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More People Have Given These 33 Beauty Products 5-Star Reviews Than The Population Of My Hometown, So They Must Be Good

More People Have Given These 33 Beauty Products 5-Star Reviews Than The Population Of My Hometown, So They Must Be Good

Buzz Feed01-05-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Thousands of humans took time to give these top-tier buys glowing reviews. Act accordingly.
1. A cruelty-free under-eye brightener for effortlessly concealing dark circles since you haven't gotten enough sleep in *checks watch* about a decade. The color-adapting formula is creamy and lightweight, so you don't have to worry about unwanted creasing and cakiness, either.
Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Placeholder
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
2. A nongreasy hair wax stick to tame flyaways and smooth edges without weighing down your entire look with globs of gel. Feel free to apply the stick directly to your hair for mess-free application and all-day staying power.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Just a note that you don't have to lay your edges, but this is great if you do!
Promising review:"My hair is so frizzy during these humid summers, but this stick makes my ponytails look so slick and polished. I love it! Doesn't look greasy at all and no residue. I wish I'd known about this sooner." — JC
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in multipacks).
3. A hypoallergenic neck and chest Gold Bond cream so your skincare routine can now include a multitasking moisturizer that's designed to help firm up skin, visibly improving texture and elasticity.
Promising review:" Wish I had purchased this sooner. This lotion feels great on my skin, and I am starting to see an improvement on my neck. I will continue to purchase this item." — Patty
Get it from Amazon for $11.97.
4. Plus, a retinol body lotion jam-packed with dermatologist-recommended ingredients that promote skin cell turnover to target common complaints like wrinkles and rough, crepey texture. And that's on top of just being a nourishing, nongreasy moisturizer you can use allllllll over.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"INCREDIBLE BEAUTY PRODUCT!! Works like magic! I am 66 years old and after using this moisturizer for only four days, I have not needed to use foundation makeup. This Medix retinol cream is a serious game changer!" — Nancy C. Trussell
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in other formulas and multipacks).
5. An ultra-fine Jerome Alexander airbrush foundation if you're on the hunt for a full-coverage foundation that doesn't feel heavy or cakey and doesn't require a PhD in makeup to apply. Here it is!! All you need is one spray on the included applicator brush, and you might just start getting mistaken for a pro makeup artist. Especially since reviewers are comparing this formula to Dior's Airflash spray!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products.
Promising review: "Excellent Dior [alternative] at a fraction of the price! I was able to match my shade easily, and also came with a brush that was nice. Very pleased with the product." — Emily A. Freeman
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 12 shades).
6. A pack of multipurpose dermaplaning razors because that middle school eyebrow mishap has made face shaving and brow shaping feel like a daunting task. These teeny-tiny blades safely remove peach fuzz, exfoliate skin, and include a precision cover for worry-free eyebrow maintenance.
www.amazon.com
While you're at it, snag a hair identifier spray that makes every bit of peach fuzz easy to spot.
Promising review:" Took me a little while to figure out the right angle to use this effectively, but once I did, it worked like a charm. I've used it for shaping eyebrows and managing the little bit of blonde peach fuzz I have on my upper lip. I haven't tried it anywhere else, but no bad reactions or pain, and relatively easy to maneuver with a bit of practice." — Kelly G.
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $5.94.
7. A universal L'Oréal Paris BB Cream for banishing unwanted redness, no matter your skin tone, with results that rival products charging double. Plus, it leaves skin feeling super soft and smooth, so whether you wear it alone or plan to layer it up, your skin is prepped to look its best.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I'd yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green but has a gorgeous, lightweight finish of a tint that, indeed, covers my redness beautifully. There's no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It's super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn't settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don't need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." — Julie F.
Get it from Amazon for $9.77 (available in six styles).
8. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel so you can get your feet sandal season ready by quickly removing years' (I repeat, YEARS') worth of hard calluses without endless scraping and scrubbing. Loads of reviewers say results are even better than a salon pedi!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Just presoak your feet, apply the gel, let sit for 5–10 minutes, and rinse! It's recommended you go back in afterward with a foot file just to make sure no residue or dead skin is left behind.
