Lately, there’s been heightened conversation online about how millennials don’t look their age: How is it possible for “Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan to be 37 but genuinely look 19, the age of her character Penelope Featherington? It creates intrigue as we unpack how individuals born around the same time seem to embody different stages of youthfulness.
This discussion is spilling over from millennials to Gen Z, who are quick to observe the seeming age discrepancy. TikTok influencer Jordan Howlett, 27, sparked interest with over 24.8 million views on his video saying, "We live in a time where millennials look way younger for their age, whereas Gen Z looks older for theirs.” He shared anecdotes about mistaken identities, including when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson assumed Howlett was his son. “Dude, Dwayne is 52, I am 26, what?” he humorously stated.
Many Gen Z’ers feel the burden of economic hardships resulting from their upbringing, leading them to age prematurely, both physically and emotionally. Diving deep, dermatologist Dr. Anthony Rossi notes, “Millennials have embraced the wisdom and mistakes of the generations before them,” highlighting their commitment to skincare regimens, particularly the use of sunscreen for protection against harmful UV rays.
This generational divide extends to their lifestyle choices, as millennials have transformed their daily skincare routines; many now incorporate health-conscious choices and products aimed at hydration and sun protection. Dr. Danilo C. Del Campo mentioned how millennials often follow dermatologist recommendations. “Cleansing, treating, moisturizing, hydrating, and protecting the skin all contribute to its health and resilience,” he said.
Statistics from the American Academy of Dermatology reveal staggering differences between the generations’ perspectives on tanning. While millennials have embraced sun safety, the survey found 20% of Gen Z believes being tan is more important than protecting their skin from cancer. Alarmingly, 30% admitted they would prefer to look great now with bronzed skin, even if it means facing worse outcomes down the line. This stark disconnect has left many millennials concerned for Gen Z's long-term health.
Misguided peer influence, particularly from social media, plays a large role. Increasingly, Gen Z is exposed to anti-sunscreen messages, contributing to misguided beliefs about skin health. Shamara Bondaroff, founder of SB Skin NYC, pointed out, “The messaging about skin protection has shifted to include misinformation, making it difficult for Gen Z to navigate health choices.”
Gen Z’s troubling reliance on tanning beds and vaping poses additional threats to their complexion. While millennials could be found seeking out innovative wellness practices, Gen Z's normalization of cosmetic procedures, including fillers and Botox at younger ages, raises questions around self-image and societal pressures. Dr. Courtney Rubin observed, “Many clients are starting to get filler in their 20s, which didn’t used to be the case.”
Shifting from skin care to employment, millennials and Gen Z also differ significantly in their career aspirations. Recognizing where opportunities lie, they have transitioned to rewarding roles. A recent Forbes list highlighted top careers for both generations, including roles like data scientist, registered nurse, and marketing manager, emphasizing the trend of seeking rewarding work more than just stable employment.
On the political front, generational divides continue to assert themselves. The Millennials have seen the first of their own rise to prominent political roles, such as Vice President JD Vance, making history as the first millennial to hold such office. Meanwhile, generational gaps are only widening, affecting how millennials and Gen Z perceive political leaders. With the likes of Donald Trump, senior politicians seem increasingly dismissed by younger cohorts. Vance’s rise, highlighted by fellow millennials like Senator Tim Sheehy, reflects the increasing desire for younger leadership to resonate with modern challenges.
Yet, even within families, the divide expresses itself. A father recalls how his Gen Z son holds values and sensibilities starkly different from his own. From discussions about gender identity to lifestyle choices, such as challenges with mental health during the pandemic, the son highlights the urgency of adapting communication styles. “It’s not their job to accommodate; it’s ours,” the father realizes, reflecting the transformative conversations now commonplace within Millennial and Gen Z interactions.
Most interestingly, the perception of the future varies drastically between the generations. Where millennials bear scars of economic uncertainty, Gen Z is vocal about immediate change. They’re eager to reshape the world around them, resisting the cynicism they attribute to older generations. This urgency for change is manifesting itself not just through conversations but also through activism and engagement across social platforms.
Despite the palpable differences, individual relationships still interlace both generations’ experiences. Millennials remain connected to Gen Z, often leaning on each other for growth. The new generational dynamic is one of friction, but it's steering both toward evolution, fostering respect and realization about common struggles.
It's intriguing how vividly generational identities are forged and how they manifest across different life aspects like skincare and career aspirations. With distinct approaches to skin health and maturity, Millennials might stand as the exemplary guides for moderations Gen Z seeks today!