Why Does Gen Z Look So Old? - Makeup, Coffee & Skincare Trends - Dr Niti Gaur | FO383 Raj Shamani

It seems like everyone's talking about how Gen Z is ageing faster than previous generations. Dr. Niti Gaur, a dermatologist, joined Raj Shamani on 'Figuring Out' to break down why this might be happening and what we can do about it. From stress and sleep to diet and screen time, she covers the science behind ageing and the small daily choices that make a big difference.

Why Are People Ageing Faster?

Dr. Gaur points to a few key culprits behind accelerated ageing. Stress is a major factor, as it keeps our bodies in a constant state of alert, disrupting natural repair cycles. Our sleep patterns are also crucial. Our skin, like other organs, has a defence mode during the day and a repair mode at night. When we don't get enough quality sleep, this repair process is compromised.

Lifestyle choices play a huge role too. What we eat, how much we exercise, and how we protect our skin from the environment all contribute. Dr. Gaur highlights that sun exposure is a significant factor, especially with the depletion of the ozone layer. Additionally, increased intake of processed foods and sugar leads to oxidative stress in the body, speeding up the ageing process.

Key Factors Contributing to Ageing

• Stress: Constant stress disrupts the body's natural repair mechanisms.
• Poor Sleep: Insufficient or poor-quality sleep hinders the skin's nightly repair cycle.
• Sun Exposure: Increased exposure to the sun, especially with ozone depletion, damages the skin.
• Diet: High intake of processed foods and sugar contributes to oxidative stress.
• Lack of Antioxidants: Not consuming enough fruits rich in antioxidants can leave the skin vulnerable.
• Repetitive Facial Movements: Habits like constant chewing or frowning can lead to premature lines.
• Screen Time: Prolonged exposure to blue light from screens can cause photo-damage.

What Really Works for Youthful Skin?

Dr. Gaur stresses the importance of a holistic approach. While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices are paramount. Eating fruits rich in antioxidants, like citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, and kiwi, can help combat oxidative stress. These fruits provide the necessary antioxidants to protect the skin.

When it comes to skincare, consistency is key. Dr. Gaur advises starting a skincare routine early, ideally in your early twenties, focusing on basic cleansing, moisturising, and daily sunscreen application. As you get older, introducing ingredients like Vitamin C in your twenties and retinoids in your late twenties or thirties can be beneficial. However, she strongly recommends consulting a dermatologist before starting any new active ingredients, especially retinoids, as they can be potent and may not suit all skin types.

Understanding Skin Ageing

Ageing isn't just about wrinkles; it's also about changes in skin texture, pigmentation, and loss of firmness. Dr. Gaur explains that ageing occurs at three levels: the skin's surface (texture, pigmentation), the deeper layers (fat, collagen, elastin), and even the bone structure. While topical products can help with surface-level concerns like fine lines and pigmentation, they cannot reverse sagging. For more significant concerns like sagging, procedures that stimulate collagen production might be necessary.

It's also important to understand the difference between chronological age (how old you are) and biological or clinical age (how old your skin appears). Factors like stress, diet, and sun exposure can make your clinical age higher than your chronological age. Regular check-ins with a dermatologist can help assess your skin's health and guide you on the best course of action.

Skincare Trends and Habits

Many popular skincare trends, like gua sha or face yoga, can offer some benefits, primarily through improved circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can reduce puffiness. However, Dr. Gaur cautions against aggressive techniques that could potentially harm the skin. She also notes that while silk or satin pillowcases can help reduce acne by being less abrasive and absorbent than cotton, they don't directly prevent wrinkles.

Regarding makeup, Dr. Gaur clarifies that makeup itself doesn't directly accelerate ageing. However, using the wrong products or not cleansing properly can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, which can indirectly affect skin health over time. She advises choosing makeup suitable for your skin type and always removing it thoroughly before bed.

Lifestyle Factors and Ageing

Dr. Gaur reiterates that habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption significantly speed up the ageing process. Smoking damages the skin's collagen and elastin, leading to premature wrinkles and a dull complexion. Alcohol, on the other hand, can disrupt sugar metabolism and lead to dehydration, both of which contribute to ageing.

She also touches upon how conditions like PCOS can impact skin health, potentially leading to faster ageing due to hormonal imbalances and inflammation. For those with PCOS, a focus on lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, is crucial for managing skin health.