Social media is currently flooded with young women expressing concerns that they appear older than their actual age. This anxiety has given rise to a new online existential crisis, popularly dubbed the ‘how old do I look?’ trend, which has taken TikTok by storm. The original video in this trend has garnered over 14 million views.
TikTok creator Chelsalay, whose real name is Chelsea, posted the video that sparked the trend. In her video, she asked viewers, “How old do I look?” and revealed that someone recently thought she was 36 years old. “And I’m not [36], I’m not even close,” Chelsea, who was 29 at the time, said.
The video, posted in late 2023, quickly gained traction, leading Chelsea to create a follow-up video in March 2024. By this time, the hashtag “how old do I look?” had amassed over a million posts. In her follow-up, Chelsea explained that her initial video was not flattering, with her hair pulled back, and noted, “I see a lot of Gen Z out here asking how old I look and it’s really trendy right now.”
Chelsea’s videos have received a mix of responses. While some commenters offered anti-aging advice, others reassured her, stating that “age is relative” and difficult to guess. One comment pointed out, “it’s definitely the smile lines,” while another affirmed, “there’s nothing wrong with looking 36.”
Dermatologist Dr. Shreya Andric weighed in on the issue, emphasizing that there is no rule about how one should look at any given age. “Skin quality can influence the perception of age, health, and youth,” she said. Dr. Andric defines good skin quality by its firmness, tone, surface evenness, and glow. She also shared her top three anti-aging skincare tips:
1. Wear SPF daily: Apply sunscreen every day and reapply if you’re outdoors.
2. Double cleanse at night: Use an oil cleanser first to remove sunscreen and makeup.
Ingredients like sunflower, macadamia, and avocado oil are beneficial.
3. Adapt your skincare with the seasons: Use more hydrating products in winter to maintain skin health.
Dr. Andric stressed the importance of focusing on skin quality rather than perceived age, advising a consistent skincare routine for the best results.
As this trend continues to grow, it reflects a broader cultural anxiety about aging among younger generations, driven by social media's relentless scrutiny. For more updates on this story and other lifestyle news, stay tuned to the New York Post.
