Gen Z ages differently due to early skincare, vaping, and Botox use, making them appear older than 30-year-olds

Millennials vs. Gen Z: The Ageing Conundrum

The millennial generation, born between 1980 and 1997, seems to be defying the conventional ageing process compared to both preceding and subsequent generations.

This unexpected youthful appearance has sparked curiosity and debate, with experts attributing it to a culmination of healthier lifestyles, skincare awareness, and makeup improvements.

Millennial Secret to Youthful Appearance

Experts point out that millennials embraced skincare techniques and balanced diets earlier in life, setting a precedent for a more holistic approach to well-being.

They emphasize preventive skincare practices, leading to a more youthful appearance even as they approach their mid-40s.

Gen Z’s Different Aging Trajectory

In contrast, Generation Z, born between 1998 and 2012, seems to be aging differently.

While millennials learned skincare techniques gradually, Gen Z might have overindulged or misapplied these practices, potentially causing premature aging.

Factors like vaping, excessive exposure to blue light, and an early inclination towards cosmetic procedures might contribute to this phenomenon.

Influencer and Social Media Impact

Social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter have become arenas for discussions on why millennials appear younger.

Some attribute it humorously to lifestyle factors, like reduced outdoor exposure due to depression, while others tie it to a heightened image-consciousness bred by growing up around social media and camera phones.

The Role of Lifestyle Choices

Experts underscore the impact of lifestyle choices on aging.

Factors such as nicotine consumption, excessive alcohol intake, poor diets, and inadequate skin protection contribute significantly to premature aging, especially if adopted from a young age.

Aesthetic Procedures and Trends

Overuse of cosmetic procedures like fillers, Botox, and semi-permanent makeup among younger individuals may distort natural facial development and inadvertently contribute to an older appearance.

The trend of heavily contoured and glam makeup looks in Gen Z might also mask youthfulness and make individuals look older.

Skincare Habits and Product Usage

While skincare is crucial for anti-aging, using age-inappropriate products or unnecessary retinoids in early ages can potentially damage the skin.

Experts advise starting simple skincare routines during puberty and caution against prematurely incorporating anti-aging products.

Gen Alpha’s Growing Influence

Even the youngest generation, Gen Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024), has begun to engage in skincare routines.

Influencers as young as seven share their beauty routines, highlighting a paradigm shift where skincare becomes a norm rather than a luxury.

Impact of Social Media and Beauty Standards

Both millennials and Gen Z have been affected by changing beauty standards perpetuated by social media.

While millennials pioneered online presence, Gen Z’s exposure to social media from childhood may lead to increased insecurities and a desire for aesthetic treatments at younger ages.

Embracing Healthy Skin Habits

Ultimately, each generation’s relationship with skincare, lifestyle choices, and societal influences shapes their aging process.

Millennials’ early adoption of holistic health practices seems to have contributed to their more youthful appearance compared to Gen Z, highlighting the importance of balanced skincare and lifestyle habits.