Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, peptides, retinol, niacinamide. No, these are not chemicals that your teenage children are jotting down in their chemistry notebooks but the ingredients that they are splattering on their skin and scalp, day in and day out. Today, a growing number of teenagers are hopelessly hooked to a new trend of skincare and selfcare regimen that is majorly driven by social media influencers. Until some years ago, we were still debating over the effectiveness of skin whitening creams, sunscreens and conditioners. But it is a whole new game now. An explosion of information of sorts. Mention skincare to teen girls, even as young as 13, and they may well recite a long list of product names, from head to toe, with their ingredients, even their percentages along with which product is to be applied at what time of the day and which chemicals work well together and which do not. Their study of the fine print is both amazing as well as worrisome.

 

For somewhere down the line, Gen Z is unknowingly falling prey to a culture that talks of accomplishing selfcare but nurtures an urge to ascertain self worth through beauty. Dr Shishir Palsapure, leading Psychotherapist of the city, says that the reasons behind this fascination to look good are rather complex. “Teens develop a certain body image in their mind and as per their limited cognitive abilities, create their own notions about good looks. And there is no denying the role social media overuse plays in this,” he says. “Upto 14 years of age, a child can develop 50 percent of his/her psychological disorders and by 21, 75 percent. It is therefore a sensitive phase in an individual’s life which needs to be handled with adequate attention as well as restrictions from the parents,” he suggests.

 

Dr Palsapure calls upon parents to share “teachable moments” with their kids and educate the tender minds about the facade on social media and dispel children’s discouraging notions about beauty. He also favours keeping teens below the age of 16 years away from social media as they often fail to perceive the content in the correct way. With teens wanting to be selfie-ready at all times they take skincare influencers for their gurus. Brands no longer need extensive ad campaigns with film stars or models. A social media influencer recommending products from his/her bedroom also does the job. The faces may or may not, but what is glowing right now is the beauty industry. Costemics companies are specifically targeting Gen Z with attractively packaged products. Also, salons are witnessing a rise in teenaged customers. A senior staffer at Kutz Salon, Nagpur seconds this.

 

“Teenagers today are redefining self-care, understanding that healthy skin is not just about appearance but also about confidence and self expression. They feel investing in skincare early is investing in a brighter future,” she says. But where does the good old dermatologist fit into this equation? While the companies claim their products are dermatalogically tested, expert guidance is still advisable regarding the dos and don'ts. Puja Dharmik, a leading Dermatologist in the city, says the Korean glass skin in the ‘in thing’ among youngsters today. But Indian skin is not genetically equipped for that, she reminds. She advises a healthy lifestyle and minimalist skincare routine of clean-moisturise-nourish over the onslaught of beauty products.

 

“No one should not blindly follow the half-baked gyan from socia; media. Like one shoe won’t fit every foot, one skin regimen won’t apply to every skin type. And at times, the user may end up doing more damage than good,” cautions dr Dharmik. Meanwhile, most of these products cost a bomb as compared to the regular creams and shampoos. Sanket Deshpande (name changed) is father of two teen daughters whose fetish for cosmetics and medical treatment for every small issue is getting under his skin. “One breakout on the face and they want some fancy product to get rid of it immediately or see a dermatologist. Offer them the good old multani mitti or dahi besan face pack and their noses crumple in disgust,” he laments. A healthy body that is a result of a healthy lifestyle is often enough for that prized glow. But with the novel ways of the new world, one wonders if the days of inner beauty and natural glow are now numbered. Propelled by the social media, now, beauty lies in the eyes of the screen-holder!