The pandemic has dramatically transformed how young people perceive their skin. As noted by Guardian beauty expert Sali Hughes, extended periods of video conferencing during online classes forced teenagers to constantly confront their appearance on screen, fueling an unprecedented fixation with achieving “glass skin” – the viral beauty trend of perfectly smooth, translucent complexion.
Perhaps most troubling is the rise of child “skinfluencers” who are reshaping the beauty industry landscape. North West, the 11-year-old daughter of celebrities Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, leads this movement by promoting luxury skincare products costing upwards of £50 to her massive following of young fans. Major beauty brands have seized this opportunity, strategically targeting children’s insecurities through social media marketing.
The impact of Instagram filters has severely distorted teenagers’ perception of normal skin texture and appearance. Hughes warns parents to be vigilant about their children’s TikTok shop purchases and emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing product ingredients. This youth skincare boom represents a significant shift from previous generations’ simple concern about acne to an almost professional-level obsession with achieving perfect skin – at any cost.