Non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as Botox and lip fillers, have long been popular, but recently, their demand has surged to unprecedented levels. Between 2019 and 2022, facial cosmetic procedures rose by 18%, with Botox injections alone skyrocketing by 73%. The primary driver of this growth? Generation Z. This cohort, having matured in the era of social media, is significantly influenced by digital editing and face filters, and they are increasingly invested in skincare and at-home treatments.
The Rise of Gen Z in Cosmetic Procedures
Data from CivicScience reveals that Gen Z leads the way in non-surgical cosmetic treatments. A striking 30% of U.S. adults aged 18-24 have undergone procedures like Botox and dermal fillers, more than doubling the 14% figure seen in the general population (Gen Pop). This figure represents a substantial increase from 8% in 2023. Additionally, 16% of Gen Z plan to try such treatments in the future, compared to just 9% of the general population.
Interestingly, while Gen Z shows high participation rates, they also express significant dissatisfaction, with 23% disliking their experience compared to 7% who liked it. Millennials follow as the second most interested group, with 17% of Americans aged 25-44 having tried these procedures and another 13% planning to do so. In contrast, adults aged 55 and older show the least interest in non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
Changing Perceptions and Future Trends
Gen Z not only participates more in these treatments but also perceives them as becoming mainstream. Sixty percent of Gen Z adults believe non-surgical treatments will be common in the near future, whereas the general population is more skeptical, with 54% considering these treatments to remain niche.
For both the general population and Gen Z, the primary motivation for undergoing non-surgical cosmetic treatments is to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Despite being less likely to have wrinkles, Gen Z is highly conscious of facial changes due to aging. They experience anxiety about aging, influenced by social media content promoting anti-aging products and AI filters that show aged versions of themselves on platforms like TikTok. Additionally, 26% of Gen Z who have undergone these procedures do so to enhance their self-image, slightly higher than the 24% average among the general population.
Health Concerns and Perceived Risks
The popularity of non-surgical cosmetic procedures also brings to light concerns about potential health risks. Short-term effects such as flu-like symptoms and long-term effects like muscle paralysis have been reported. CivicScience data shows that 51% of Americans aged 18-24 at least ‘somewhat’ agree that Botox injections could be risky, a lower percentage than the 59% in the general population. However, despite these concerns, Gen Z’s anxieties about aging and appearance seem to outweigh their health worries.
Conclusion
Botox and other non-surgical cosmetic treatments are increasingly shaping beauty standards for Gen Z. This generation’s engagement with these procedures reflects broader cultural shifts towards enhanced appearance and anti-aging measures driven by social media influences. As Gen Z continues to embrace these treatments, their perceptions and experiences will likely influence the future of cosmetic procedures, making them more mainstream and possibly reshaping societal beauty norms.
Despite the associated health risks, the desire for a youthful appearance and the pressure of social media may continue to drive the popularity of Botox among younger generations. As this trend evolves, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on both individual well-being and broader societal standards of beauty.
