The popular trend of "skin care routines," focused on skin care, is gaining serious traction on social media, especially on TikTok. Not only is the number of such videos increasing, but what's even more concerning is that more and more children are creating them. What do we need to know about skin care routines, and are they appropriate during the teenage years?

What is a skin care routine?

Videos about skin care routines are a popular content genre on social media – influencers (and others) film clips in which they showcase their skin care methods and the steps of applying different cosmetic products while doing their makeup or cleansing their skin.

What do the statistics say?

According to a study conducted by experts, 31% of skin care-related content on social media is created by children under the age of 13, and the products used often contain potentially irritating active ingredients. Not only can these routines negatively affect the health of young people, but they also create a distorted perception of what beauty actually is. This is because posts are usually created by young influencers with flawless skin. The study found that the products promoted in these videos tend to have more negative than positive effects.

What should we know about these videos and the products used in them?

Typically, in these clips, girls wake up very early in the morning to have enough time for their skin care routine before school. While following such a routine can be a form of self-expression, it also carries risks for children’s skin – such as irritation, skin allergies, and increased sun sensitivity.

Experts have found that the products used in these videos:

  • Often contain potentially irritating active ingredients – most commonly citric acid;

  • Rarely include sunscreen in the daily routine;

  • Feature an average of 6 different products per video, indicating overconsumption, which is unnecessary and undesirable during teenage years.

Which skin care products should teens avoid and why?

Common active ingredients in skin care products include lactic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid – all chemical exfoliants known for their anti-aging effects. Experts state that these are not beneficial for adolescents who do not suffer from acne and certainly don’t have pigmentation spots or wrinkles yet. Using multiple hydroxy acids at once or layering them can cause irritation.

Retinol should also be used with caution and only under professional supervision, as it is a treatment for acne and is not suitable for all skin types.

Products containing fragrances or essential oils are also often recommended, but should be avoided as they can cause allergic reactions or long-term sensitivity.

Dermatologists report an increase in young patients who try out popular trends from social media without understanding the risks. It’s important for them to know that not all products promoted online are safe for their young skin.

Teenage skin doesn’t need complicated, multi-step routines. A gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizing cream, and daily sunscreen are entirely sufficient.

How do skin care videos create false beauty standards?

This type of content promotes a level of perfectionism that is unrealistic. For example, a 13- or 14-year-old girl might shame herself for having a “horrible” breakout after missing one skin care routine. She leans toward the camera to show viewers a single pimple on her chin. This can negatively affect other adolescents, leading them to blame themselves and their habits when their skin isn’t perfect.

Another downside of these videos is that they blur the line between healthy self-care and mere consumerism – girls feel like they must wake up at 5 a.m. to apply about 10 different products before school. This creates the impression that such routines are necessary to be healthy and take care of oneself.

What to do if your teen is interested in skin care trends?

For children under 13, it is recommended to limit access to social media. If your child shows interest in skin care and wants to buy products, you can allow:

  • A gentle cleanser,

  • A fragrance-free moisturizing cream to be applied at night,

  • And sunscreen for morning use.

It’s important to have open conversations with your teen about trends on social media. Ask what they like about the trend, what they’ve seen and heard, and how they expect it to affect their skin. Often, teens look to these routines not just for better skin, but for confidence and a sense of belonging.

It’s also important to discuss that not all advice online is safe or scientifically backed. Teens should know that overusing or layering multiple products can be harmful to their skin, regardless of how popular such practices are on social media.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether a certain product or routine is safe for your teen’s skin, it’s best to consult a professional – a dermatologist or cosmetologist – who can offer advice based on the child’s skin type, concerns, and age.