Anthropological study on the perception of skin aging and aesthetic procedures: An international, generational analysis

Background

Skin aging is perceived differently across generations, influencing their views on skin aging and aesthetic procedures. This study analyses the attitudes of five current generations: the Silent Generation; Baby Boomers; Generation X; Generation Y or Millennials; and Generation Z, toward skin aging and aesthetic treatments. By combining anthropological and medical perspectives, we identified the perceptions, motivations, knowledge and emerging trends in aesthetic medicine for each generation.

Methodology

A semi-structured online survey consisting of 20 questions was conducted. A total of 1,303 responses were collected from respondents across 54 countries, representing the five sociological age groups (Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation), with a gender distribution of 60% women, 40% men, and three non-binary individuals. A thematic roundtable with dermatologists and aesthetic surgeons was then conducted. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of all data, including the open and closed questions as well as citations from the roundtable, was conducted and eight axes of analysis were used to structure the interpretation of the data (neutral/negative; external/internal; active/passive; informed/uninformed). This resulted in detailed, nuanced profiles of each generation’s perceptions, orientations, and practices related to skin aging and aesthetic procedures.

Results

Each generation reflects a different relationship with their skin and perception of skin aging. A noticeable generation gap emerged between Generation X and the Baby boomers. The three younger generations (Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z) displayed a more active, informed approach to skin aging and aesthetic procedures; as opposed to the more passive, uninformed orientation of the two older generations (Baby Boomers, Silent Generation). Nuanced evidence of the “prejuvenation” concept was present in the form of a conceptual spectrum that spanned the generations: Gen Z emphasized prevention and protection; the Millennials and Gen X focused on rejuvenation and anti-aging; and the Baby boomers on care. The Millennials were the most active in their approach to skin aging. There was evidence of an increasingly negative vision of skin aging as the age of the generations increased.

Conclusion

With the rise of social media and advancements in aesthetic medicine, behaviors related to anti-aging treatments have evolved. While older generations seek discreet interventions, younger generations adopt a preventive approach known as “prejuvenation” and normalize aesthetic procedures from an early age. Our results confirm several of the major trends in the literature and in aesthetic medicine; namely that the 26–55 groups are the most knowledgeable and active consumers of aesthetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. The overall negative conception of skin aging is of note and can be interpreted as a result of the anti-aging and rejuvenation ethos in contemporary society.