All the skincare questions Gen-Z are asking, and the beauty brands they can't live without
It's hardly surprising that Gen-Z have quickly become experts in skincare. Being digital first, always on the lookout for innovation and with greater access to experts thanks to the likes of Tik Tok, they're arguably more knowledgeable than previous generations. Plus, thanks to a year of lockdown, they've had plenty of time to dedicate to their skin.
But as well as making the most of the information at hand for their personal routines, Gen-Z are known to challenge the status quo and demand better from the beauty industry for the greater good. They've effectively applied pressure on numerous beauty brands to cater to a more diverse, inclusive and proactive generation with everything from a wider range of shades to amending problematic brand messaging.
Their high standards carry over to the formulas themselves, and Gen Z will happily invest in good-quality products containing the best active ingredients that promise to deliver that elusive natural radiance we all covet.
While results are paramount, that's not to say Gen-Z doesn't have an eye for aesthetically pleasing packaging (although, skincare shelfies are most definitely a millennial fascination).
"There's a new wave of Gen-Z's experimenting with DIY skincare, allowing full control over the products and knowing exactly what's in them. It's never been more crucial, to prolong the shelf life of their favourite ingredients, natural products and DIY recipes." says Jess Sery, co-founder of British Beauty Brand KINDD.
No wonder the that the skincare fridge organisation corner of TikTok is thriving with over 77.1M views.
So, what exactly do Gen-zeders really look for when it comes to skincare, and what products should you spend your hard earned money on?
We have asked award-winning medical and cosmetic doctor Dr. Ewoma to break down some of the most common Gen-Z skincare questions as well as provide a list of products the new generation swear by.
Question: How do I treat acne?
Answer: “Acne is a hugely common skin condition and as well as being painful, it can have a massive impact on our self confidence. One of the biggest tips, I would say, is to implement a proper skincare routine. Make sure to properly remove makeup, cleanse, use a glycolic toner, a hydrating serum and a nourishing moisturiser.”
Question: What should my skincare routine consist of?
Answer: “Start with a good quality cleanser. Cleansers should leave your skin smooth, clear and nourished - your complexion definitely shouldn't feel tight or inflamed after cleansing. A good cleanser should deeply cleanse the skin of impurities. Follow with an exfoliating toner, this will work to refine and brighten and sweep away any impurities. I like Soap & Glory's IN THE GLOW HOW 5% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Tonic for this. A nourishing moisturiser is essential, lots of people make the mistake of avoiding moisturising products when they have breakouts but this is counterintuitive. Reach for hydrating formulas packed with skin loving ingredients.”
Question: Which active ingredients should I use?
Answer: “Some key actives to look out for would be: Glycolic, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic. Glycolic is the ultimate brightening and evening active, I like my glycolic in the form of a toner. Vitamin C is great for boosting radiance and brightening your complexion, it's also an antioxidant so protects the skin from ageing free radicals. Hyaluronic Acid suits just about everyone and is the ultimate hydrating molecule. In my opinion, a good hyaluronic serum should be in everyone's routine.”
Question: What percentages should I be looking for on the following ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and Retinol?
Answer: “I'd say with Retinol and Vitamin C it's better to start with a lower percentage to see how your skin works, I like a 10% Vitamin C to begin with. Hyaluronic acid works with even the most sensitive of skins.”
Keep scrolling to check out the skincare products Gen Z can't live without...
For more from Glamour UK Beauty & Features Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
Treatment Mask
Drunk Elephant T.L.C Sukari Baby Facial, £67, Space NK
True to its name this mask without a doubt leaves skin baby smooth. The best at-home facial product, as your skin deserves that weekly treat.
Save when you shop for Gen Z skincare with these Space NK discount codes.
Oil-Serum hybrid
Glossier Futuredew Serum,
£23£18.40, GlossierSay to hello to dewy skin! Finish your skincare routine with this serum to enhance skin glow.
Face Mask
Morphe 2 Restart Detox Face Mask, £14, Feel Unique
When it comes to face masks, it doesn't get more fun than this holographic, peel off formula. Containing activated charcoal, French pink clay, and willow bark extract, it will deeply cleanse skin without drying it out.
Cleansing Balm
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm, £37, Cult Beauty
This cleansing balm effortlessly melts away make up, sunscreen and excess sebum while feeding your skin with antioxidants and fatty acids.
