This week, I attended the 080 Barcelona Fashion event to see Guillermo Justicia, the rising star in Catalan fashion. He represents the new generation of designers—distinctive, original, realistic, and rebellious in his designs. I noticed many young people concerned about their image, heralding a genderless generation.
These new generations urgently need help; their emotions are palpable. Some are lost, while others are steadfast in their ideals. However, an obsessive concern for appearance permeated the atmosphere, leading to excessive care and worry. Naturally, the skin is the first garment we wear; it's what we see. Young models and influencers are deeply concerned with achieving perfect skin and appearance.
During adolescence—a time of discovery and transformation—many youths begin to explore the world of beauty and personal care. What starts as a healthy interest can evolve into an excessive concern known as "cometorexia."This term refers to an obsession with cosmetic products and skincare, which can sometimes lead to unwanted consequences like irritation or acne. I personally experienced this during my teenage years when I used my mother's anti-aging creams, thinking I would never age. This led to significant acne as my skin's natural balance was disrupted, causing overactive sebaceous glands, exacerbated by hormonal changes and teenage stress, making my acne difficult to manage.
What is Cometorexia?
Cometorexia is an obsessive concern with cosmetics and beauty products. Adolescents affected by this condition tend to use these products excessively, believing they need to fix nonexistent or minor imperfections, which can lead to skin problems and deeper issues with self-esteem and body image.
Causes of Cometorexia
The causes of cometorexia are multifaceted. They can include social and media pressure to achieve unrealistic beauty standards, influences from social media, and personal insecurities that are magnified during adolescence. Additionally, inadequate information about proper skin care contributes to young people making uninformed decisions about the products they use.
Addressing Cometorexia
The first step in addressing cometorexia is education. Adolescents need to receive proper information on how to care for their skin healthily. Parents and educators should encourage conversations about self-acceptance and real beauty, beyond filters and unrealistic expectations.
Basic Skincare Routine for Adolescents
For adolescents, less is more when it comes to skincare. A basic routine should include:
- Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
- Moisturizing: Apply a light moisturizer suitable for their skin type to keep it nourished.
- Sun Protection: Regardless of the season, sunscreen is essential to protect the skin from UV damage.
- Antioxidants: To counteract the effects of the current lifestyle.
Message for the New Generation
Dear young people, true beauty lies in accepting and caring for yourself with love and respect. Don't be swayed by the pressure to look a certain way. It's important to care for your skin, but doing so healthily is essential. Remember, each person is unique, and that uniqueness is what makes us special.
If you're confused about what products to use or how to care for your skin, or if concerns about your appearance are affecting you emotionally, don't hesitate to write to me.
Having personally experienced the consequences of not making the right decisions during my adolescence, which led me to study pharmacy and cosmetology to understand not only the skin but also mental and overall health, I'm here to help you navigate these challenges with empathy and knowledge.
Remember, the wisest person is not the one who never fails, but the one who has failed several times and had the courage to start again or learn the life lesson.
There is only one way to succeed: by taking action and overcoming obstacles, being persistent, and above all, believing in yourself more than anyone else.
Contact us for a personalized consultation, and let's embark together on a journey toward well-being and self-confidence.
Always remember: caring for yourself is loving yourself, and that includes our skin and our hearts.
Gemma Prudencio Pharmacist and Cosmetologist
Founder & CEO of Gems Beauty