Teen skin-care routines promoted on TikTok may be more harmful than beneficial, according to a recent study conducted by scientists at Northwestern Medicine. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, focused on the potential risks and benefits of skin-care routines posted on social media by girls aged 7 to 18.
The research revealed that teenage girls are using an average of six different products on their faces, with some using more than a dozen products. These products, heavily marketed towards younger consumers, were found to carry a high risk of skin irritation and allergies. The cost of each teen’s daily skin-care regimen averages $168, with some routines costing over $500. Surprisingly, only 26% of daytime skin-care regimens included sunscreen, a crucial product for skin protection.
The top-viewed TikTok videos analyzed in the study contained an average of 11 potentially irritating active ingredients, putting content creators at risk of developing skin irritation, sun sensitivity, and allergic contact dermatitis. The study emphasized the dangers of using multiple active ingredients simultaneously and repeatedly applying the same active ingredient across multiple products.
One concerning example from the study was a video where the content creator applied 10 products on her face in just six minutes. As she applied the products, she experienced discomfort and burning, eventually developing a visible skin reaction. The study authors also noted that some videos promoted racial language that emphasized lighter skin tones and consumerism.
Additionally, the study found that these skin-care routines offer little to no benefit for the targeted pediatric population. The pursuit of “health” through extensive skin-care regimens can set unrealistic standards for young girls and perpetuate harmful beauty ideals. The authors warned that parents and pediatricians may struggle to monitor the content children are exposed to on social media platforms like TikTok.
To gather data for the study, researchers created a new TikTok account posing as a 13-year-old and collected information on content creators, products used, costs, and ingredients. The study highlighted ingredients with a high risk of inducing allergic contact dermatitis, which can limit the use of certain skin products in the future.
In conclusion, the study raised awareness about the potential risks associated with teen skin-care routines promoted on TikTok. It emphasized the importance of educating young individuals about safe and effective skin-care practices and the dangers of following trends that prioritize appearance over health. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals play a crucial role in guiding teenagers towards making informed choices regarding their skin health.
