What’s the TikTok Skincare Craze?

Lately, TikTok has been flooded with videos of tweens and teens showing off elaborate “get ready with me” skincare routines. These routines often include multiple products, can be costly, and may be harmful to young skin.

Are these routines actually beneficial for tweens and teens?

Not necessarily, here’s what we know:

• Many products include active ingredients that may not be suitable or safe for very young skin, such as retinoids, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and fragrances.
• These ingredients may cause irritation, sun sensitivity, and even allergic reactions.
• Notably, many of the products don’t include sunscreen, even though they may cause sun sensitivity.

How to Keep It Simple: A Healthy Tween and Teen Skincare Routine

• Gentle cleanser once or twice a day
• Fragrance-free moisturizer
• Daily broad-spectrum, mineral, fragrance-free sunscreen
• Skip the rest—serums, toners, anti-aging products, or acids are usually unnecessary and may harm sensitive teen skin

Tips for Parents and Kids

• Talk openly. Discuss what your tween or teen sees on TikTok and ask how it makes them feel.
• Review ingredient labels. Don’t be afraid to look up products together.
• Celebrate simplicity and balance. Healthy skincare isn’t expensive or complex.
• If you’re worried or struggling with specific skin concerns like acne, scars, or discoloring, talk to aboard-certified dermatologist.

Elaborate skincare routines aren’t just costly—they might cause real damage to young skin. Let’s encourage kids to treat skincare as self-care, not a vanity contest. A clean face, moisturizer, and sunscreen are all they need.