Why Is Gen Z Ageing Faster Than Ever? Expert Explains What’s Going Wrong?

Scroll through social media and you'll find teenagers worried about fine lines, dullness and early hair thinning. The reels are full of terms like turbo ageing, tech neck, ozempic face, and anti-ageing products. What was once reserved for people in their 30s or 40s are now being purchased by teens. But why is Gen Z, a generation having access to the best information, products, and technology, ageing faster than ever?

To have our questions answered, we reached out to  Dr Adithi Jain, Consultant, Dermatology at CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, and she explained that Gen Z is experiencing premature ageing because of chronic lifestyle stressors causing damage to their skin at a cellular level, and not due to genetic factors. Read ahead to know what's going wrong, how to reverse it, and everything Dr Jain shared with us.

Early Age Exposure to Chronic Stress and Burnout

The generation Z has been termed the burnout generation, with academic pressures, fluctuating job markets, meeting social expectations, and the pressure to be continually productive. Chronic stress heightens the levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. "Sustained cortisol spikes break down collagen and elastin, accelerating fine lines, acne flare-ups, and dullness," said Dr Jain.

Also Read: ‘Teens’ Skin Not For Elaborate Viral Skin Care Routines’ Dermatologist Warns Long-Term Health Issues Including Cancers

Additionally, irregular routines, caffeine-driven survival, and sleep deprivation, also tend to lead to early ageing.

Digital Ageing and Tech Neck

Gen Z spends an average of seven to nine hours a day on screens. In comparison, blue light from phones and laptops can penetrate into the skin deeper than UV light. Dr Jain emphasised, "Blue light causes oxidative stress, which breaks down collagen, leading to pigmentation and wrinkle formation. Constantly looking down also leads to:

• Deep neck lines (now seen in teens and young adults)
• Poor posture and jawline sagging.
• Eye strain and dark circles due to screen fatigue

Zero Sun Protection Mindset

Ask any Generation Z teenager if they use sunscreen daily, and the response for most is “only when I’m outdoors.” However, dermats  and studies stress that indoor lighting and screen exposure can also lead to ageing of skin.

"UV rays are the cause of 80% of visible ageing, and using SPF daily is the single most effective anti-ageing step. Not wearing sunscreen invalidates the best skincare regimen there is,” shared Dr Jain.

Ultra-processed Food Diet

Convenience foods, energy drinks, sugary coffees, and late-night snacking make up the lifestyle of Gen Z. But processed foods trigger inflammation, weakening collagen and accelerating glycation, which is a process in which sugar attaches itself to proteins, making skin stiff, dull, and wrinkled. The signs include:

• Dullness
• Puffiness
• Breakouts
• Sallow skin tone

Poor Sleep and Sleep Quality

Gen Z sleeps less than any generation so far, sometimes just four to five hours instead of the recommended seven to nine. That's when the body repairs itself and manufactures collagen. No sleep and no repair means accelerated ageing. Additionally, lack of sleep directly causes:

• Dark circles
• Puffy eyes
• Premature lines/wrinkles

Also Read: Not Sure About Your Skin Type? Here’s How to Figure It Out and Build Your Go-To Routine

How Gen Z Can Reverse Premature Ageing

Dr Jain recommended focusing on these four non-negotiables. These include:

• Sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or above)
• Eight hours of sleep
• Balanced diet with hydration
• Minimal, barrier-focused skincare
• A simple routine consisting of cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen (AM), and mild retinol (PM, three times a week)

Bottomline

Generation Z is not ageing due to time, they are ageing due to lifestyle. Experts suggest to slow down, protect your skin barrier, sleep better, and wear sunscreen daily.