A recent study by Northwestern Medicine raised alarms over the popular "Get Ready With Me" skincare videos on TikTok, cautioning that these practices may be detrimental to young girls' skin health. Only 26% of the daytime skincare regimens analyzed included sunscreen, which the authors called "a significant missed opportunity," according to the New York Post.

The study observed that some girls use more than a dozen facial products, while the majority use about six products daily, often from the same brand, with an average regimen cost of $168. This has sparked concerns about the financial burden on families, especially when some routines exceed $500.

A team of researchers from Northwestern University examined one hundred TikTok videos where girls aged 7 to 18 demonstrated their skincare routines. The content creators, predominantly young girls with clear skin and no visible imperfections, meticulously explained their multi-step regimens in videos that amassed millions of views.

"The risks associated with using these products, especially in young girls, far outweigh whatever marginal benefit you may get from using the active ingredients," said Dr. Molly Hales, the first author of the research from Northwestern University, as reported by De Morgen. Experts noted that the active ingredients in these skincare products can cause serious side effects, including skin allergies, sun sensitivity, and contact dermatitis.

In the most-watched videos, an average of 11 potentially irritating active ingredients were detected, with some containing up to 21. Among the 25 top-viewed videos, 76% contained at least one potential contact allergen, often fragrance, according to Women's Health. "The risk of allergy is most associated with fragrance," explained Dr. Tara Lagu, senior study author and adjunct professor at Northwestern Medicine's Feinberg School of Medicine. She added that many ingredients may cause sun sensitivity, noting, "Given that they're also not applying sunscreen, they could be setting themselves up for having a bad reaction to the sun."

The researchers emphasized that the high risk of irritation stems from using multiple active ingredients simultaneously and layering products containing the same active ingredients. "There's no need to put something like alpha-hydroxy acid on seven times," remarked Lagu.

The study also observed that the aesthetics and messaging of these viral videos often emphasized lighter, brighter skin, contributing to stigma around conditions like acne and eczema, and promoting aspirational beauty ideals associated with light skin tones. "It's problematic to show girls devoting this much time and attention to their skin," commented Hales, noting the societal pressures surrounding beauty and health.

Dermatologists recommend keeping skincare routines simple for young skin. "Young skin needs gentle care, not a 10-step routine," advised Dr. Hallie McDonald, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas, as reported by Real Simple. She recommended that a gentle cleanser, light moisturizer, and sunscreen are sufficient for a teen's skincare routine.

Financial implications are another concern, with researchers estimating that these girls spend an average of $168 on skincare products. Some routines involve products that together reach a final bill of $500. "When overused or layered, ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide can disrupt the skin barrier and trigger irritation or allergic reactions," pointed out McDonald.

The study noted the challenges parents face in monitoring their children's social media consumption. "Given how social media algorithms work, it's nearly impossible for parents or pediatricians to track exactly what children or adolescents are viewing," the researchers noted, according to Prensa Libre.

The researchers concluded that these skincare routines offer little to no health benefit and may even be potentially harmful. They cautioned that "the routines are not only exhausting but also expensive, useless, and potentially harmful," as stated by Adevarul. "While social media can be a place for playfulness and self-expression, young girls do not need complex skincare regimes," emphasized Hales.

Parents are encouraged to review their children's skincare practices. Lagu stressed the importance of avoiding scented products and ensuring that sunscreen is included in daytime routines. "If you're going to use a skincare regimen, make sure that one of the products you use is a sunscreen and apply it every day," she advised.

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