“We’re six minutes in now, and she or he’s utilized nearly ten merchandise.”
That’s how Dr. Molly Hales begins the video summary for her latest Pediatrics examine on TikTok skincare developments. The clip she’s referring to encompasses a younger lady layering product after product—acids, toners, serums—every promising glowier, cleaner, brighter pores and skin.
This baby isn’t an outlier. In a latest examine analyzing 100 viral TikTok skincare movies posted by customers aged 7 to 18, researchers at Northwestern Medication discovered that the typical routine featured six merchandise, value round $168, and garnered over 1.1 million views. Just one in 4 included sunscreens. Among the many high 25 most-viewed movies, regimens contained a median of 11—and as much as 21—doubtlessly irritating lively elements.
As an oncologist, I spend a lot of my time fascinated by learn how to defend individuals from long-term hurt. However you don’t must work in most cancers care to really feel unsettled by these findings. We now have a technology of kids participating in skincare rituals pushed not by dermatologic want, however by aesthetic beliefs—algorithm-fed, commercialized, and largely unregulated.
Layered elements, layered danger
The examine, revealed in Pediatrics, discovered that many regimens contained overlapping lively elements—together with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic and citric acid, and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) akin to salicylic acid. In some circumstances, the identical ingredient appeared in as much as six consecutive merchandise. One illustrative routine included ten completely different merchandise totaling $244, with repeated use of citric and lactic acids—all doubtlessly irritating when over-applied. Sunscreen, probably the most primary type of safety, was absent.
In a single video, the kid visibly developed a crimson, painful rash whereas filming. “If anybody is aware of learn how to get it to cease burning, that will be enormously appreciated,” she mentioned earlier than signing off. The regimens usually included elements that elevated solar sensitivity, disrupted the pores and skin barrier, and heightened the chance of allergic contact dermatitis.
However the dermatologic issues are solely a part of the issue.
Skincare disguised as well being
The authors famous that these movies usually promoted perfectionism and unattainable magnificence requirements—framed within the language of “well being.” Phrases like “porcelain,” “glass,” or “glowy” pores and skin have been widespread, carrying subtler implications round race and pores and skin tone. What makes the pattern particularly troublesome to observe is its algorithm-driven nature.
The researchers created new TikTok accounts set to age 13—the platform’s minimal—and used the “For You” web page to simulate a preteen’s viewing expertise. They didn’t seek for skincare content material; TikTok surfaced it. Meaning dad and mom, pediatricians, and academics could have little perception into what youngsters are watching—or how usually.
Whereas some movies confirmed skincare as a bonding ritual, notably in “mommy and me” codecs, the broader message was clear: extra is healthier. And youngsters are internalizing it.
We don’t but understand how a lot these routines are influencing dermatologic diagnoses or youth psychological well being. However the pattern displays one thing deeper: a rising discomfort amongst youngsters with merely having regular, unfiltered pores and skin.
A name for simplicity—and steering
Let’s be clear: Kids don’t want 10-step skincare routines. Most don’t want AHAs, retinoids, or exfoliating acids in any respect. And households don’t want $244 regimens promising “glow”—they want sincere, accessible steering grounded in science and ease.
These social media–pushed routines could look innocent, however their dangers far outweigh any beauty achieve. That’s the medical actuality. However it’s additionally a cultural one. At a time when youngsters are being offered grownup routines dressed up as wellness, we must be pushing again—with proof, readability, and a reminder that skincare doesn’t must sting to work.
Khushali S. Jhaveri is a hematologist-oncologist and assistant professor of drugs on the Indiana College College of Medication, with scientific affiliation on the Indiana College Simon Complete Most cancers Middle. She makes a speciality of lymphoma, specializing in T-cell participating therapies, outcomes in diffuse giant B-cell lymphoma, and the affect of sarcopenia on remedy response. A former chief fellow for communication and wellness at Moffitt Most cancers Middle, Dr. Jhaveri additionally writes extensively on the intersection of drugs and society. Her work has appeared in ASH Medical Information, together with the reflective piece “Redefining Dwelling, Embracing Resilience: Life as an Immigrant in Medication,” in addition to in Medscape, the place she explored evolving remedy paradigms in “Are We on the Brink of Redefining Follicular Lymphoma?” and addressed survivorship in “Price of Survival: How Therapy Selections Form Life After Most cancers.”
You possibly can observe her work at her web site or join through Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.
