A startling survey by Dove has uncovered alarming perceptions among young girls, with one-third believing they are expected to undergo cosmetic procedures or plastic surgery to combat aging. The extensive survey involved nearly 10,000 girls aged 10 to 17, shedding light on the impact of societal pressures, particularly through social media, on their beauty standards and self-image.
Among the key findings, close to half of the surveyed girls anticipate experiencing concerns about their appearance as they age. Some pre-teens are already expressing worries about wrinkles, reflecting a troubling trend. Dermatologists have raised concerns about the survey results, emphasizing the influence of a ‘toxic culture of unrealistic beauty standards and pressures’ propagated by social media.
Earlier this year, it was disclosed that children as young as 10 are using anti-aging products, with some pre-teens adopting elaborate skincare routines. The survey revealed that youngsters are requesting expensive moisturizers and products, including those containing ingredients like retinol, known for potential adverse effects on young skin.
Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, of the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group, criticized these skincare routines as ‘completely unnecessary.’ She recommended a simpler approach involving gentle cleansing, light moisturization, and sunscreen for young skin.
Psychologist Professor Phillippa Diedrichs from the University of West England warned about the potential mental health consequences of pressuring young girls into using adult-targeted anti-aging products. She highlighted the detrimental effects on body confidence and self-esteem.
As a response to these concerning trends, skincare brand Dove is taking a stand by challenging the ‘absurdity’ of young girls worrying about wrinkles. Alongside Professor Diedrichs and dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, Dove has created ‘The Gen A Anti-Ageing Talk,’ a free resource providing guidance on how to discuss anti-aging and beauty anxiety with young people. The resource will be available on Dove’s TikTok channel, aiming to empower parents and caregivers to address these issues and protect young girls’ self-esteem.
