Audrey Malo / The Globe and Mail / Face Value

Audrey Malo was commissioned by The Globe and Mail to illustrate a recent article by Bianca Thompson about Gen Z and skincare.

Skincare used to feel like a simple routine to cleanse, protect, and maintain healthy skin. But in this new era shaped by social media and overconsumption, it has become a status symbol. Skin is increasingly seen as a measure of discipline, wellness, and success, while influencer marketing blurs the line between what is genuinely beneficial and what is simply selling a dream. As fatigue sets in, younger people are beginning to question an industry built on unrealistic beauty standards, opting to buy less, simplify their routines, and become more comfortable in their own skin.

Art Director: Benjamin MacDonald