What is Prejuvenation? | 22 Square Clinic
Have you ever noticed... why people in their early 20s are starting to visit aesthetic clinics?
Over the past 2–3 years, I’ve seen a clear increase in a specific group of patients: those aged around 20–25, or early Gen Z.
What’s interesting is that this group of patients still has “great skin.” They don’t have deep wrinkles or sagging yet, but they come to consult me with questions like this: “I want to start taking care of my skin before it gets ruined.” And this concept is called Prejuvenation.
What is Prejuvenation?
If I were to summarize it briefly:
Prejuvenation = Preventing aging before it happens.
This is different from the traditional concepts we are familiar with, such as:
- Anti-aging → Fixing problems when they start.
- Rejuvenation → Restoring the skin after problems have occurred.
But Prejuvenation means “taking care of your skin while it’s still good so it doesn’t deteriorate quickly.”
Why is Gen Z so into this?
1. Social media makes “aging” visible faster.
Nowadays, many people regularly share photos of themselves on social media platforms like Instagram, Meta, or TikTok. Some might worry whether the photos they post will expose their insecurities to others. Or for influencers who need to take special care of their appearance and figure, they might find it necessary to visit clinics regularly for beauty maintenance.
These patients start noticing things about themselves, such as:
- Fine lines when smiling.
- Under-eye areas looking tired.
- Pores becoming more visible.
Even though in the past, these might not even have been considered “problems.”
2. Knowledge is much more accessible.
In the past, BTX programs, laser treatments, or filler programs might have sounded distant or exclusive to older people. But now, information is everywhere, from doctors coming forward to educate the public about beauty and various programs, to influencers constantly updating their social media about self-care. These values encourage many people to start taking an interest in self-care and undergoing more aesthetic procedures.
3. Mindset shift → Focus on “Prevention.”
I feel that Gen Z views skin care similarly to health care. It’s like exercising before getting sick or controlling your diet before gaining weight. This group tends to think, “taking care of the skin before it gets ruined is better than fixing it after it’s ruined.”
4. Modern technology yields “natural-looking” results.
In the past, many people feared that BTX treatments would make their faces look stiff and unnatural, or that filler treatments would make their faces look overfilled and chubby. But today, with various beauty technologies developing higher efficiency and doctors’ techniques adapting to the times, people are increasingly interested in self-care. Furthermore, achieving natural results from these procedures has made people realize that aesthetic treatments are not as scary as they used to be.
When does our skin actually start to "age"?
Collagen in the skin decreases every year.
- It starts decreasing around the age of 25. A classic study by Shuster et al. (Br J Dermatol, 1975) found that collagen in the skin decreases by about 1% per year after our mid-20s. This means we are gradually aging without even realizing it.
Sunlight (UV rays) damages the skin daily.
- According to the work of Fisher et al. (J Invest Dermatol, 1997), UV rays stimulate enzymes called MMPs, which directly destroy collagen in the skin. This is why I always tell my patients, “Applying sunscreen is the most important thing.”
Facial expressions → Permanent wrinkles
- Smiling, frowning, and squinting initially create dynamic lines (wrinkles that only appear when moving the face). But if repeated and accumulated over the years, they can turn into static wrinkles (permanent wrinkles even when the face is at rest).
What can Prejuvenation do?
Skincare (The most important)
- For Gen Z who want to start taking care of themselves but don’t know where to begin, I recommend starting with skincare. The skincare product I emphasize the most is sunscreen. If you don’t apply sunscreen consistently, other procedures won’t be fully effective.
Aesthetic Procedures
- Using Botulinum Toxin in very small amounts to “reduce future wrinkles,” referencing Carruthers & Carruthers (Dermatol Surg, 2006), which is one of the studies discussing this concept.
Energy-based Devices Energy-based Devices
- Using skin-tightening devices to help slow down aging, such as Monopolar RF technology, HIFU technology, and laser programs that stimulate collagen while it’s not yet severely degraded.
Skin Quality Treatment Skin quality treatment
- Undergoing programs that stimulate collagen production, such as Skin boosters or Biostimulators like Sculptra or Profhilo programs. These focus on hydration, elasticity, and achieving healthier-looking skin.
What I want to warn you about (Very important)
No need to “do everything.
I’ve noticed some 20-year-olds going all out with BTX + Filler + Laser programs. Honestly, it’s completely unnecessary. It’s best to choose only the programs that suit your specific skin condition or those recommended by a doctor.
Prejuvenation is not “stopping time.”
This is crucial. We must correctly understand that we can slow down skin degradation, but we cannot stop aging.
Must be done with a doctor who truly understands the problem.
No matter the procedure, you should choose a skilled, experienced doctor who genuinely understands your issues. Because young faces might not have many problems, doing too much can ruin facial balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to start visiting an aesthetic clinic?
How is this concept different from typical Rejuvenation?
What are the essential basic skincare products for Prejuvenation?
If I don't undergo clinical procedures, can I do Prejuvenation on my own?
Message from Dr. Jib
“…I think Prejuvenation is not just a trend, but a shift in the beauty industry’s mindset.
From waiting for problems to arise before fixing them, to taking care of things while they are still good to delay the onset of problems.
For Gen Z, this isn’t just about beauty.
But it is a ‘long-term investment in the skin’…”
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