Let's Talk About Gen Alpha's Skincare and Makeup Obsessions

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If you scroll around on Douyin or go down a rabbit hole on YouTube, you’ll notice that there seems to be a new trend catching fire, and Generation Alpha (born after 2010) kids are stepping into the limelight as the new beauty influencers. 

Kids as young as 10 years old are surprisingly savvy about anti-aging skincare routines and makeup techniques, and these young creators are reshaping beauty standards and captivating audiences worldwide. But are they captivating their audiences for the right reasons or are their Gen Z and Millenial followers scoffing at their content like a bad reality TV show?

Gen Alpha’s social media beauty influencers are challenging norms and sparking conversations about skincare routines that were once considered exclusive to adults. Videos featuring mini skincare routines with expensive products, makeup tutorials, and product reviews have become viral sensations, with Gen Alpha influencers stealing the spotlight. But if you’re a Millennial, would you take anti-aging advice from a 10-year-old who’s barely hit puberty?

Our team at jingkids reached out to Dr. Peng Yang, a dermatologist at OASIS International Hospital, for his thoughts on this latest trend. Are these Gen Alpha beauty influencers simply riding a harmless trend or are they, in turn, doing more damage to themselves by starting on anti-aging skincare at such a young age?

According to Dr. Peng: “For teenagers, using anti-aging products too early may not be beneficial for their skin. The skin of teenagers is usually still developing and does not have obvious signs of aging. Using anti-aging products at this time may cause unnecessary burden and stimulation to the skin, and may even lead to skin sensitivity, acne, and other problems.” For me, that translates to setting oneself up for acne in one’s teenage years, which may lead to even more use of skincare products.

Dr. Peng continues: “It should be emphasized that teenagers’ skin is still in the process of growth and development, and unnecessary skincare products should be avoided as much as possible. If there are specific skin problems or concerns, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized advice.”

For a 10-year-old in Beijing's dry winter environment, Dr. Peng says a simple and gentle skincare routine is recommended. The following are some suggestions:

1. Cleansing: Use a mild cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil from the skin.
   
2. Moisturizing: Apply a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
   
3. Sun protection: Apply sunscreen to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays.
   
   

Pro Tip: Is sun protection necessary in the winter, too? Yes. Although the sun’s intensity may be lower in the winter, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and reach the earth, causing damage to the skin.

UV rays can cause skin aging, pigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Even on cloudy or cold days, UV rays can still reach the skin and cause harm. Therefore, it is important to apply sunscreen with a suitable SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to protect the skin from UV rays, regardless of the season.

Dr. Peng is not alone in disadvising Gen Alpha to get ahead of the anti-aging train. Dr. Zhao Na from Beijing United Family Hospital has been a long-time member of Beijing United Family’s dermatology department. Before joining United Family, Dr. Zhao worked at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (协和), where she also received her medical degree. Needless to say, she’s a respected expert in her field and also shares the same sentiment as Dr. Peng on the matter.

“I do think using anti-aging products at a young age can harm a teen’s skin. When the damage will start to show varies. For some people, it can be immediate, and they will suffer from irritant dermatitis, but for others, it may take months or years, with the skin becoming very sensitive and flush,” says Dr. Zhao.

“For adolescents, I only suggest using face cream (because the weather in Beijing is very dry) and a suitable sunblock, especially if they stay outside for a long time. If pre-teens/teens start to have pimples and oily skin, they can use a face cleanser twice a day to avoid blockage of hair follicles. After a doctor’s consultation, they may need to use some tretinoin cream for the prevention and treatment of pimples as well.”

But what about here in Beijing? Are our Beijing Gen Alphas as obsessed with anti-aging as their counterparts overseas? One mom of a Gen Alpha shares that her daughter’s morning skincare routine is simply water, a kids’ hydrating face wash, and face cream. However, the evening one is a bit more complex. It involves a kids’ face mask once a week, shower, face wash, cucumber slices on eyes, cream, and oil massage by mama.

Now let’s talk about makeup. Whether in Beijing or overseas, Gen Alpha is introduced to makeup a lot younger than their Millenial parents were. Sephora has become a playground for Gen Alpha’s beauty exploration, and videos capturing the excitement of these young influencers shopping for high-end skincare and makeup products have garnered millions of views.

Gen Alpha’s obsession with makeup is evident in the vibrant and playful looks showcased on social media. From experimenting with bold eyeshadows to mastering contouring techniques, these young influencers are turning makeup application into an art form. Their creativity is not only captivating, but it also challenges stereotypes about age-appropriate beauty practices. While I’m not against kids expressing themselves through makeup – after all, it’s just another form of artistic expression – I am concerned about what they deem age-appropriate vs what Gen Z and Millenials deem age-appropriate for Gen Alpha.

Gen Alpha’s beauty influencers are redefining beauty standards, encouraging self-expression, and challenging the traditional boundaries of skincare and makeup. As they embrace anti-aging routines and navigate the aisles of Sephora, this generation is leaving an indelible mark on the beauty industry, setting the stage for a new era where beauty knows no age. The beauty revolution led by Gen Alpha on social media is a testament to the evolving landscape of self-care and the transformative power of youthful creativity. So, I ask you this: Are you for or against Gen Alpha’s beauty and skincare trends?

Images: OASIS International Hospital, Pexels

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