It is a fact that today’s youth look much older than their age. But why does this happen? Experts explain the reasons why the younger generations “age” faster than the previous ones.
On TikTok, both men and women in their early 20s complain about being mistaken for people well into their 30s. A related video, created by 26-year-old Jordan Howlett, has racked up millions of views.
Even Gen Z celebrities seem to be aging at an accelerated rate.
Kylie Jenner, the youngest member of the Kardashian family, who admitted to having lip fillers at the age of 17, faced harsh criticism at Paris Fashion Week for looking “in her 40s” when in fact she is 27 years old.
Some experts say there may be a grain of truth to these observations.
“Scientifically, while Gen Z isn’t actually aging faster than previous generations, certain lifestyle choices can make them look older than their biological age,” dermatologist and esthetician Dr Sonia Khorana explains to the Daily Mail.
According to Dr Khorana, twentysomethings are now more likely to change their appearance with cosmetic surgery earlier than any previous generation, which can make them look older.
But it’s not just these kinds of procedures that may be causing today’s youth to age prematurely—everything from stress to skin care can also play a role.
According to experts, the main reasons are the following:
Cosmetic treatments: Young people resort to cosmetic treatments such as Botox from a very young age, which can make them look older.
Strict skin care: Using strong skin care products can cause dryness and irritation, making skin look more mature.
Using a solarium: In addition to significantly increasing the risk of skin cancer, tanning bed use contributes to skin aging due to the strong UVA rays that tanning beds emit.
Smoking/Vaping: As vaping is still a relatively new phenomenon, the long-term impact is not clear, but the repetitive motion of sucking over time could also cause smoker’s lines (deep wrinkles) around the mouth. Also, nicotine causes collagen in the skin to break down.
Stress: Increased stress from financial and social pressures can accelerate the appearance of signs of aging.
Diet: Poor diet and unhealthy habits can negatively affect appearance.
Lack of sleep: Lack of adequate sleep can lead to premature aging of the skin.
Social Media: Pressure from social media to follow certain beauty standards can lead to overuse of products and treatments that are not suitable for youthful skin.
Environmental factors: Pollution and exposure to toxins take a toll on the skin.
Excessive use of technology: Continuous use of screens causes eye fatigue and premature aging of the skin.
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity reduces blood circulation and oxygenation of cells.
