, they progressed through CTM (cleansing, toning, moisturising), 5-step, 7-step routines, and more.

Fast forward to today, Gen Z and even Gen Alpha are overly enthusiastic about skincare. While they are more aware of their skin's needs, but is that a good thing?

GenZers have already begun to worry about ageing faster and social media is flooded with hashtags on teen skincare. There are so many videos of young teens talking about their 'favorite' products (most of them are not even age-appropriate) on Instagram.

And GenZers do not shy away from splurging on skincare products and treatments even though they may not be useful to them. After all, when a 15-year-old comes to you with queries about hydra facial, you know the craze is real.

But why are they obsessing over achieving flawless skin? I agree that going through puberty acne was no fun ride, but applying products that your skin may not need for the next couple of years and compromising its barrier is worrisome.

India Today got in touch with a few experts to find out more about this frenzy.

Heightened focus linked to societal pressure

Dr Shambhavi Jaiman, psychiatrist from Fortis Healthcare, says that the increased and early exposure to social media might be a reason behind Gen Z's skincare craze.

She shares, "They are growing up in an era where appearance is heavily emphasised on. The exposure and the culture of comparison in combination are important factors. The desire for flawless skin could stem from the need for validation and acceptance in a digital world where aesthetics play a significant role."

"Additionally, the accessibility of skincare information on social platforms may contribute to increased awareness, making these generations more proactive in addressing skincare concerns," she adds.

Obsession with skincare rooted in various psychological factors

Dr Shambhavi explains that for some individuals, the pursuit of clear skin may be a coping mechanism to gain a sense of control in a world that often feels unpredictable. The ritualistic nature of skincare routines may provide a structured and calming activity, offering a temporary escape from stressors.

Furthermore, societal beauty standards, perpetuated by social media, can contribute to self-esteem issues and body image concerns.

"The desire for flawless skin may be an attempt to meet these standards and wanting external validation, linking one's self-worth to physical appearance. In some cases, individuals may also experience symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder, fixating on perceived flaws in their skin that others may not notice," she says.

Blame social media

Aesthetic physician Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta from ISAAC Luxe explains that social media bombards us with these stunning images, creating a beauty ideal that everyone wants to achieve, leading to experimenting with different looks.

"Social media has this magical ability to set beauty standards and influence what we find attractive. Those flawless pictures create this idea of perfection, and it's tough not to be swayed by it. So, a lot of the skincare choices we make are heavily influenced by what we see online," she adds.

Know from a professional

Seema Nanda, founder of Estetico – the facial and brow bar, says that Gen Z's growing interest in skincare isn't just a trend. They are smart shoppers who prioritise the effectiveness of a product, while also being mindful of its price. She mentions that nearly 50 per cent of her clientele falls within this generation, predominantly in their mid-20s.

She shares, "Mostly Gen Z clients love taking care of their skin and grooming proactively. They enjoy treatments like chemical peels, hydra facial, oxygen facial glow, and pumpkin enzyme peels. Laser toning and Korean glass skin facials are also favourites. Semi-permanent brows termed as microblading or ombre brows are very popular with Gen Z. This generation is very disciplined towards their skincare routine."

What's the right age?

Wrinkle-free skin, full of collagen and no pigmentation, it won't be wrong to say that GenZers mostly have the best skin.

Dr Sonal Bansal, dermatologist from Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, shares that while it's true that individuals in these age groups typically have youthful and resilient skin, the growing trend of skincare obsession among them can be attributed to a desire for preventive care and maintaining a healthy complexion.

She adds that excessive skincare is generally not recommended at a young age.

She says, "A basic skincare routine involving gentle cleansers and moisturisers can start in early adolescence. However, excessive use of potent products should be avoided until the late teens or early twenties."

The doctor mentions that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are exploring a variety of products, including those traditionally associated with adult skincare. This urge is often driven by influencers and trends.

Agreeing to this, Dr Geetika adds, "The young ones are really into those trendy ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, retinol, and ceramides, just like the grown-ups. But, you've got to be mindful of how potent these ingredients can be."

Are these products harming them?

"While individual reactions vary, excessive use of potent products may harm younger skin," mentions Dr Sonal.

The doctor suggests that it is crucial for young individuals to start with minimal and age-appropriate skincare to avoid adverse effects.

Dr Geetika warns that using too much of anything can be problematic. "Overdoing certain skincare products can lead to irritation, dryness, or mess with the skin barrier. Side effects can vary, so it's crucial to pay attention to how the skin reacts," she adds.

While the younger generations are experimenting with all kinds of products, here are some they should actually use:

Gen Z:

• Basic cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen
• Mild exfoliator
• Potent products only after expert consultation
• Mild serum

Gen Alpha:

• Gentle cleanser
• Basic moisturiser
• Sunscreen

Teens can also use exfoliating lotion once or twice a week at night to keep their pores clean and to avoid early incidents of acne.

Expert-approved skincare routine

For Gen Z:

• Start with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type (morning and night).
• Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser.
• Add sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your routine.
• Use a mild exfoliator 1–2 times a week.

For Gen Alpha:

• Follow a simple routine with a mild cleanser.
• Use a basic moisturiser suitable for children.
• Apply sunscreen for outdoor activities.

Less is often more, so avoiding too many layers is a good rule.

Try nani and dadi-approved nuskhas

From turmeric to coconut oil, there are numerous easily available kitchen ingredients that you can incorporate into your beauty routine. The time has come for you to finally heed your mom's advice and try her beloved ubtan, made with gram flour (besan), turmeric (haldi), yogurt, and rose water.

Dr Sonal shares that there are indeed kitchen ingredients that Gen Z can incorporate into their skincare routine without necessarily relying on store-bought products.

• Honey: Known for its antibacterial and moisturising properties, honey can be applied as a face mask to nourish and hydrate the skin.
• Yogurt: Rich in lactic acid, yogurt can act as a gentle exfoliator. It helps in removing dead skin cells and promoting a brighter complexion.
• Turmeric: This spice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Mixing turmeric with yogurt or honey can create a mask that may help reduce inflammation and even out skin tone.
• Oatmeal: Ground oatmeal can be used as a mild exfoliant. It helps in removing impurities and can soothe irritated skin.
• Coconut oil: As a natural moisturiser, coconut oil can be applied to the skin to keep it hydrated. It's particularly beneficial for dry skin. However, it should not be used on acne-prone skin.
• Aloe vera: The gel from the aloe vera plant is known for its soothing properties. It can be applied to the skin to alleviate redness and irritation.
• Green tea: Rich in antioxidants, green tea can be used as a toner or incorporated into face masks to combat free radicals and promote healthier skin.

The doctor mentions that while these kitchen ingredients can be beneficial for skincare, individual skin types vary. It's advisable to patch-test any new ingredient to ensure there are no adverse reactions.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper hydration, a balanced diet, and sun protection are key factors in achieving and maintaining youthful skin.