By Sapphire Bennett, OMAHA, Neb. – In a trend that is completely changing the skincare industry, preteens and teens are spending significant amounts on skincare products, even beginning to use anti-aging creams and treatments. Historically, these products were marketed to adults in their late twenties and beyond, but this younger age interest is capturing the attention of parents, skincare companies, and dermatologists.
According to a released 2023 Piper Sandler Report, teen shoppers spent 33% more on cosmetics and 19% more on skin care this year compared to last year. Fragrance and hair care are also up. In addition to unrealistic beauty standards, this could also be a result of the self-care boom during the pandemic.
Some believe this shift is fueled by social media, where beauty influencers promote numerous-step, expensive skincare routines and anti-aging methods. Younger audiences watch this content without the skills to differentiate these often older influencers with special lighting, enhancing filters, and sponsorships from themselves. It becomes easy for young girls to hold themselves to this beauty standard on their screens rather than looking at girls their own age in a realistic standpoint. Some influencers may use phrases such as “it’s never too early to start taking care of yourself” and “prevention is better than cure”, which can be heavily influential to younger crowds.
With this desire quickly turning into obsession for many women, it’s extremely important to turn outward and take breaks from social media. When the cameras are taken away and you forget what you look like for a little bit, you’re able to focus more on enjoying the other aspects of life.
