Gen Z Drives $4B India Anti-Ageing Skincare Market Growth

Gen Z's approach to skincare and sun exposure reveals a complex mix of trends and misconceptions with potential health risks. While preventive anti-ageing skincare has become popular among young consumers in India, emphasizing early skin health rather than correction, dermatologists in the U.S. warn that many viral skincare practices, such as 'skin flooding' and DIY acid peels, may harm the skin by causing irritation and breakouts. Compounding concerns, surveys by the American Academy of Dermatology highlight that Gen Z in the U.S. is less informed about sun protection, with many embracing tanning despite the heightened risk of skin cancer; nearly half reported sunburns last year, and misinformation around tanning myths remains widespread. Social media trends contribute to this paradox, glorifying tanned skin and encouraging behaviors like tracking UV index for optimal tanning times, even as 96% recognize sun protection importance but only 56% use it consistently. This juxtaposition underscores a generational gap in understanding and prioritizing safe skincare and sun habits amid evolving beauty standards and social influences. Meanwhile, social media also fuels debates on broader cultural trends, including skepticism toward certain beauty and lifestyle norms labeled as 'propaganda' by Gen Z users.