A recent study indicates that the skincare routines showcased by young TikTok influencers offer minimal benefits, and may even heighten the risk of skin irritation and allergies in children.
The research team notes a surge in young girls posting videos of intricate skincare regimens, which often feature moisturizers, toners, acne treatments, and anti-aging products.
In this pioneering study, researchers examined these TikTok videos and found that not only is the process complicated, but many girls rush to complete their routines, leading to practices that are costly, unnecessary, and potentially harmful.
“The hazards of utilizing these products, particularly among younger girls, greatly outweigh the minor benefits derived from active ingredients,” stated Dr. Molly Hales, the study’s lead author from Northwestern University.
Dr. Hales remarked that while social media can provide a platform for creativity and self-expression, young girls do not require such complicated routines.
“The risk arises when girls interpret this as an essential step for caring for their skin and safeguarding their health,” she warned.
“These products do not enhance skin health and are likely to degrade skin integrity over time.”
Instead, she suggests using a gentle cleanser once or twice daily and emphasizes that applying sunscreen suffices.
In the journal Paediatrics, Hales and her team describe how they set up two TikTok accounts for a 13-year-old, collecting a sample of 100 videos showcasing skincare routines created by young users.
They discovered that 81 of the 82 content creators were girls, aged between 7 and 18.
“Most of these creators displayed clear, healthy skin without visible blemishes,” the researchers observed, noting that the videos often alluded to beauty ideals linked to whiteness.
The study revealed an average of six products per skincare routine, typically from the same brand, with a total average cost of $168 (£124). However, factoring in additional products, the overall cost could exceed $500 (£369).
“Get Ready With Me” videos were the most prevalent, followed by “skincare routines” and “after-school” skincare clips.
The team found that many featured ingredients, like citric acid, could lead to skin irritation and heightened sun sensitivity, raising the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Only 26% of the 84 videos that included sunscreen featured it in their daytime routines.
Dr. Hales noted that using products with multiple active ingredients or layering identical actives could further elevate the risk of irritation.
The researchers found that 76% of the 25 most viewed videos featured at least one potential contact allergen, frequently in the form of fragrances.
Dr. Tess McPherson from the British Association of Dermatologists, who did not participate in the study, emphasized its importance, as it corroborates anecdotal evidence of a rise in young people seeking treatment for skin irritation.
“We are witnessing a significant increase in individuals desiring what they term perfect skin. This mindset is unproductive and fails to bring true happiness,” she commented.
Dr. McPherson further noted that many young people are requesting birthday money for costly skincare products.
Echoing the study’s findings, she pointed out that such videos perpetuate stigmas regarding conditions like acne and eczema, as well as fears surrounding aging.
“Younger children are seeking skincare items that they don’t need; these products are ineffective,” she remarked. “This reflects a troubling societal view of what one’s skin should ideally look like.”
A TikTok representative responded, stating: “This kind of content appears across all media, and while the author acknowledges not assessing the impact on teenage well-being, they recognize genuine benefits in teenage self-expression, parental bonding, and building a supportive TikTok community.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
