TikTok Skincare Videos Created by Teens Promote Expensive Products That May Irritate Skin, Offer ‘No Benefit’: Study

**Kids are Spending $168 a Month on TikTok Skincare Trends**

In a new study, it was discovered that skincare trends popularised on TikTok by kids as young as 7 years old could be detrimental to their skin. The research highlighted that these skincare routines, promoted in videos on the social media platform, are not only expensive but also contain ingredients that may cause irritation and allergic reactions. The average monthly cost of following these skincare trends was found to be a staggering $168, with little to no proven benefits for the targeted younger audience.

The study, published in Pediatrics, delved into the various skincare regimens showcased in TikTok videos that appeared on the “For You” page of the researchers’ disguised 13-year-old accounts. It was revealed that the products endorsed in these videos often lacked sunscreen, included potentially irritating ingredients, and were associated with risks of skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, and heightened sensitivity to the sun.

Although TikTok pointed out that such content is not unique to their platform and failed to assess its impact on the well-being of teens, they acknowledged the positive aspects of self-expression and community building. Despite the platform’s minimum age requirement of 13, the study identified content creators as young as 7, raising concerns about age-appropriate content and child safety protocols.

The skincare routines depicted in the videos were characterised by their complexity and costliness, with an average of 6 products and a monthly expenditure of $168 per regimen. Surprisingly, only a quarter of the products featured sunscreen, while the top 25 most-viewed videos included an average of 11 potentially irritating active ingredients, posing a significant risk of skin reactions and damage.

Dr. Molly Hales, a board-certified dermatologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the study’s corresponding author, highlighted the dangers of using multiple active ingredients simultaneously and unknowingly exposing the skin to repeated applications of the same irritating substances. The study emphasised the need for more awareness and caution when following viral skincare trends, especially among the younger demographic.

The study’s findings resonated with one mother who stumbled upon a $300 anti-aging cream in her 15-year-old daughter’s possession, prompting concerns about the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by these skincare trends. Dr. Hales expressed unease at the level of emphasis placed on skincare routines by young girls, citing the conflation of health ideals with beauty standards and the potential harmful impact on self-esteem and perceptions of well-being.

In conclusion, the research called into question the efficacy and safety of popular TikTok skincare trends, urging parents and teenagers to approach these regimens with caution and critical scrutiny. As societal pressures and beauty ideals intertwine with notions of health and self-care, it is essential to foster a balanced approach that prioritises genuine well-being over superficial skincare routines. By subscribing to trustworthy sources of information and seeking professional guidance, individuals can navigate the overwhelming landscape of beauty trends with confidence and discernment.