Promising review:"I have the driest heels, and this is the ONLY product that has ever worked. Before I used this, my heels had some pretty deep cracks, and now they're almost baby-soft again. BUT please follow the directions. I left it on my super-dry, thick-callused heels for only three minutes, and the calluses were literally melting off! Wonderful product! So glad I don't have to go soak my feet in those tubs at the nail salon anymore." — Kiki
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three scents).
9. An *iconic* Clinique "Almost Lipstick" tinted lip balm — it's the perfect lip and cheek tint for when you need to pull your look together and you're already running late. The two shades work with seemingly every skin tone and outfit, feel lightweight, and are buildable for nailing a range of looks.
Amazon
BuzzFeed editor Emma Lord is certifiably obsessed:
"I was very adamant about not buying this for the longest time because I am stubborn about 'expensive' beauty products, but this is worth every penny and then some. It's so lightweight and layerable, it's foolproof to apply, and I have yet to wear a single outfit it doesn't complement??? I love watching it instantly elevate a casual look or add simple elegance to dressy ones. I wear it every day now, and after weeks of use, I've barely made a dent. Also, and maybe this is just me, but I tend to get pigment on my teeth with a lot of lip products, and I've simply never had an issue with this magic stick."
Anyway, watch this TikTok of someone using it on their lips AND cheeks. Warning: It's ~convincing~.
Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in two colors).
10. Or the E.l.f. Cosmetics melting lip balm in the shade "Ecstatic" to rival Clinique's viral " Black Honey" shade for significantly less moolah, delivering a gorgeous wash of color and a soft, hydrating feel.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have multiple that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn't get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." — Hamps5
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (also available in four other shades).
11. A nail-strengthening cream if you hate deciding between eye-popping manicure prices or sporting short, brittle nails that are constantly chipping. Fortunately, there's a third option! This non-greasy formula is packed with calcium, moisturizing oils, and vitamins to strengthen nails and condition cuticles.
Promising review:"My nails were in bad shape before I started using this product. I had one nail that would constantly split on the side, but not anymore. I saw the difference right away after using this product. The smell is great, good moisturizer for your cuticles, and wonderful ingredients. I definitely recommend it, and I will be purchasing another really soon." — Tasha Stewart
Get it from Amazon for $8.88+ (available in three scents).
12. A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen because traditional strips are tough to use, expensive, and can leave you with teeth sensitivity that is, in my professional opinion, NO fun. With this pen you can get instant results. And the best part? No lingering sensitivity.
Promising review:"I bought this on a whim when I saw someone review it on TikTok. After using it several times over the course of a week, I immediately noticed the difference in the color of my teeth. I'm a smoker and a heavy coffee drinker. I'm finding that this product will be a lifesaver in terms of what my smile looks like. I would definitely recommend!!" — Mully
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.95.
13. A rosemary mint hair-strengthening oil for treating your 'do to a rich blend of 30 essential oils and biotin. This lightweight scalp treatment may help nourish split ends and hair follicles, leading to sleeker styles and reduced breakage. Plus, reviewers say it smells DIVINE — an unnecessary but appreciated bonus.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " I started using this oil on my hair after watching TikToks about it. They did not lie. This product works great! I have been using it for about a month now, and I have nothing but good things to say. I like to lather it on my scalp and let it sit for a couple of hours before showering. This helps your hair to produce those natural oils, which makes your hair grow healthier. It has made my hair grow faster and stronger." — Alexis Jacobus
Get it from Amazon for $9.97.
14. A Briotech spray reviewers have used to soothe inflammation of all kinds, from angry piercings and acne to stubborn rashes and rosacea. It uses hypochlorous acid, an ingredient found naturally in our white blood cells, similar to the much pricier Tower 28 spray.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Note: This product has newer packaging that you might receive instead of the older bottle shown above!
Promising reviews: "I've been using this hypochlorous acid spray morning, night, and after the gym, and I'm honestly amazed by the results! Since I started using it, I haven't had any breakouts, and my skin feels so much clearer and calmer. It's gentle but effective, and I love how refreshing it feels. It's also great for post-workout, keeping my skin clean and refreshed after sweating. This has definitely become a staple in my skincare routine, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their skin's clarity and health!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in four sizes).
