The Rise of Prejuvenation: Why Is Gen Z Too Concerned About Anti-Aging?

With the world facing a host of pressing issues, one might wonder: Why is Gen Z already thinking about aging? 

Gen Z is called the digital native generation for a reason. They’re the first to have lived every day of their lives with the internet—and to know exactly how to navigate it.

Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas explained, “I have young children and they have unprecedented access to information. They’ve grown up alongside dermatology content (guilty!), skincare influencers, and a constant stream of ‘before and after’ transformations. Unlike in the past when skincare was mostly reactive, Gen Z is learning about prevention as early as their teens.”

As much as we’d rather not revisit those years, the COVID-19 pandemic occurred during Gen Z’s late adolescence and inevitably shaped many of their attitudes and habits. The study Prejuvenation: The Global New Anti-Aging Trend credits the pandemic as a major amplifier of social media’s influence on Gen Z’s beauty perceptions, noting that “videoconferencing became an integral part of daily life” and that “constantly seeing their own image on screens led to increased dissatisfaction with their appearance, sparking a greater interest in beauty treatments and aesthetic procedures.”

Another pop culture moment that gained momentum during that period was the rise of Hallyu, or the Korean Wave. Dr. Bea Chan-Benavidez tells Preview, “We also have to give credit to K-drama and K-pop, wherein we actually see Koreans have clear glass skin, and I feel like it started the ‘skincare’ era for most.”

According to Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, “a preventive health mindset” is another key reason younger generations are embracing well-aging practices earlier. Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas adds that this shift is changing the collective outlook on beauty and aging. “It’s no longer about chasing youth or erasing every wrinkle—it’s about preserving skin health and looking like the best version of yourself at every stage.”

Closely tied to this shift in mindset is the ease with which information now spreads—quickly establishing what’s seen as the norm rather than the exception. As Dr. Bea Chan-Benavidez observes, “Most have actually realized how taking care of one’s skin consistently—with the right skincare actives and with the right guidance from the derms—can yield better results than self-medicating.”

For Dr. Benett Joyce Gloriani, Gen Z’s commitment to their well-being reflects a refreshing sense of open-mindedness. 

“To be honest,” Dr. Gaile said, “this focus on well-aging, as opposed to anti-aging, is one of the more positive changes I’ve seen in the industry.” Dr. Bea echoed the sentiment, calling it a positive shift because “just like in all fields of medicine, I do believe that prevention is still better than cure.”

Dr. Benett added, “Rather than fearing the passage of time, this new wave is embracing it—armed with knowledge, intention, and a holistic view of wellness. It’s not just about staying youthful; it’s about staying well. And that’s something worth celebrating.”

While the trend of prejuvenation is largely positive, there are important caveats to consider. As Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz points out, “This trend is positive when it promotes healthy habits like sunscreen use or balanced lifestyles, but it can be negative when driven by vanity or consumerism.”

She emphasized, “The key is balance—fostering informed skincare practices without feeding into societal pressures to defy aging at all costs. The younger generations’ proactive approach is promising, but it needs grounding in education rather than hype.”

Dr. Gaile agreed, stressing that prejuvenation is only beneficial when approached with balance and proper guidance. “Supporting the skin barrier, choosing the right ingredients, protecting against sun damage, and understanding your skin’s evolving needs—these are smart moves. But not every trending treatment is necessary at 22, and not every skin goal requires intervention. A full-blown glass skin injectable routine or preemptive neurotoxin isn’t something every young adult needs just because it went viral.”

She added that Gen Z’s early start isn’t the real concern. “There’s value in starting early—but there’s even more value in starting smart. In short, early isn’t the issue—unguided is. That’s where dermatologists come in.”

And speaking of dermatologists, Dr. Bea offered this advice to Gen Z: “Look for a licensed dermatologist, do your research, and [do not] go into debt” all in the name of skincare. Ending on an empowering note, she added, “Weigh the risks and benefits, and if it is something that will truly make you happy and feel more confident in your own skin, why not?”

Ready to curate your skincare routine or explore professional treatments? We’ve gathered the expert-approved products and procedures worth considering. With their responses echoing one another (a sign that these really are the industry go-tos), Preview took the liberty of streamlining their advice into a no-fuss regimen.

Skincare routines will naturally vary depending on individual skin needs, but for those without pressing concerns, these are the essentials. As Dr. Gaile puts it, “Focus on building a strong skincare foundation and being consistent with it. You don’t need a 10-step routine or aggressive treatments to ‘stay young’—you just need the right basics, used well.”

Gentle Cleanser
Opt for a formula that cleanses without stripping—something that purifies and hydrates without disrupting the skin barrier.

Moisturizer
A must, even for oily or acne-prone skin—especially if you’re on anti-acne medication. Moisture supports barrier repair and balances oil production.

Sunscreen
Dubbed by the experts as the MVP (Most Valuable Product), a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging. This includes proper application and diligent reapplication. Dr. Katrina underscores its importance:
“All the well-aging products and procedures would be in vain if they didn’t protect their skin from UV exposure. Prevention starts here.”

Vitamin C
Best used in the morning, this antioxidant helps shield the skin from environmental stressors. It also brightens skin tone, especially when paired with ingredients like Niacinamide.

Retinol
The gold standard for preventing fine lines and smoothing texture. For Gen Z, a low-dose formula is a good starting point, but it should be introduced gradually, and ideally under the guidance of a professional. Retinol also works well for acne-prone and textured skin.

Beyond using the right products and applying them correctly, Dr. Katrina emphasizes the importance of lifestyle: “Add an overall healthy lifestyle to this mix, and you’re on your way to aging gracefully!” Dr. Benett echoes this by recommending habits such as minimizing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and staying active—whether through Pilates, yoga, or even trying out a new sport.

The clinical treatments recommended by the experts put the spotlight on prevention rather than correction, especially given the stage that Gen Z is in.

Microneedling
These procedures help stimulate collagen production and are effective for minimizing the appearance of large pores.

Light Chemical Peels or Non-Ablative Laser Facials
Ideal for treating post-acne pigmentation and mild texture concerns, these treatments target surface-level skin issues without the downtime of more invasive options.

Hydrating Facials or Skin Boosters
Exosome-infused facials are among the latest innovations for maintaining skin quality and supporting barrier function. Look for treatments with PDRN, peptides, or amino acids, which aid in collagen production and boost overall radiance.

Preventive Anti-Wrinkle Injections
These are guided by symptoms, not age. If fine lines begin to form, you may consider starting low-dose injections to soften expression lines before they deepen.

While there are many treatment options available, they should always be considered on a case-by-case basis. As Dr. Gaile reminds us, “Injectables at this stage should not be a default. If there’s no real indication, there’s no rush. The goal isn’t to halt time—it’s to support your skin’s journey as it evolves.”

And there’s no shame in exploring clinical options either. As Dr. Bea emphasizes, “As long as the patient gives an informed consent—meaning they have been given the right information about the possible benefits and side effects of the procedure, mechanism of action, and is already of legal age—there really is nothing wrong with trying out a clinical treatment or procedure.”