Save when you shop for Gen Z skincare with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Cleansing Brush
Foreo LUNA Play Plus 2 Facial Brush, £49, Beauty Bay
This 100% waterproof smart facial brush will give your deepest and gentlest cleanse yet, promising to remove up to 99.5% of dirt from your face while providing a nice massage.
Save when you shop for Gen Z skincare with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Cleansing Balm
Kylie Skin Makeup Melting Cleanser, £30, Selfridges
This cleanser transforms from a lightweight cream to a silky-smooth dissolving oil that removes makeup residue and impurities for delicately clean and healthier looking skin.
Hydrating Mist
Bad Habit Chill Out Adaptogen Hydrating Mist, £19, Morphe
This multi-tasking mist hydrates and helps calm stressed-out skin while a surge of hyaluronic acid delivers instant hydration.
Moisturiser
Skin Proud Sorbet Skin Everyday Jelly Moisturiser, £13.95, Boots
This sorbet-like gel moisturiser is a 4-part hyaluronic acid complex that delivers ultra-hydration and locks-in moisture for dewy, healthy and glowing skin.
Cooling Stick
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Stick, £21, Cult Beauty
The perfect remedy for puffy or parched skin, this cooling solid serum instantly boosts microcirculation and soothes thanks to a combination of caffeine and marine extracts.
Save when you shop for Gen Z skincare with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
SPF
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30, £30, Cult Beauty
This cult sun screen is loved by Gen Z for its non-greasy finish and zero white residue, meaning it's a must-have for all skin types and tones.
Face Cream
Elf Holy Hydration! Face Cream, £14, Feel Unique
With no time to waste, this product quickly absorbs into the skin, locking in and retaining moisture. Whilst leaving skin feeling soft, supple and soothed.
Scrub
Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub, £34, Cult Beauty
This enzyme instantly gathers grime and residual debris to visibly smooth your complexion without irritation. It’s formulated with papaya and pineapple extracts to fade pigmentation and maximise clarity.
Save when you shop for Gen Z skincare with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Serum
Peace Out Acne Serum, £31, Cult Beauty
This powerful serum is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, working as a daily blemish-busting treatment to tap out existing zits and preemptively hit the brakes on surfacing ones.
Mask
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore Tight Facial, £36, Cult Beauty
This mask is made with hyaluronic acid-infused whipped clay that hydrates as it purifies your pores without stripping your skin and leave it feeling dry or tight.
Save when you shop for Gen Z skincare with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Toning pads
Glow Hub Purify & Brighten Pore Rescue Lifesaver Toning Pads, £9, Beauty Bay
Fast and effective, these salicylic acid infused facial pads help to exfoliate dead skin cells that clog up pores and cause breakouts as well as regulate oil to prevent future spots forming.
Save when you shop for Gen Z skincare with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Acne patches
Squish Flower Power Acne Patches, £18, Beauty Bay
What better deterrent to spot picking than by accessorising your acne with these fun and quirky acne hydrocolloid patches that do the spot healing?
Mask
Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment Mask, £20, Space NK
Tackle acne quickly and efficiently with this fast-acting spot treatment. The overnight fix for that clearer skin confidence boost.
Save when you shop for Gen Z skincare with these Space NK discount codes.
Peel-off mask
Florence by Mills Mind Glowing Peel Off Mask, £18, Beauty Bay
This Millie Bobby Brown approved funky coloured iridescent peel off mask clarifies skin by drawing out all those grimey impurities.
Save when you shop for Gen Z skincare with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Night Cream
[link url="https://www.boots.com/soap-and-glory-cloud-of-dreams™-whipped-night-cream-10289278"" nofollow="true"]Soap & Glory Cloud of Dreams Whipped Night Cream, £14, Boots[/link]
This night cream is enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, ceramides, shea and cocoa butter to work hard overnight and ensure you wake up with heavenly hydrated skin.
Skincare Fridge
The Kindd Luxe Skincare Fridge, £135, Kind Skin
Ensure you get the maximum efficacy from your products with a skincare fridge, which keeps formulas at the perfect temperature as well as shielded from natural light, which can break down active ingredients.
Stickers
Dots for Spots, £5.99, Dots for Spots
An overnight fix for those pesky spots that are ready to pop. Suitable for all skin types, these stickers absorb impurities thanks to the hydrocolloid technology.
