UAE, Aug. 18 -- "The eyes don't see what the mind doesn't know"
Walk into any beauty store or scroll through TikTok for a few minutes, and it's clear that skincare has become one of Gen Z's biggest obsessions. From Sephora hauls and viral "Get Ready With Me" videos to influencers showcasing elaborate morning and night routines, skincare has evolved from a simple daily habit into a lifestyle.
There's plenty to celebrate about this shift. Young people are becoming more aware of sun protection, skin health, and self-care than previous generations ever were. But alongside this enthusiasm comes a growing concern among dermatologists: skincare routines are becoming increasingly complex, and they're starting at younger ages than ever before.
It's no longer unusual to see children as young as eight or ten using anti-aging products marketed for mature skin or layering multiple active ingredients simply because they're trending online. The result? Irritated skin, weakened skin barriers, unnecessary breakouts, and a lot of confusion about what healthy skincare really looks like.
So, what should Gen Z avoid?
As a dermatologist, here are the most common skincare mistakes I see Gen Z making and what you should avoid.
Social media has made skincare more accessible, but it has also made it easy to believe that every viral product is a must-have. The truth is that skincare isn't one-size-fits-all. A serum that transforms someone else's skin may do very little or even cause irritation for yours.
Instead of following trends, focus on understanding your own skin. Your routine should be guided by your skin type and concerns, not by what's popular on your feed.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that more products automatically lead to better skin. In reality, layering cleanser, toner, essence, vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, exfoliating acids, spot treatments, facial oils, and masks can overwhelm the skin.
Using several active ingredients together may damage the skin barrier, leading to redness, dryness, peeling, burning, and even more breakouts.
For most people, a simple routine is enough: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, sunscreen, and if needed,one treatment product introduced gradually.
Retinol, peptide creams, collagen serums, and wrinkle-correcting products have become staples on social media. But young skin simply doesn't need most of them.
These ingredients were developed to target concerns such as collagen loss and sun-induced ageing, not healthy teenage skin. Introducing them too early often causes irritation without providing meaningful benefits.
Ironically, the most effective anti-aging product isn't an expensive serum at all,it's sunscreen.
Chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid can be excellent additions to a skincare routine when used appropriately. However, daily exfoliation or using high-strength acids without guidance can strip away the skin's protective barrier.
If your skin feels tight, burns when you apply products, becomes unusually shiny, or suddenly starts breaking out more, you may be over-exfoliating rather than improving your skin.
While social media often focuses on the latest serum or moisturizer, sunscreen remains the single most important skincare product.
Daily UV exposure is one of the leading causes of premature ageing, pigmentation, collagen breakdown, and skin cancer. No skincare routine can fully compensate for the effects of unprotected sun exposure.
A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher should be part of your routine every day, not just during holidays or trips to the beach.
From toothpaste on pimples to lemon juice, baking soda, and garlic as acne treatments, the internet is full of homemade skincare advice. Unfortunately, these "hacks" often do more harm than good.
Many household ingredients can disrupt the skin's natural pH, cause chemical burns, increase sensitivity, and leave behind long-lasting pigmentation.
If it wasn't designed for your skin, it probably shouldn't be on your face.
One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that if a product works for an influencer, it will work for everyone.
Oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin all respond differently to the same ingredients. Understanding your own skin is far more valuable than following every recommendation that appears on your "For You" page.
Acne can be frustrating, but squeezing pimples rarely helps. Picking increases inflammation, delays healing, and significantly raises the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation and permanent acne scars.
Persistent acne is better managed with evidence-based treatments and professional advice than with endless experimentation.
Perhaps the biggest lesson Gen Z needs to hear is that real skin is supposed to have texture. Pores are normal. The occasional breakout is normal. Skin changes with hormones, stress, sleep, and the seasons.
The flawless complexions dominating social media are often filtered, edited, or captured under perfect lighting. Comparing your skin to these unrealistic standards can encourage unnecessary treatments and unrealistic expectations.
Healthy skin,not perfect skin should always be the goal.
The Take-Home Message:
Skincare doesn't have to be complicated to be effective. In fact, the healthiest routines are often the simplest.
A gentle cleanser, a suitable moisturizer, daily sunscreen, and a carefully chosen treatment product are enough for most people. Add new ingredients gradually, be patient with your skin, and remember that consistency will always outperform chasing the latest trend.
Your skin is with you for life. Treat it with care, not complexity.
For Appointment, please visit the Thumbay University Hospital website: www.thumbayuniversityhospital.com