"Get ready with me" videos have become a staple on TikTok, captivating millions with influencers demonstrating their skincare routines. Recently, however, a concerning trend has emerged where young children, sometimes as young as seven, also participate in these videos, applying multiple skincare products to their still-developing skin. A recent study from Northwestern Medicine has highlighted the potential dangers associated with this trend, indicating that such practices may expose teens to the risk of lifelong skin allergies, particularly among young girls who are emulating these routines.
The research, published in Pediatrics, examined the dermatological and psychological implications of these popular beauty regimens. The study revealed that girls aged seven to eighteen typically use an average of six different skincare products daily, with some layering more than a dozen. Dr. Molly Hales, the study’s corresponding author and a dermatologist at Northwestern, expressed concern that the amount of time and focus these young girls devote to their skincare routines is problematic. Furthermore, the study indicated that the average cost for these routines stands at around $168 per month, with some expenses exceeding $500.
A significant finding of the study was that only 26% of these daytime skincare routines included sunscreen, which is crucial for protecting developing skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, the analysis pointed out that many top-viewed skincare videos featured a troubling average of 11 potentially irritating active ingredients. This combination of acids, retinoids, and fragrances can heighten the risk of allergic contact dermatitis, a condition that could impose lifelong restrictions on a person’s choice of soaps and cosmetics.
The study highlighted alarming examples, such as one video where a creator used ten separate products in just six minutes, ultimately leading to visible skin irritation. During the application, the creator expressed discomfort, emphasizing how problematic these routines can be. The research team also noted a pattern in the aesthetic messaging of these videos, suggesting an underlying preference for lighter skin tones and an emphasis on consumerism. This trend raises concerns about the health implications for young viewers and how challenging it is for parents and pediatricians to monitor the content children are exposed to.
Dr. Hales remarked on the unrealistic beauty standards these videos promote, noting the problematic intertwining of health ideals with norms of beauty, thinness, and whiteness. The study also indicates that while these routines are marketed under the guise of health, they often do not provide any genuine health benefits for impressionable children. Furthermore, the algorithms governing TikTok’s "For You" page make it nearly impossible for guardians to effectively monitor the exposure children have to these trends.
In conclusion, the findings from the Northwestern Medicine study, supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, raise critical questions about the influence of social media on young audiences. As the allure of skincare routines continues to capture attention, it is essential for caregivers to recognize the potential risks involved and scrutinize the messages being conveyed in these popular formats. Ultimately, the intersection of skincare, beauty standards, and social media creates a complex landscape that requires careful navigation to safeguard the well-being of younger generations.
