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My daughter Iris and I, this year.
This urgency to conform to societal ideals is evident in the experiences of young girls today. Consider the case of 11-year-old Scarlett, who, feeling the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance, began using adult-strength products in an attempt to avoid wrinkles. Unfortunately, this led to painful burns and blisters, leaving lasting damage to her delicate skin. Scarlett’s experience is becoming all too common as preteens flock to beauty stores and turn to influencers for skincare advice, desperately trying to achieve an impossible standard of flawlessness.
But perhaps this intense focus on perfect skin and the fear of ageing is just another phase, a trend like many that have come before. What if, instead of fuelling anxiety and insecurity, we embraced the natural process of ageing as a source of beauty and pride?
Just one of thousands of examples of very young girls discussing beauty routines.
Beauty Trends: A Tale as Old as Time
Throughout history, societies have cycled through various beauty ideals. In one era, a youthful glow and perfect complexion might reign supreme, while in another, a more natural, lived-in look takes centre stage. Yet, even in the pursuit of “natural beauty,” there is often a hidden layer of effort — from carefully applied makeup to intricate skincare routines. What we call “natural” can sometimes be as curated as any other beauty trend.
The anti-aging message and fear of ageing are pervasive across social media platforms.
Today, social media accelerates these trends, amplifying the pressure to conform. Young girls are particularly vulnerable, watching influencers who appear effortlessly perfect, often without understanding the hours of treatments or the filters behind the scenes. The result? Girls as young as eight are now using anti-ageing products, hoping to ward off wrinkles before they even begin to develop.
Yet, there is something beautiful about the faces and bodies that carry the marks of life — the lines that form after years of laughter, tears, hugs, and hardships. Our skin tells our stories, and in those stories lies our humanity. The challenge for us, as older adults, is to shift the focus away from perfecting the surface and instead, celebrate the depth, wisdom, and grace that come with age.
As adults, we can lead by example, demonstrating that wrinkles, grey hairs, and changing bodies are not flaws to be fixed but signs of lives lived fully.
Embracing Choice and Celebrating Ageing
Instead of viewing ageing as something to fear or fight, we can begin to embrace it as a natural and beautiful part of life. This doesn’t mean dismissing those who enjoy skincare routines or want to feel their best — beauty, after all, is deeply personal, and we should celebrate the freedom to choose what makes us feel good. What we can do, however, is create space for different narratives, especially for younger generations. We can show them that there is no one path to beauty, and no single way to care for their skin.
As adults, we can lead by example, demonstrating that wrinkles, grey hairs, and changing bodies are not flaws to be fixed but signs of lives lived fully. By doing so, we might begin to peel away the shame that surrounds ageing and instead help girls — and ourselves — see the beauty in what makes us human. Ageing skin carries our stories: the smiles we’ve shared, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the love we’ve given. These are marks of resilience, not things to hide.
There’s something truly beautiful about women feeling confident in their own skin at any age.
Shifting Our Focus: From Perfection to Wellness
While it’s tempting to chase after the latest beauty trend, we can encourage a focus on wellness over perfection. The truth is children’s skin doesn’t need complex routines or potent anti-ageing ingredients. Dermatologists agree that a simple regimen — a gentle cleanser, a good moisturiser, and sunscreen — is all they, and indeed we, need. Teaching this can help shift the conversation from “fixing flaws” to caring for one’s body with kindness and respect.
Rather than seeing their skin as something to perfect, girls can learn to care for it as an expression of self-love. This approach encourages self-acceptance and builds confidence that isn’t rooted in comparison or unattainable ideals. It also protects them from the physical and emotional harm caused by using products that are not designed for their sensitive skin.
When we show that ageing is not something to hide, but something to embrace, we create a culture where everyone, at every age, feels worthy and beautiful.
Finding Balance in Beauty
Beauty will always evolve, just as trends have shifted for centuries. Whether it’s the pursuit of a flawless glow or a “no-makeup” makeup look, these phases come and go. What remains constant is our need to find balance. The key lies in reminding ourselves and younger generations that beauty is multifaceted — it’s about choice, individuality, and self-expression.
As older adults, we can foster a healthier dialogue around ageing by celebrating our changing bodies and skin. Let’s honour the lines on our faces as markers of experience, the grey hairs as a sign of wisdom, and the natural changes in our appearance as proof of the life we’ve lived. When we show that ageing is not something to hide, but something to embrace, we create a culture where everyone, at every age, feels worthy and beautiful.
Embracing beauty at every stage of our lives is the direction we should be heading.
In the end, beauty is not about fighting against time or striving for perfection. It’s about authenticity — showing up as we are and recognising the humanity in ourselves and others. When we start to celebrate that, we can offer the next generation something far more valuable than flawless skin: the confidence to love and accept themselves at every stage of life.
