Being a woman on the internet is discouraging. Social media feeds are full of flawless influencers promising viewers that we can look just like them if we buy more beauty products.
Although anti-aging tips have always been of interest to women, there has been a recent spike in “self care” videos focused on fighting time. So much so that some girls are practicing anti-aging “hacks” before they even reach adulthood.
Those skincare videos often show women partaking in intricate, expensive, time-consuming hygienic routines. Nighttime routines on TikTok are the most intricate, with women trying to counteract the sagging of skin during their time of rest.
TikTok skincare “experts” have alleged that sleeping on your side causes facial asymmetry through the drooping of skin and depression of collagen.
A TikTok user who goes by the handle of “Somnifix” posted a video in June with the caption, "Waking up in your 30s." Like a mummy escaping its tomb to film a "get ready with me" video, she begins with her face wrapped in various tight cloths and patches.
Cosmetic doctors have admitted that our faces do not become asymmetrical during sleep. Because people fidget around while asleep, it is unlikely that someone sleeps on one side of their face for long enough to make a difference in appearance.
Still, Somnifix's tape on her forehead and around her nose is meant to tighten the skin and prevent wrinkles. Tape over her mouth is to prevent smile lines. A chin strap to prevent the skin from sagging. A tummy control device to thin the waist.
All of which, unbeknownst to her, will make little difference in her permanent appearance and are a waste of time, money and comfortable sleep.
Transepidermal water loss, the expulsion of water from the body through the skin, is heightened during sleep. Additionally, the skin absorbs more topical treatments in the late hours of the night. For this reason, it is important to use some skincare products like moisturizers to improve skin health.
Other products help to solve specific problems like dark spots, acne, blackheads, and other issues which decrease self confidence. However, skincare companies mostly prey on insecurities to sell more ineffective products, especially to younger girls.
In January, a TikTok trend arose in which creators spoke about their experiences with young girls in makeup stores like Sephora. Parents and bystanders noted a pattern of preteen girls wanting high-end skincare and anti-aging products.
"Self-care" videos from influencers on TikTok often showcase skincare and makeup products, and girls wanting to appear older or more mature feel pressured to buy them.
Realistically, teens without dermatological conditions only need to wash, moisturize and apply sunscreen to their skin. Young skin is more sensitive, especially to active ingredients (i.e. salicylic acid, retinoids, etc.), and can be damaged by products meant for adult skin.
There are some anti-aging products, such as retinol, which are healthy and effective depending on age and skin type. Unfortunately, women are using anti-aging products with the unrealistic expectation that they can prevent skin from aging altogether.
Women have always been stigmatized by men and beauty companies about aging “gracefully” vs. naturally. It has been a common idea that women "lose value" as they age.
Older women are much less represented in media because they are viewed as undesirable, with 93.4% of primetime TV show characters being under the age of 65.
Additional data shows that men of all ages prefer women in their early 20s, while women are more likely to be attracted to men their age.
For these reasons, women view aging as a curse and will try any product that promises to create a youthful look.
Anti-aging skincare trends are dystopian. There is no real way, or reason, to stop the body from aging, yet women are still expected to do so. Realistically, taking all this stress out of aging would prove more effective in staying young
Kenzie Shuman is a sophomore studying Journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kenzie know by emailing her at ms667222@ohio.edu or messaging her on Instagram @zieshuman.
