As the last of Gen Z ages from their teens into their 20s, the one thing that is most striking is their near obsession with skin. Despite filters that can eliminate every blemish on Instagram, this generation is looking for beauty in real life. Guiding them toward safe and effective strategies for skin care is just the beginning. IN DEMAND Skin Care Great skin care starts in adolescence with daily cleansers, not only to rid the skin of dirt and environmental contaminants but to clean out pores and prevent acne. Most in this age group produce adequate sebum naturally but some may benefit from a light moisturizer. Sunscreen, of course, is critical to protect young skin, not just from the burns and aging effects of ultraviolet rays, but also for the long-term decrease in skin cancer risk. Acne-Free Skin Acne is a scourge not just for teenagers, but as the epidermal turnover slows down in the 20s, eruptions can surge. Skin care targeted for acne sufferers includes three basic components. For young acne sufferers, a daily exfoliating cleanser with glycolic or salicylic acids (or a combination) is highly recommended to clean skin and purge pores of their cellular debris. An acne toner that penetrates skin to kill bacteria and further cleans the pores is the next step in preventing acne. Third, a topical retinoid to aid in accelerating epidermal turnover will not only prevent acne but will also speed up the resolution of any blemish if it does occur. An exfoliating cleanser, acne toner, and a high-quality retinol or tretinoin will clear up most acne-prone skin. With this regimen, many will also moisturizing and hydrating products. Get Rid of Redness One of the most common issues Gen Z experiences early on, especially due to acne, is redness and red spots. Often, a simple skin care regimen can improve redness with antioxidants and ingredients that decrease redness. When redness reaches the level of medical treatment, intense pulsed light (IPL) can be a godsend. Usually, a series of three intense pulsed light treatments will eliminate or diminish redness and red spots effectively. Neurotoxin People are starting neurotoxins earlier and earlier. Where previous generations have waited until it was really necessary, GenZ is very proactive in their approach. They want to prevent wrinkles before they start, and they are not wrong in that approach. Starting neurotoxins while wrinkles are dynamic (temporary and not yet permanent) will prevent those lines from being etched into skin. Some people get those as early as their 20s. Starting neurotoxin injections before that happens is preventive and many in Gen Z know it. Want to read more? Subscribe to continue reading this article, plus gain access to all DERMASCOPE has to offer. SUBSCRIBE Dr. Kate Dee (drkatedee.com) is the author of the aesthetics industry exposé, “Medspa Mayhem” and founder of Glow Medispa, where she performs all aspects of medical aesthetics, from injectables and skin care to lasers and body sculpting. A graduate of Yale, she earned a bachelor’s of science in biology in 1989 and her medical licensing in 1994. In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Dee has a special interest in business ethics and the medicolegal aspects of practicing aesthetic medicine. Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.