15. A Hero Cosmetics post-blemish rescue balm for after the big pop to soothe irritation before a long-lasting scar sets up shop on your face. Simply pat your pimple with this gentle, nonirritating formula to relieve dryness, calm angry redness, and help reduce hyperpigmentation.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" Works magic on my popped pimples. They fade faster, and I am less likely to get a red mark." — Kayla
Get it from Amazon for $12.88 (also available in a 50 ml size).
16. A stainless-steel skin spatula to release the crud stuck in your pores with the power of ~ultrasonic vibration~ that'll make it feel like you just left a pricy facial on any regular Tuesday.
Promising review:"I have very very deep blackheads to the point where you would think they are tiny freckles. I've tried all cleansers and then went with the blackhead suction tool and nothing helped. I used this thing ONE TIME and I can not believe the wonders that it has worked. Most of the blackheads were gone after 10 minutes of use. I also have very sensitive skin, but it didn't hurt or damage the skin whatsoever! I watched a YouTube review as I was doing it to make sure I was doing it correctly. Just buy it. I swear on this amazing creation!" — Kassi Miller
Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in three colors).
17. Some non-greasy L'Oréal Paris collagen moisturizer that's everything you'd expect from a luxury cream — hydrating, plumping, smoothing — except for one small detail...it's super affordable! Slather it on morning and night without worrying about clogged pores since it's suitable for alllll skin types
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this product. The texture is just like the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream. It is super rich but doesn't make the skin feel greasy. I have extremely sensitive/acne-prone skin, and this doesn't break me out at all. I have been using it for about two years now, and I will never stop using it. Super inexpensive and works wonders!" — Annika
Get it from Amazon for $11.49 (available in two sizes, and unscented or fragranced).
18. A pack of two dark spot corrector soap bars packed with all the skin-loving good stuff (vitamin C, turmeric, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and MORE) to help even out skin and diminish dark spots wherever they pop up.
Promising review:"So I initially started using another kojic acid soap to help with my hyperpigmentation due to shaving my face because I have PCOS and have developed hirsutism. I'm usually a 'full face of makeup at all times' kind of girl because of my insecurities, but this soap has given me a new confidence. I used it for the first time Saturday night and instantly saw the results of this soap. My skin looks so much more even." — Adrienne Jerkins
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99.
19. A hydrating Yerba Mate Wake Up eye gel so you can present to the world as fully alive instead of clinging to wakefulness and an iced latte. All you need is a pea-sized amount of product to treat sensitive under-eye skin to a heaping dose of antioxidants and caffeine that can help reduce puffiness.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Caffeine can brighten skin and temporarily minimize the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, if that's something you're looking for in a product. Read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic.
Promising reviews:"Saw this on TikTok and decided to give it a try since the price was amazing. OMG, buy it. I've always had dark circles under my eyes, and now fine lines and crow's-feet. While this doesn't completely eliminate my dark circles, the fine lines are really diminished. It wears extremely well under makeup and doesn't feel cakey, or like there's a ton of product on." — K.Grant
Get it from Amazon for $5.99.
20. A cruelty-free Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye eyeshadow primer, because after all that hard work spent perfecting your eye makeup, you should be able to enjoy it all day without smudging or creasing. If you're used to paying up for the Urban Decay primer potion, this heroic alternative is about to swoop in and save your wallet.
I'm among the many who have converted from Urban Decay's eye primer to this affordable potion. I've always had oily lids that make long-lasting eye makeup...a challenge, to put it mildly. Urban Decay was the only primer that worked for years, but the price always stung badly. After trying this and enjoying gloriously comparable results, I haven't even considered going back.
Promising review:"For years, I exclusively bought the Urban Decay eye primer. I wanted to find something cheaper and took a chance on this. I'm on my second bottle now, and it's been great." — KT and RL
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
21. A gentle pore-clearing cleansing oil that's so effective at removing makeup and other residue that reviewers say you can actually see bits of gunk leaving your pores. WILD. It's suitable for all skin types and is formulated with heartleaf extract to help you get that *glowy* glass skin look.
