Millie Bobby Brown, who became a household name after playing Eleven in Stranger Things, has grown up in the public eye since landing the role back in 2016.
Now, almost 10 years after the show’s debut, the 21-year-old star seems to have aged far beyond her years, sparking widespread discussion about her changing appearance.
Recently, Millie was spotted leaving an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles with her younger sister.
The actress was dressed in a blonde up-do, but what caught the attention of many fans wasn’t just her outfit—it was how much older she appeared. Some even admitted they’d mistaken her for her 13-year-old sister’s mother, with one person commenting,
Millie really looks like someone’s mom!” Another joked, “Is she 45 or 20?”
Gen Z Celebrities and Their Aging Appearances
Millie Bobby Brown isn’t alone in facing comments about her appearance.
Other Gen Z stars like Emma Chamberlain, Alix Earle, and Kylie Jenner have also been criticized for looking older than their millennial counterparts.
According to aesthetician Kayti Brooks, the pressure for young celebrities to maintain a flawless image on social media has contributed to this phenomenon.
She suggests that many of these influencers are “morphing into each other,” as they follow the same beauty trends and cosmetic treatments.
Brooks, who runs the Grey Door Therapy Clinic, explains that Gen Z stars are heavily influenced by platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where cosmetic procedures and “tweakments” are commonly shared.
“Once one person gets a treatment done, everyone else wants to try it too,” she says.
This trend has led to some stars, including Millie, looking unrecognizable due to overuse of certain procedures.
The Dangers of Overdoing Cosmetic Procedures
While these treatments might seem like a way to enhance beauty, Brooks warns that they can sometimes have the opposite effect.
Many young people are so obsessed with aesthetics, largely due to the influence of celebrities like the Kardashians, that they fail to appreciate the value of their natural skin.
“Rather than enhancing natural beauty, these treatments can actually age them,” she adds.
Dr. Marcus Mehta, a leading aesthetic physician, also believes that premature cosmetic procedures, especially injectables, can contribute to premature aging.
“Gen Z is constantly exposed to edited and filtered images online, which creates unrealistic beauty standards.
Overuse of injectables at a young age can disrupt natural aging processes, causing long-term complications like distortion or migration of filler.”
Dr. Mehta stresses that facial structures are still developing in younger individuals, and introducing fillers too early can create unnatural results.
He advises that young people should avoid fillers and instead embrace their natural features while still being mindful of skincare routines.
The Skin Care Crisis for Gen Z
In addition to injectables, Dr. Mehta also points out that many Gen Z individuals are damaging their skin barriers by following trendy skincare routines without understanding their skin’s needs.
“Products like retinols and AHAs can be harsh and damaging if not used correctly,” he explains.
Overuse of these products can lead to irritation, dryness, and sensitivity, further aging the skin.
In contrast, millennials have a different approach to skincare. T
hey tend to embrace a more natural beauty routine, focusing on maintaining the structure and elasticity of their skin through gentle, researched treatments.
“Millennials are more considered in their approach to skincare,” Dr. Mehta says. “They want to look fabulous but are more likely to embrace aging rather than fight it.”
Public Concern for Millie Bobby Brown’s Appearance
Millie Bobby Brown’s appearance has been a topic of concern for her fans.
Back in September, people commented that she appeared “weighed down by fillers” in a photoshoot for her brand.
Some even suggested that she looked “40” rather than her actual age, sparking debates on social media.
While Millie’s changes may be due to the pressures of fame and the beauty standards in the industry, her fans continue to worry about the toll these treatments could take on her youthful appearance.
The Impact of Vaping and Lifestyle Choices on Skin Health
While Gen Z faces immense pressure regarding their looks, their lifestyle choices also play a role in their appearance.
Many in this generation are more likely to vape compared to millennials, a habit that can negatively impact skin health.
Dr. Glyn Estebanez, an expert on aesthetics, points out that while millennials focus on their health with exercise and a balanced diet, Gen Z’s habits, such as vaping, may contribute to skin damage.
Social media platforms like TikTok have made vaping trends more popular, with millions of views on related videos.
This growing trend of vaping, combined with other beauty pressures, contributes to the premature aging many young stars are experiencing.
Millennials Take a More Balanced Approach to Aging
Millennials, often seen as the “wellness generation,” are more likely to embrace aging gracefully.
They tend to invest in high-quality skincare products, eat balanced diets, and exercise regularly, which all contribute to healthier skin.
Many millennials also focus on looking their best through more subtle cosmetic procedures that enhance rather than alter their features, avoiding the overdone appearance that some Gen Z stars have been criticized for.
Overall, while beauty trends and social media pressures continue to shape the way young people approach their looks, experts emphasize the importance of embracing natural beauty and taking a more mindful, long-term approach to skincare.