Sunderland Echo7 Feb 2026 17:36
Drone delivers Valentine’s confidence boost to Sunderland students
By Emma Turner
Contributor
Published 5th Feb 2026, 13:13 GMT
Updated 5th Feb 2026, 15:56 GMT
Students at the University of Sunderland were surprised this week when acne-fighting products were delivered from the sky in a Valentine’s-themed drone stunt, highlighting issues around confidence, dating, and skin health among young people.
The drone dropped skin supplements in a heart-shaped package close to the iconic Keel Crossing to Blossom Gill, 18, Rosie Foster, 19, Erin McKale, 19, and Morgan Taylor, 18, who are all Film Production students at the university.
According to the survey commissioned by Newcastle-based AxisBiotix, one third of Gen Z men and women in the North East (33%) admit to sleeping in makeup after dates or when staying over with a partner.
Gen Z LOVE Rosie (19), Blossom (18), Morgan (18), and Erin (19) receive AxisBiotix acne-fighting products from above as part of a high-flying Valentine’s Day stunt at Sunderland’s Keel Crossing
The main reasons for this are; they want to feel more confident (33%), they are ashamed about their acne or spots (23%) or they want their skin to appear more “glowy” (23%).
Half of the respondents in the North East (50%) also say they use filters or editing tools on dating apps, with confidence cited as the main reason (40%), followed by feeling self conscious about acne or spots (31%).
Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist at AxisBiotix, said: “Cleansing in the evening is an essential skincare step to remove pollution, excess oil and dead skin cells which can otherwise damage skin and block pores.”
Blossom Gill, 18, said the research reflected conversations she has with friends: “There’s definitely more pressure around Valentine’s and dating in general. A lot of people worry about their skin and how they look, especially when you’re meeting someone new or staying over.”
Despite this, the survey findings also point to a growing shift towards authenticity, with over a quarter of Gen Z women in the North East (27%) saying they prefer to wear minimal make-up on dates so their partner can ‘see the real me’.
https://www.sunderlandecho.com/your-world/drone-delivers-valentines-confidence-boost-to-sunderland-students-5505116
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