Promising review:"This product is GREAT!! I have struggled with blackheads since middle school — I'm now 44. I wasn't sure about washing my face with oil, but WOW!!! A fter just a few uses, my blackheads are almost nonexistent!!! Thank you soooo much for this product. I wish I had found it sooner!!! I wish I had taken a picture before to show my results, but honestly, nothing has ever worked, so I didn't have high hopes. But I'm telling you, this works!!!" — Mandrs
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
22. A cruelty-free Essence Lash Princess mascara if you're tired of getting excited about mascaras that never live up to their promises. This one is different — or at least according to the 265,000+ 5-star ratings.
Promising review: "I tried this mascara for the first time in 2020 after seeing it go viral on TikTok. It was too inexpensive not to try, right?!?! Well, let me just say how upset I was to find out this little inexpensive bottle outperformed EVERY expensive mascara I had ever bought. This is now the only stuff I use!" — Amanda Sims
For more info and review pics, check out BuzzFeed Editor Kayla Boyd's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review!
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown).
23. A cruelty-free, extreme hold eyebrow gel because midday fallen brows leave you crestfallen. All that fluffing work for nothing?! Try this non-sticky styler (transparent or tinted) for serious staying power that'll last up to 16 hours.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I would use hairspray to hold my eyebrows, and throughout the day, I would sweat through it, and it wouldn't last. I tried this because the price was great, and I'm glad I did. This product is awesome. I've had it on my brows for a nine-hour shift, and they are still in place! It doesn't dry and get flaky, nor does it feel uncomfortable on the skin. Lastly, I use brow powder, and this does NOT affect the look of the powder, nor does it smudge it. I will FOREVER buy this product." — Shelby
Get it from Amazon for $8.52+ (available in five shades).
24. A bottle of Lottabody's super fluffy mousse for a lightweight, set-and-forget option that'll help leave your air-dried curls looking less frizzy and more defined. Consider your lifelong quest for the perfect wash-and-go routine ~complete~.
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review:"First, let me start with the price. My favorite thing about this product is its price vs. its quality. Most times, we find a low or responsible-priced product...well, let's say you get what you pay for, so usually you're left disappointed, BUT this stuff is wonderful. The smell, the de-tangling ability it has, plus I love how soft my hair is and my curls. No stiff hair and, on the days I want a little more hold or crispness, I just mix some of my firmer hold mousse in with this in my hands before I apply it. Wish I knew bout this product sooner. Thanks, TikTok." — Angelia Taggarrt
Get it from Amazon for $3.98 (also available in a pack of two).
25. A volcanic stone face roller to instantly soak up excess face oil, even if you have makeup on! Unlike blotting papers, this roller is able to be washed and reused, reducing waste and saving you $$$.
Promising review:"I've been using this product for a couple of months now, and it is still working beautifully. I used to run through blotting papers like mad, but this roller has saved my wallet. I'm pretty oily, and still can use the roller maybe 20–25 times without washing it at all. LOVE!" — eden
Get it from Amazon for $9.96.
26. A stain-proof hairline powder so you can stretch out those root touch-up appointments or fill in thinning gaps without having to twist yourself into knots styling your hair to hide it. This compact includes a built-in mirror and precision puff applicator — like makeup for hair.
Promising review: "I was skeptical at first, but I'm so glad that I purchased this. I finally cut my hair short after losing so much hair and thinning. I have a lot of spots where you can see the hair thinning, but this has covered it all. I bought the dark brown, and I put it at the roots. I've been so self-conscious for years. Using this product is helping me so much." — Wendy
Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in 14 shades and two sizes).
27. A TikTok-beloved Bio-Collagen Real Deep mask that works the night shift so you can wake up to skin that's next-level bouncy and glowy. The mask turns transparent as its absorbed into the skin, and loads of reviewers mention visible results after just one treatment.
Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week.
