They've been repeatedly berated by Boomers and Gen Z, but one surprising win for millennials is their youthful appearance.
As the eldest members of Generation Y approach their mid-40s, many people have been left baffled at how the group is ageing much more slowly than generations before - and after - them.
Healthier diets, better knowledge of skincare and improvement in make-up means those born between 1980 and 1995 appear more youthful than older generations did at the same age.
But surprisingly, the trend hasn't continued to Generation Z, (those born 1996 - 2012) who are ageing differently to those above them.
It's hard to believe Gen Z influencer Emma Chamberlain (left), at 22, is 12 years younger than millennial Taylor Swift, 34 (right)
Avril Lavigne, 39, (right), is old enough to be 19-year-old Millie Bobby Brown's (left) mother, but the pair could pass for the same age
Jack Harlow, 25, is a Gen Z superstar, but baby faced Thomas Brodie-Sangster (right) is 33
Amish Patel, award-winning aesthetics practitioner & skincare expert at Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic, added: 'We know that lifestyle choices also have an impact on the ageing process- vaping, smoking, drinking excess alcohol, eating a poor diet, not wearing a high SPF all affect your skin, so if you are starting to develop bad lifestyle choices from a younger age, it makes sense that you are not going to age well into your thirties and above. Developing good skin care habits is important, but these don't have to be overly complicated or expensive for Gen Zers.
'The exaggerated trend for overfilled cheeks and lips also distorts the face and masks the natural youthfulness you possess in your twenties. In fact, it can make you look a lot older than you actually are. '
Born in 1997, Kylie Jenner is on the cut off between millennial and Gen Z, but tweakments have left her looking the same age as her sister Kim Kardashian, who is 17 years older than her
Leading London aesthetic doctor, Dr Joney De Souza, added that growing up on social media adds to this effect.
While millennial are the first generation to have grown up online, Gen Z, has social media in their lives from childhood, adding to insecurities and seeing them seeking more treatments.
'They are having aesthetic treatments at an earlier age including dermal fillers and even plastic surgery which can often distort their appearance in order to achieve their unrealistic ambition to match their filtered ideals,' he added.
Billie Eilish is 21 while Sarah Hyland, 33, (right), is 12 years her senior
Lifestyle factors too are certainly at play.
While millennials, often dubbed the 'wellness generation' drink and smoke less than any other generations, Gen Z-ers vape more than any age group.
A scroll through TikTok will offer accounts from vendors advertising a selection of the 'bars' on offer, with the 'vapinguk' tag amassing some millions of views; peanuts compared with the three billions views under '#vaping' and 16.6 million under '#vapingtricks'.
Moreover, a report from Action On Smoking And Health (ASH) found that this year, 7 per cent of 11- 17-year-olds were users compared with 3.3 per cent in 2021 and 4.1 per cent in 2020.
Meanwhile, next month sees the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), set up to 'develop and promote the £1bn vaping industry', hosting a forum and awards dinner.
Both Sabrina Carpenter and Tiktok star Alix Earle are 22, but they look much older
Dr Glyn Estebanez of Prima Aesthetics, said: 'The Millennial generation is often associated with being health and wellbeing conscious, as well as being less likely to smoke and more likely to exercise than previous generations.
'These lifestyle factors all have a huge impact on our skin health, and therefore how we look.'
'Indeed, I've read that millennials eat more fresh and frozen vegetables than other generations, and buy more organic food.
'In addition to this, another study found that millennials spend more on skincare than any other generation. So it could be that they were one of the first generations to have the access and availability to better skincare products, and also the disposable income to afford them. This, coupled with healthy diets has a hugely positive impact on our skin health, and therefore looks.'
Filler and botox loved by Gen Z stars such as Molly-Mae, 24, are ageing them prematurely, while healthy lifestyles of millennials like Bianca Lawson, right, 44, keep them young
Quence Note: not ALL Gen Zers are aging poorly. For instance, I've never vaped or smoked cigarettes. I don't go tanning. I don't drink alcohol or coffee. I almost never wear makeup. And I eat a very healthy diet and I get plenty of exercise. The result? I often get mistaken for a much younger girl.
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