The Tween Skincare Trend: Expert Warnings on Social Media Routines & Product Risks
A new and concerning trend is emerging in the digital sphere: a growing **skincare obsession among preteen girls on social media**. This phenomenon is prompting urgent warnings from dermatologists and researchers, as new findings reveal that girls as young as seven years old are actively sharing elaborate skincare routines online, often incorporating products that experts caution are unsuitable for their delicate, developing skin.
Recent investigations into these tween skincare routines suggest that, far from being beneficial, these practices may be causing more harm than good—both to young skin and to parents’ financial well-being. The allure of viral trends and aesthetically pleasing packaging on platforms like TikTok is driving an unprecedented demand for adult-oriented skincare among a demographic for whom such products are largely unnecessary and potentially damaging.
To understand the scope of this issue, researchers from Northwestern University conducted a targeted study. They created TikTok accounts posing as 13-year-olds and meticulously reviewed 100 skincare videos uploaded by girls, some as young as seven. Their alarming findings indicate a significant problem: among the top 25 most-viewed videos, investigators discovered an average of **11 active ingredients known to potentially irritate adolescent skin**. These include common but potent ingredients like **citric acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid**, which are typically formulated for mature skin concerns such as acne, anti-aging, or hyperpigmentation, none of which are prevalent in preteen skin.
It’s important to note that while this study sheds critical light on the issue, its reliance on a relatively small sample of 100 TikTok videos, with ingredient analysis focused only on the 25 most-viewed products, means it doesn’t provide an exhaustive picture of everything users encounter on the app. Nevertheless, the findings serve as a strong cautionary tale.
Leading dermatologist and recognized tween skincare expert, **Dr. Brooke Jeffy**, emphatically states that most products designed for adults are not only unbeneficial for sensitive preteen skin but can actively cause harm. “Many of these skincare products deal with adult skin issues. So, age-related changes, like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dullness to the skin, which kids don’t have. So, when they use these products, it can really be harmful to their skin barrier,” Dr. Jeffy explains. Using harsh acids or potent anti-aging ingredients on young, healthy skin can strip its natural protective barrier, leading to irritation, redness, dryness, and even exacerbating future skin sensitivities.
Another critical oversight highlighted by the research is the lack of emphasis on fundamental skin health. Despite recommendations from authoritative bodies like the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which advocate for sunscreen use for all children over six months old, only a quarter of the reviewed videos even mentioned sunscreen. This suggests a dangerous prioritization of complex, adult-focused routines over essential sun protection, which is vital for long-term skin health and preventing future damage.
Beyond the potential dermatological risks, this trend is also taking a considerable toll on parents’ finances. The study found that these elaborate skincare regimens come with an average cost of **$168 per routine**. This substantial expenditure on often unnecessary and potentially harmful products represents a significant hit to household budgets, fueled by social media influence rather than genuine skin needs. Parents are encouraged to consult with pediatric dermatologists to determine appropriate and safe skincare routines for their preteen children, focusing on gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and most importantly, sun protection, rather than expensive and potentially irritating adult formulations.