Prejuvenation: Gen Z’s secret to staying youthful – Times of India

In a recent development, Generation Z, better known as Gen Z, has demonstrated a rising trend in maintaining their youthful image. With a keen focus on self-care and wellbeing, this digitally aware generation is challenging the misconceptions about their aging, a topic that has been frequently speculated upon on the internet.

Interestingly, Google Trends recorded significant spikes in questions like ‘why Gen Z seems to age faster’ and ‘why Gen Z looks older than millennials’. This revelation was followed by the spread of a sentiment on social media platforms that Gen Z is ‘aging like milk’, meaning that they are not aging well. The prevalence of such general notions is contributing to an increase in ‘aging anxiety’ among the Gen Z population, making them proactive in delaying the signs of aging even before they start to appear. This concern gave rise to a new term known as ‘prejuvenation’.

Unlike conventional anti-aging treatments that focus on repairing existing issues, ‘prejuvenation’ emphasizes maintaining youthful skin and comprehensive health through early intervention. Noted dermatologists and health advisors like Dr Ramanjit Singh are endorsing this concept, hailing its focus on proactive measures against premature aging.

The investment of the youth in skincare, specifically in preventative measures, is seen as an extension of self-care. According to Aashi Adani, a 25-year-old content creator, Gen Z is acutely aware of the impacts of environmental factors such as pollution and UV radiation on the skin. Therefore, they are considerably more open to adopting the prejuvenation approach to maintain their skin health.

The influence of social media cannot be underestimated in this trend either. On platforms where flawless skin is often celebrated, the easily accessible cosmetic procedures contribute to this growing interest among young adults. For example, content creator Prabhleen Kaur Bhomrah started using products designed for her skin concerns such as acne in her early twenties. Now, at 27, she advocates the use of essential anti-aging ingredients such as retinol from the age of 25, to address skin damage and early signs of aging.

The prevention and prejuvenation trend is seen evolving right from early teenage years, as seen in the case of a 14-year-old TikTok influencer, Carson Bradley, who shares his skincare routine with his followers, including his twice-a-day retinol application.

However, Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, a consultant dermatologist, advises caution. Consulting with a qualified dermatologist or cosmetic professional is crucial to determine the most appropriate and safe options. According to him, while prejuvenation can offer significant benefits, it is essential to weigh these against potential risks and long-term implications.

Various types of prejuvenation treatments are becoming increasingly popular. These include topical treatments such as sunscreens, retinoids, and antioxidants; injectables like Botox and dermal fillers; laser treatments, microneedling, and chemical peels. The main objective of these treatments is to protect the skin from damage, maintain its elasticity, improve texture and tone, and stimulate collagen production.

By starting treatments early, individuals can maintain a youthful appearance longer and potentially reduce the need for more intensive interventions later in life. The benefits include improved skin texture, tone, and overall health, says Dr DM Mahajan, Senior Consultant of Dermatology.

Despite the many benefits, prejuvenation has its fair share of potential side effects. These include temporary redness, swelling, or bruising; skin irritation or sensitivity; potential allergic reactions to certain products or treatments; and possibly a long-term dependency on treatments for maintaining results. Therefore, conscious decision-making is recommended when opting for these procedures.

In conclusion, prejuvenation presents a promising approach towards age management. While we may not stop the biological clock, it is possible to slow it down and age gracefully, which is what prejuvenation is all about. However, a balanced understanding of the associated pros and cons is essential before embarking on this lifelong commitment.