The Alarming Trend of Adolescent Skin Care Enthusiasm

Adolescent Beauty Enthusiasm: Then and Now

Adolescents' interest in beauty products has been a long-standing phenomenon, often symbolizing a rite of passage into adulthood. Writer and editor Holly Thomas recalls her own experience of receiving a makeup sampler at the age of 12, signifying her impending entry into the world of beauty and maturity. However, the significance of beauty products in adolescence has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from a casual interest to a serious and potentially concerning preoccupation with skin care.

Holly Thomas

The Rise of Adolescent Skin Care Craze

The contemporary landscape of adolescent skin care reveals a noteworthy shift towards a more intense and dedicated approach to skin care. Adolescents are not only well-versed in proper cleansing techniques but also exhibit unprecedented zeal for beauty products. Dermatologists have reported children as young as nine maintaining elaborate at-home skin care routines and seeking cosmetic consultations. The obsession with "preventative" anti-aging measures, such as Botox and wrinkle treatments, has become increasingly prevalent among teens, accompanied by a surge in skin care product expenditure. This fervor for skin care, while seemingly innocuous, harbors sinister implications and potential long-term consequences for young individuals.

South African and American actress Charlize Theron arrives for the Premiere of the film "Fast X", the tenth film in the Fast & Furious Saga, on May 12, 2023 at the Colosseum monument in Rome. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

The Perils of Adolescent Skin Care Culture

The commodification of beauty and skin care has taken a concerning turn, particularly in its impact on adolescent consumers. The rebranding of beauty products as "skin care" has fostered an environment of heightened consumerism and unrealistic aesthetic standards. Young individuals are drawn into a cycle of purchasing expensive and potentially harmful products, often marketed with claims of antiaging and rejuvenation. The exorbitant prices of these products, coupled with the pervasive influence of social media and influencers, exert financial and emotional pressure on adolescents and their families. Furthermore, the pursuit of unattainable perfection in skin care perpetuates dissatisfaction and perpetuates a culture of perpetual self-improvement.