The Teen Skincare Craze and Its Impact on Mental Health

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In recent years, the skincare industry has exploded with products targeting teenagers. From influencers promoting 10-step routines on social media to a surge in new skincare brands aimed at younger demographics. But what’s driving this phenomenon, and how does it affect the mental health and self-image of teens?

The Rise of the Teen Skincare Market

The global skincare industry is worth billions, and teens are becoming a key demographic. According to Allied Market Research, the global skincare market is expected to reach $189.3 billion by 2026, with much of the growth driven by younger consumers. A survey by the Benchmarking Company found that 76 percent of parents with girls and 65 percent of parents with boys reported their 7- to 17-year-olds have a “skincare routine.” Teenagers are more aware than ever of skincare trends, thanks largely to social media platforms where influencers and celebrities share daily routines.

Several factors contribute to the rise of the teen skincare craze:

1. Social Media and Influencers

Teens are constantly exposed to flawless skin on social media. A study by Chae (2018) found that the pressure to conform to beauty standards increases the likelihood of engaging in skincare routines. Influencers promote products promising clear skin, driving teens to purchase them to achieve similar results.

2. Skincare as Self-Care

Skincare has increasingly been marketed as part of a larger "self-care" routine. A Mintel survey (2021) found that 58 percent of teens see skincare as an important form of self-care, with many turning to it to manage stress or boost their mood. During the pandemic, many teens used skincare to feel in control and reduce anxiety.

3. Concerns About Acne

Acne remains a major issue for teens, and the search for solutions is a big driver behind the skincare craze. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne affects up to 85 percent of people aged 12 to 24, pushing teens to invest in products that promise clear skin and psychological relief from acne-related embarrassment.

4. Normalization of Skincare

Skincare has evolved from a basic “wash your face” routine to a more complex regimen involving toners, serums, and masks. It’s now seen as a daily ritual and a way of life, with teens embracing it as essential to maintaining hygiene and appearance.

Psychological Implications of the Skincare Craze

While skincare can affect physical health positively, its psychological impact on teens deserves attention.

1. Body Image and Self-Esteem

Tiggemann and Slater (2014) found that exposure to idealized images on social media can negatively affect body image, particularly for young women. Clear, glowing skin has become a symbol of beauty and confidence, but when teens don’t meet these idealized standards—especially with acne—they may feel inadequate, which can lower self-worth. Skincare routines, often marketed as confidence-boosting, can have the opposite effect when teens don’t see immediate results or experience breakouts. The pressure to achieve “perfect” skin can worsen insecurities.

2. Perfectionism and Anxiety

The pursuit of perfect skin can fuel perfectionist tendencies. A study by Curran and Hill (2019) highlights the rise of “multidimensional perfectionism” among young people, driven by social pressures to meet unattainable standards. Teens may feel anxious about maintaining their skincare routine flawlessly, fearing visible skin issues if they don’t. Additionally, brands that market “flawless” skin create unrealistic expectations. Teens, still developing their identity, may feel as though they’re failing if their skin doesn’t match the airbrushed images they see online.

3. The Role of Peer Pressure

Peer pressure, both online and offline, significantly influences teens' skincare habits. A study by Vandenbosch and Eggermont (2016) found that peer pressure strongly impacts body image concerns and beauty behaviors. Teens observing friends or influencers with elaborate skincare routines may feel compelled to do the same to fit in.

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“Skincare FOMO” (fear of missing out) is also prevalent, as teens don’t want to miss out on trends. This can lead to compulsive purchasing or adopting routines that may not suit their skin, potentially causing harm.

Guiding Teens Toward Healthy Skincare Practices

Although social trends largely fuel the teen skincare craze, it's essential to help teens adopt a balanced approach. Parents, educators, and mental health professionals can help:

1. Focus on Education Over Marketing

Many marketed products aren’t suitable for teenage skin. Parents and professionals should encourage teens to learn about their skin type and consult dermatologists before trying new products. This ensures informed choices over marketing hype.

2. Emphasize Realistic Expectations

Teens need to understand that everyone’s skin is different, and there’s no such thing as “perfect” skin. Helping them focus on healthy skin rather than achieving unattainable beauty standards can reduce pressure and anxiety. Imperfections like acne are normal parts of the teenage experience.

3. Promote Skincare as Self-Care, Not a Chore

Reframing skincare as a form of self-care rather than just an appearance-focused routine can help teens view it in a healthier light. Research by Watson and colleagues (2014) found that self-compassion and self-care boost mental well-being; this can be particularly beneficial for teens with appearance pressures. Practices like mirror meditation (Well, 2022) can help teens shift their focus from appearance to self-compassion.

4. Discourage Excessive Product Use

Overloading on skincare products can do more harm than good. Dermatologists recommend keeping routines simple, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin. A less-is-more approach helps prevent irritation and teaches teens that skincare doesn’t require excessive effort or money.

Conclusion

The teen skincare craze reflects broader cultural shifts where social media, peer pressure, and self-care have created a focus on skincare among adolescents. While skincare can promote self-expression and self-care, psychological pressures accompany this trend. Parents, educators, and mental health professionals can help teens navigate the skincare craze with confidence and self-compassion by fostering education, realistic expectations, and a healthy self-care perspective.

Copyright 2024 Tara Well, Ph.D.