Youthful Visions
From baby Botox to 10-year-olds buying retinol, we live in a society that views aging as the devil. The endless pursuit of youth and beauty is never-ending, especially within an industry built on exploiting insecurities.
Kylie Jenner at Schiaparelli Show via David Fisher SHUTTERSHOCK
As a 26-year-old woman who is obsessed with beauty and skincare, I've found myself pondering whether our generation is, in fact, aging faster and, more importantly, contemplating why and what could be done about it. I've come to the conclusion that there are probably two reasons; our constant exposure to “perfect” girls through social media and, secondly, the beauty industry’s aggressive marketing. Even though beauty is fun, the societal pressures around it can take a mental toll, and it's important to be conscious of the narrative being sold to us and what we tell ourselves. After extensive research on if Gen Z is aging faster, I've discovered that most of it is highly stress- or sedentarism-related. Expert Dr. Ferree explains to the Daily Mail two main reasons. First of all, we are a generation living with constant job insecurity, rough economy, and loads of economic stress, which takes a toll on our skin. On the other hand, we are a sedentary generation, used to staying indoors and scrolling constantly on our phones or using our laptops, overexposes us to UV lighting. And finally, our diets, since we tend to gravitate to either fast food or poorer quality food.
Social media, especially TikTok, has an important role to play in this youth cult narrative being sold to us. We’re bombarded with content like “Gen Z ages terribly” or “the correct way to apply filler or Botox” and don’t forget buccal fat removal. Aside from that, we are constantly watching perfect girls, with perfect skin, bodies, and don’t seem to age, like for example, Kim Kardashian or Hailey Bieber. The constant exposure to this kind of content, and even worse, having to grow up with it sets the idea that we may not be enough. Moreover, our tendency to succumb to an industry that profits from our insecurities leads us to overconsume, from products to treatments. They’re shown product recommendations or procedures that will make you prettier, younger, or skinnier; feeding into the vicious and unattainable cycle of perfection. If we are constantly being fed this idea that in order to be happier we must be young and pretty, it's no wonder 10-year-olds are lining up in Sephora to buy retinol they don’t need. Healing our relationship with aging starts with a shift in mindset, fostering one that values health and well-being over unrealistic standards. Beauty should be viewed as something that adds to our self-confidence instead of making it the center. The idea of developing more self-love and a healthier relationship with oneself is not always easy but it is important. This in no way is against getting work or treatments done, whatever makes you feel beautiful, but the goal is not to strive for unattainable perfection. In the end, we are more than our age or looks; we are multifaceted, with interests and talents that ultimately make us unique.