Promising review: "Caught wind of this on TikTok and decided to give it a whirl. Honestly, it's pretty solid! It really makes my skin look tight and shiny like I just came out of a professional facial. It's an overnight mask, so yeah, it does have to stay on for a while, which is a bit of a hassle, but the payoff? Totally worth it. My skin feels more elastic, and the pores look minimized, too. If you don't mind the long wear time, this mask could be a game changer for your skincare routine!" — Nala
Get a set of four from Amazon for $19.
28. This Korean exfoliating mitt if you want on-demand smooth skin. Bonus points if you also love the delightful disgust that comes with seeing dead skin slough away right before your eyes.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I could tell these mitts were going to be exactly what I needed right out of the box. Excellent quality and easy to use! I've tried them twice already, and my skin is now incredibly smooth! After I scrubbed my arm, I looked at the mitt and saw it was covered with dead skin cells. I'll be buying more of these as gifts for girlfriends (in a fun spa gift basket)!" — Danielle
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in black and white and in multipacks).
29. Lumify eye drops because reviewers swear this OTC formula reduces redness in just one minute while fending it off for the next eight hours. Sure, you'd likely pay more for such quick results, but we're more than happy not to!
www.amazon.com
Learn more about different kinds of eye drops and what they can do at Cleveland Clinic. Note that eye drops can potentially mask symptoms of eye conditions, so you should talk to your eye doctor about what's right for you. And according to Mayo Clinic, you should avoid redness-reducing drops if you're looking for dry eye relief.
Check out a TikTok of the eye drops in action.
Get it from Amazon for $11.97.
30. A hypoallergenic Aveeno moisturizing body spray with oat and jojoba oil for when your time is short (always), but your skin still craves head-to-toe hydration. You can get on with your day quicker without making your dry skin suffer thanks to the easy, mess-free application.
Promising review: "I'm terrible about putting on lotion even though my skin is dry. I just hate it. But I love this stuff. It makes my skin feel great. Has a light, pleasant scen t. Spray it on and rub it in. So easy! I just apply when going to bed or at least when I don't have to put anything other than lounge clothes on right away. My skin looks and feels so much better, it makes me want to keep using it." — Slade
Get it from Amazon for $9.58.
31. An easy-to-use collagen-coating hair mask to revive your hair after a long, dry winter with an at-home treatment that'll make it look like your locks haven't undergone years of abuse at the hands of bleach and blow-dryers.
Read our Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment review to learn more about why my colleague calls it "the miracle product I've been searching for."
Promising review:"I have 4c hair and was looking for a protein treatment for my thin and fragile hair. I had recently used a product in my hair that had so much alcohol in it that it wreaked havoc on my hair, leaving it pretty damaged. I was skeptical about this product because I had never seen anyone with my hair type use it. Boy, was I wrong to doubt this product; it left my hair looking and feeling beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone natural or with curly hair." — Therese-Claire
Get it from Amazon for $7.60.
32. A hydrating lip-plumping gloss that'll have you doing a double take in the mirror. Are those my lips or Angelina Jolie's signature pout?! The set is complete with a minty sleeping mask, so you can give your lips the VIP treatment day and night.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
33. A vegan exfoliating body scrub for anyone who struggles with persistent KP. This buffs away bumps by combining the benefits of a chemical peel and microdermabrasion into one gentle, at-home treatment.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I bought this after discovering that my ingrown leg hairs weren't actually ingrown hairs, but KP. This product was very well reviewed, and although I avoid gritty scrubs because of my sensitive skin, I thought I'd give it a try. Wow. I haven't even finished the first tube, and I'm seeing some amazing results just using it twice a week. I am very impressed. This stuff really works. So happy to have beach-ready legs!" — Ghanimatrix
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes and three scents).