Teens are immersing themselves in elaborate skincare routines inspired by TikTok, often applying multiple products daily in pursuit of beauty standards that prioritize flawless, lighter skin. However, recent research highlights the negative consequences of this digital trend, including skin irritation, allergies, and societal pressures surrounding race and beauty.

Teen Skincare Routines on TikTok

Teens on TikTok are increasingly engaging in complex skincare rituals, with some using over a dozen products on their faces. These products, which are heavily marketed to younger demographics, pose significant risks of skin irritation and allergies, according to a study by scientists at Northwestern Medicine.

The study, set to be published in the journal Pediatrics on June 9, reveals that the average daily skincare regimen for teenage girls costs around $168, with some routines exceeding $500. Alarmingly, only 26% of these routines include sunscreen, a crucial skincare product for all age groups, especially adolescents.

Potential Risks of TikTok Skincare Trends

The top-viewed TikTok videos feature an average of 11 potentially irritating active ingredients, putting content creators at risk of skin issues such as irritation, sun sensitivity, and allergic contact dermatitis. The overuse of multiple active ingredients and repeated application of the same ingredient across various products can lead to long-term skin problems.

For instance, a video analyzed in the study showed a content creator applying 10 products in just six minutes, resulting in visible skin reactions and discomfort. The study authors emphasize the dangers of these skincare routines, particularly the emphasis on achieving lighter skin tones and the promotion of consumerism.

Concerns and Consequences

The study concludes that these TikTok skincare videos offer little benefit to their intended audience of young viewers. Parents and healthcare providers struggle to monitor the content consumed by adolescents due to algorithmic challenges. Moreover, the focus on skincare perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and societal pressures on girls.

Research Methodology

Researchers created new TikTok accounts to analyze skincare videos targeted at teenagers. By compiling 100 unique videos, they identified the demographics of content creators, the number and types of products used, and the associated costs. Patch testing was conducted to assess the risk of allergic reactions to ingredients in these skincare products.

Supported by the National Institutes of Health, the study sheds light on the harmful effects of TikTok skincare trends on adolescent girls. The research team includes experts from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasizing the importance of addressing the negative impact of social media beauty trends on youth.