Study warns TikTok teen skin care routines are harmful

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Study claims they put teens at risk for a ‘lifelong skin allergy’

Are teens learning valuable skin care skills from TikTok — or is the app setting them up for serious, long-term skin problems? A new study from Northwestern Medicine,

published this week in the journal “Pediatrics,” reveals some alarming trends that should make parents pay attention.

The research team analyzed 100 TikTok videos and discovered that teen girls are using an average of six different products on their faces daily, with some applying more than a dozen products in a single routine. These routines cost an average of $168 per month, with some exceeding $500. But the price tag isn’t the real problem — it’s what these products could be doing to young skin.

Dr. Molly Hales, the study’s lead author and a board-certified dermatologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explained that the high risk of irritation comes “from both using multiple active ingredients at the same time, such as hydroxy acids, as well as applying the same active ingredient unknowingly over and over again when that active ingredient was found in three, four, five different products.” The top-viewed videos contained an average of 11 potentially irritating active ingredients, putting content creators at risk of developing skin irritation, sun sensitivity and allergic contact dermatitis — a condition that can permanently limit what soaps, shampoos and cosmetics a person can use for the rest of their life.

In this article: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion, Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 and Bubble Skincare Fresh Start Gel Cleanser

But even more troubling is that researchers found that only 26% of daytime skin care routines included sunscreen — arguably the most important skin care product for any age, but especially for young skin. Meanwhile, teens are slathering on multiple serums, acids and treatments that their skin doesn’t need and can’t handle. The study also noted “preferential, encoded racial language in some cases that really emphasized lighter, brighter skin,” along with “real associations between use of these regimens and consumerism.”

“It’s problematic to show girls devoting this much time and attention to their skin,” Dr. Hales said. “We’re setting a very high standard for these girls. The pursuit of health has become a kind of virtue in our society, but the ideal of ‘health’ is also very wrapped up in ideals of beauty, thinness and whiteness. The insidious thing about ‘skin care’ is that it claims to be about health.”

The reality is that teen skin doesn’t need complex, expensive routines. Dermatologists consistently recommend keeping things simple: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen are usually sufficient for most teens. Products containing retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid and multiple active ingredients can be too harsh for young skin and may cause more harm than good.

If your teen is interested in skin care, experts recommend focusing on gentle, age-appropriate products and consulting with a dermatologist before trying trending ingredients. The products below can help you get started.

Facial sunscreens for teens and tweens

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion

This broad-spectrum facial sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection with SPF 50 in a noncomedogenic, oil-free formula. The lightweight lotion contains vitamin E for moisturizing benefits and is made without octinoxate and oxybenzone, making it Hawaii reef-compliant.

Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50

This versatile sunscreen works for both face and body with broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection. The fast-absorbing formula is designed for sensitive skin and active days, offering water- and sweat-resistance for up to 80 minutes.

BYOMA SPF 50 Face Fluid

This ultra-lightweight facial sunscreen creates a luminous glow without leaving a white cast on any skin tone. The SPF 50 formula doubles as a moisturizer while strengthening the skin barrier with gentle ingredients.

Gentle cleansers for teens

Bubble Skincare Fresh Start Gel Cleanser

This gentle exfoliating face wash is specifically formulated for oily skin with polyhydroxy acid (PHA) for mild exfoliation. The gel cleanser contains soothing aloe vera juice, caffeine to reduce puffiness and spearmint extract for a refreshing feel.

The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm 5 Fl Oz/150ml

This nourishing cleansing balm effectively dissolves makeup while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. It also contains oat kernel oil to soothe and moisturize while removing impurities and makeup residue.

Cetaphil Face Wash, Hydrating Gentle Skin Cleanser for Dry to Normal Sensitive Skin, 20-oz

This fragrance-free, soap-free cleanser is specifically designed for dry to normal sensitive skin. The non-foaming formula gently cleanses without stripping natural oils or causing irritation.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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