Teens and preteens look to social media for advice on nearly everything, including skin care. But some ideas that they’ve adopted from TikTok or YouTube aren’t always appropriate. 

Unusual Skin Care Viral Hacks

Teens may apply products on top of each other without knowing if they’ll interact. Using too many products or too many different ingredients may cause skin irritation.

They may leave products on the skin for too long, leading to irritation. Social media influencers can’t provide the professional guidance that dermatologists can.

Recently, some of my teen and preteen patients have tried skin care hacks like:

• “Slugging,” or covering the face with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to moisturize the skin. For people who are prone to acne, Vaseline may clog pores, increasing acne.
• Applying a mask of flaxseed mixed with water, believing it will act like Botox. It might moisturize or tighten skin, but it won’t cause any long-term changes.
• Using self-tanner (or bronzers) overnight to create contours on the face. This might cause irritation, because facial skin is more sensitive than other skin.

Some teen and preteen patients show me the laundry list of products they purchase. It’s mind-blowing how many beauty products they’re buying for themselves.

Lifestyle Habits That Harm the Skin

Some preteens and teens try lifestyle habits that aren’t even ideal for adults. These habits have direct effects on the skin, although they may not seem obvious:

• Smoking & Vaping. Smoking and vaping causes fine lines around the mouth and early aging of the skin. Smoking causes a greater loss of collagen and elastin, which make you look youthful.
• Alcohol. It’s a diuretic, so you lose a lot of hydration when you drink. Alcohol may contribute to a dull appearance and more fine lines in the short term.
• Tanning beds. They emit UVA radiation, the UV rays that go deeper into the skin. UVA rays cause skin cancer and photo aging (premature aging of the skin).

How to Limit Your Child’s Skin Care Routine

It’s fun for teens and preteens to use skin care products at home. But they’re buying things they don’t need that may damage their skin.

If your child adopts a skin care routine from social media:

• Explain which products aren’t needed. Anti-aging products like retinol or antioxidants can’t help young skin; it’s for older people. Tell your teen or preteen that products with these ingredients are wasting their money.
• Discourage them from using multiple products. Sometimes teens layer several products with drying ingredients together. This can lead to skin flaking, redness or irritation.
• Compare products together. There’s no needfor your child to spend their allowance on pricey skin care. Show them that cheaper products have the same ingredients as brand-name items.
• Save elaborate skin care routines for weekends. Your teen or preteen doesn’t need to use skin care products every day. Ask them to save skin care routines for weekends or for sleepovers with friends.
• See a dermatologist for rashes or dryness. When your child’s skin care regimen causes acne, dryness or redness, see a dermatologist. Dermatologists can prescribe or recommend products that won’t cause these problems.

Helpful Habits for Healthy Skin

Teens’ and preteens’ skin care routines shouldn’t be more elaborate than an adult’s. 

Here’s what I recommend for all patients, including teens and preteens:

• Wash your face. Everyone should be washing their face twice a day, starting from a young age. 
• Wear sunscreen. Use SPF 30 or higher, and reapply when you’re outside for a while.
• Use moisturizer. These products help to hydrate your skin at any age. The results are short-term, so you should apply moisturizer daily.
• Avoid products with fragrance. Fragrance commonly causes contact dermatitis or skin allergy for those with sensitive skin.
• See a dermatologist for acne help. Many teens experience dryness and irritation when they try to manage acne by themselves. Dermatologists provide advice about store-bought products, and they may prescribe stronger medication.

Next Steps & Resources:

Meet our source: Alexis Young, M.D.

To make an appointment with Dr. Young or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website. 

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.