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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Banning a hashtag seems like a step in the right direction, says Cynthia Vejar, PhD, the director and associate professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lebanon Valley College. "It shows that platforms are trying to take some responsibility for the kind of content they allow and promote. Removing this specific tag may minimize how easily users can engage with triggering or harmful content." Still, Vejar cautions that bans can backfire since there's a natural human tendency to be curious about what's off-limits. "Bans can unintentionally make something more appealing just because it's taboo. Especially online, internet users can code [their] language and create secret communities to sidestep bans.""A once-banned term gets replaced by another. It might be #fitspo this week and #almondmomcore the next. What [isn't changing] is the underlying value system—that thinness equals worth. Until that changes, the harmful messaging will keep popping up under different names."Even without #SkinnyTok, Vejar explains that they may use different spellings, new hashtags, or code words. Moreover, this ban scratches the surface of a much bigger issue: TikTok's algorithm doesn't rely on hashtags alone. According to Michele, if someone engages with body-centric content once, they're often fed more of it, whether the label is banned or not. So, teens may still be seeing harmful messaging about weight and body types. "Language evolves quickly in these online spaces," says Michele. "A once-banned term gets replaced by another. It might be #fitspo this week and #almondmomcore the next. What [isn't changing] is the underlying value system—that thinness equals worth. Until that changes, the harmful messaging will keep popping up under different names." Social media didn't invent body image issues, but it absolutely amplifies them, says Michele. "It can be especially dangerous when it reinforces a false sense of virtue, like when restrictive eating or compulsive exercise is framed as 'wellness' or 'discipline.' That kind of content is everywhere, and it gets disguised as empowerment." Disordered eating is also easy to disguise, says Alyson Curtis, LMHC, a licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders, binge eating, emotional eating, and body image concerns. "You've got young people, influencers, and [other people] promoting low-calorie 'WIEIAD' (what I eat in a day) videos, or boasting about losing X amount of weight in X amount of time, and the content all flies under the radar. " According to Curtis, this happens because the definition of disordered eating isn't widely established, creating an uphill battle for professionals to spread correct information. "We're up against industries that not only want, but need, a new generation of young [people] to become obsessed with how they look, with feeling inferior, so that they become lifetime buyers of their products." While most experts agree that the #SkinnyTok ban is a step in the right direction, they say much more needs to be done. To start, Michele says platforms like TikTok need to take more responsibility for the content their algorithms push. Once someone has viewed enough weight loss content, or #SkinnyTok posts, they will continue receiving those messages from similar content or hashtags. "We also need larger media and marketing to change," she says. "That includes more diverse body representation in movies and television and advertisements; better education on the biology of appetite and weight; and less emphasis on weight loss as the end-all-be-all overall." She also notes that eating disorders don't always look like extreme thinness. "Most disordered eating lives in people who appear normal or even healthy by societal standards, and they're often praised for it," she explains. Teachers and school administrators also need to have honest conversations about body image and mental health, and do more to educate young people about media literacy, says Vejar. "Media literacy should be included in the curriculum so kids can better understand how content is filtered and unrealistic." Curtis agrees. Children need to learn that some online content can be predatory, especially if it promotes thinness, disordered eating, and ultimately that they are not enough, she says. "If you're a young person and you have never been educated on the predatory nature of these practically immediately indoctrinated into a cultural value of—be pretty for us, be cool, be thin," she says. "Young people so badly want to be cool and to fit in. The initiation into this warped cultural value is essentially seamless." Vejar recommends having open, honest, judgment-free conversations with your kids. "Ask questions, but also listen, and be present and supportive." Focus on how your child feels, not how they look. Instead of saying, 'You look so skinny in that outfit,' try saying, 'You look happy,' or 'You seem confident today.' Here are some additional things you can do: Get professional help early if you suspect a problem. Therapists, dietitians, or healthcare providers who specialize in eating disorders can be crucial to your child's recovery, says Vejar. Model healthy behavior. Your kids notice if you obsess about weight or make negative body comments. "If they hear you criticizing your body or glorifying restraint, they're learning that message, too," says Michele. Educate yourself. Vejar suggests learning the warning signs and understanding the mental health side of disordered eating so you can get help and intervention when needed. Monitor social media. Be aware of what kind of content your child is exposed to online, suggests Vejar. Talk to them about what they are watching and how it makes them feel. Be curious but not controlling. According to Michele, eating behaviors are usually a symptom of something else, and the goal is to build trust so your child can let you in. Allow them to talk freely without judgment and help them find tools that will help them recover. Expose them to positive messages. Curtis says she recalls reading interviews with Kate Winslet when she was a teen battling an eating disorder. "Her sole voice, advocating for body diversity and acceptance, kept me from truly diving into an irrevocable descent with my eating."If you or a loved one are coping with an eating disorder, contact the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline for support at 1-800-931-2237 or text NEDA to the original article on Parents

