Anti-aging products are meant for people in their mid-to-late twenties and early thirties, not teenagers. However, many teens like to use these products because social media influencers promote them. Additionally, social media portrays aging skin as negative and unrealistic expectations of wrinkle-free skin. Thus, to fit in with this social media ideal, teens use these products to prevent wrinkles early.
— Wardah, Valley Stream North
I think an age limit on anti-aging products is reasonable, seeing as so many young girls are being brainwashed by social media into thinking they need these products to be pretty. I’ve heard of girls younger than 15, even younger than 10, buying these anti-aging products — I think it’s silly because they’re still children, they’re not even adults yet and are worried about aging, but it’s not their fault. They’re given technology from a very young age that tells them they need to be flawless, smooth and glowing to be valued, which isn’t true. Of course, much more needs to be done to dismantle these beliefs, as it’s very typical of the beauty industry to push them to women, but marketing to under-18s is especially harmful. Having this kind of mentality since childhood is going to make it harder for these girls to free themselves from it.
— Charlie, Minnesota
They told us about the pressures they face when it comes to their looks, and how those can vary by gender.
Physical appearance is definitely a big role in today’s society. At times I do feel pressured to look a certain way. When I used to do cheerleading, we had no choice but to put makeup all over our face and wear red lipstick because it made us “look better.” Instead of keeping the makeup minimalistic and more natural, they made it seem like they wanted us to hate our natural features.
— Takya, NC
I think that this problem affects more girls than it does boys, as the culture around girls and looking their absolute best is not something that translates across the gender gap, as most boys are not too fussy over how their skin looks.
— James, Franklin Square
Yes, girls, boys, and nonbinary students often face different pressures regarding their appearance due to societal expectations, media influence, and cultural norms. Girls are frequently pressured to conform to beauty standards that emphasize thinness, clear skin, and fashionable clothing, often reinforced by social media and advertising. Boys, on the other hand, may feel pressure to appear muscular, tall, or traditionally masculine, with fewer socially acceptable ways to express themselves through fashion or grooming. Nonbinary students can face unique challenges, as they may feel pressure to conform to either masculine or feminine standards or struggle with finding representation and acceptance of their authentic selves.
— Dylan, New York
