🚨 Tween & Teen TikTok Skincare Craze: What Parents Need to Know

Social media's influence is reaching younger faces—literally. From TikTok “Get Ready With Me” routines to spend-ups on trendy skincare, kids as young as 7 are diving into complex beauty habits. But are these routines safe?

👧 Kids at the Cosmetic Counter

A new Northwestern University study analyzed 100 TikTok videos by creators aged 7–18 and found:

• The average skincare routine involved six products, sometimes more than a dozen

• Teens spent roughly $168/month, with some routines costing over $500 foodandwine.com+15yahoo.com+15thedailybeast.com+15parents.com+7news.northwestern.edu+7indiatimes.com+7news.northwestern.edu+4yahoo.com+4indiatimes.com+4

• In one viral clip, a young girl applied 10 products in six minutes—resulting in discomfort and visible skin reactions  nypost.com+2news.northwestern.edu+2indiatimes.com+2

  
  

🔍 Why It's Risky for Developing Skin

Dermatologists argue that this surge in early-age skincare is more harmful than helpful:

• Many products contain harsh actives—like acids and retinoids—not suitable for young or sensitive skin yahoo.com+13yahoo.com+13nypost.com+13

• Only ~26% of routines included sunscreen—an essential protection, especially during adolescent skin changes thedailybeast.com+2news.northwestern.edu+2nypost.com+2

• Frequent use of potent ingredients can cause irritation or lifelong allergies, limiting future product options yahoo.com+15thedailybeast.com+15nypost.com+15

  
  

🧠 The Pressure to Conform

The study also surfaces concerning psychological trends:

• These routines often prioritize lighter, brighter skin, echoing harmful beauty standards yahoo.com+15news.northwestern.edu+15nypost.com+15

• Overspending and long routines may stem from peer pressure and constant social media exposure 

• Early consumerism can embed unrealistic ideas of health and beauty in impressionable minds 

  
  

✅ What Dermatologists Recommend

To protect young skin and foster healthy habits, experts suggest:

Essential	Recommendation
Keep it simple	Stick to gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and daily sunscreen—no active actives
Limit actives	Use only one mild active (like lactic acid) and only with professional guidance
Avoid fragrance	Fragrances are a top cause of allergic reactions—opt for fragrance-free products foodandwine.com+15news.northwestern.edu+15indiatimes.com+15parents.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1foodandwine.com
Educate early	Teach that skincare is for support, not perfection; reinforce body positivity

🕒 The Bigger Picture

Parents can proactively support healthy routines by:

1. Discussing media messages, especially about skin tone and beauty pressures

2. Monitoring spending habits on skincare

3. Encouraging age-appropriate self-care, not adult regimens

4. Talking openly about body image and self-esteem

   
   

⚠️ Final Thoughts

Social media can introduce teens to skincare, but trends often miss the mark on safety and necessity for developing skin. The Northwestern study points to an urgent need for balance and awareness.

So before you hand a tween your serum, ask:

• Is this safe for my child’s age and skin type?

• Does it include sunscreen?

• Does it promote self-acceptance or perfection?

  
  

When in doubt, keep it simple, gentle, and positive—and let kids glow at their own pace. SkinAura's Circle Community provides a safe space for teens to learn about skincare and gain advice from skincare professionals and encourages bonding between mothers and daughters.