Study Links TikTok Skincare Routines to Lifelong Skin Allergies and Other Risks
Study Links TikTok Skincare Routines to Lifelong Skin Allergies and Other Risks

Gizmodo

time9 hours ago

  • Gizmodo

Study Links TikTok Skincare Routines to Lifelong Skin Allergies and Other Risks

A search for the hashtag 'skincare' on TikTok turns up more than 35 million videos, but most follow the same formula. 'Get ready with me,' a beauty influencer coos before walking viewers through their routine, which often involves several steps and a slew of products. These videos are wildly popular, but new research suggests they may do more harm than good. In the first study of the risks and benefits of social media skincare routines—published today in the journal Pediatrics—Northwestern University researchers analyzed the regimens of TikTok creators aged seven to 18. The findings revealed that these girls use an average of six different products on their faces, and some use more than a dozen. The typical routine costs roughly $168 per month and includes 11 different active ingredients, which are chemicals designed to address a specific skin concern such as acne or aging. The creators of these videos are chasing flawless skin, and they want to help you find it too. But the reality is that layering this many active ingredients at once increases the risk of developing skin irritation, Sun sensitivity, and a skin allergy known as contact dermatitis, according to the researchers. Previous studies have shown that developing this allergy can limit the kinds of soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics you can use for the rest of your life. 'That high risk of irritation came from both using multiple active ingredients at the same time, such as hydroxy acids, as well as applying the same active ingredient unknowingly over and over again when that active ingredient was found in three, four, five different products,' said lead author Molly Hales, a postdoctoral research fellow and dermatologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, according to a university statement. For this study, Hales and a colleague each created a new TikTok account and reported themselves to be 13 years old. They gathered a sample of 100 unique skincare videos, then documented the demographics of the creators; the number and types of products used; and the total cost of each regimen. All but one of the 82 creators were girls with clear, light, blemish-free skin, according to the study. The researchers then created a list of each product's active and inactive ingredients and identified which were most likely to cause contact dermatitis. The 100 videos featured 260 distinct products. Among the 25 top-viewed videos, 76% contained at least one potential contact allergen—typically fragrance. But the most common ingredients were chemical exfoliants called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). The top videos contained three AHAs per regimen on average, with some featuring up to seven of these exfoliants. The most popular active ingredient, citric acid, was found in 29% of all products. AHAs can cause skin irritation and increase Sun sensitivity, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Because of this, it's important to use these ingredients in moderation and follow them with SPF to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Despite this, only 26% of videos about daytime skincare routines included sunscreen. 'The overall low rate of sunscreen use in the videos represents a significant missed opportunity, particularly for the youngest creators and users who do not yet need acne treatments, antiaging ingredients, or even topical emollients but would benefit from diligent sun protection,' the authors state. In one video, a 10-year-old with red hair and fair, freckled skin—which are markers of melanoma risk—applied eight different products, none of which contained SPF. Gizmodo reached out to TikTok for comment, but the company did not respond by the time of publication. A TikTok spokesperson told The Guardian, 'this type of content is common across all media, and the authors admit they did not assess its impact on teen wellbeing. However, they did find actual benefits to teen self-expression, parent-teen bonding, and building a supportive community on TikTok.' Still, the researchers concluded that these videos 'offer little to no benefit for the pediatric populations they are targeting.' The regimens are overly complicated, time consuming, expensive, and increase children's exposure to irritation, allergy, and sun damage, they say. What's more, the proliferation of skincare content has increased the stigma around acne, eczema, aging, and other skin conditions, Tess McPherson of the British Association of Dermatologists—who was not involved in the study—told The Guardian. 'Younger and younger children are seeking skincare products when they don't need them, they're not helpful,' she said. 'This is a very concerning statement on society and how we view how skin should look.'

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