Doctors caution against viral TikTok skincare routines for tweens

TAMPA, Fla. ( WFLA ) — Many young people are turning to TikTok and other social media sites to share their beauty and skincare routines. While most likely have the best intentions, doctors say many are giving bad advice.

“Ninety-nine percent of it are lay people without any real knowledge, certainly not medical knowledge, and there’s very few dermatologists on social media,” said Dr. Sharon Albers, a dermatologist with Tampa General Hospital.

While Albers says learning about skincare is important, she believes much of what kids are told online can do more harm than good.

Dermatologists say they’re seeing a rise in young girls, especially “tweens,” turning to unnecessary and complicated skincare routines that require multiple products. They say some of those products, which are often pushed by online influencers, are leading to problems.

“Irritation, allergic reaction, and also frustrated parents. They’re being dragged along to purchase all of these,” Albers said.

Experts stress they’re especially concerned about young people using “anti-aging” products or some medicated cremes, including anything containing retinol unless it’s prescribed by a doctor. Albers says many parents and their kids bring products with them to appointments to sort through what is necessary and what isn’t.

Doctors say when it comes to skincare, young kids should keep it simple and stick to the basics. They recommend as few a number of products as possible.

“A gentle cleanser and sunscreen are really all they need,” Albers said.

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