26 Beauty Products If Dry Skin Is The Bane Of Your Existence
1. An EOS 24-hour moisture body lotion that is so popular you'll be grateful you can snag it on Amazon because otherwise, you'd probably be battling someone in the body lotion aisle for the last bottle. This leaves your skin super hydrated without feeling greasy and will have you feeling *and* smelling good all day!
Listen to one user's glowing review on TikTok.
Promising review: " Better than TikTok said! OMRyan Gosling, this is an amazing lotion!!! Run, don't walk, and buy this lotion! The name is vanilla cashmere and that is exactly what this is! Love love love!" — DeeDra Billings
Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in six scents and multipacks).
2. O'Keeffe's Lip Repair so you can turn those dry, cracked lips into a smooch-worthy pout overnight. With so many lip products on the market these days, sometimes we forget about the tried and true (like this one!) that works wonders like no other.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "When I travel, my lips get so chapped! It's painful. I found this product when I searched for something for extremely chapped lips. I've used other O'Keeffe's products so I trusted the brand. I used this as directed in the morning and before bed and my lips healed up faster than ever. Also, on the next trip I went on, I took it with me and used it daily. My lips stayed healthy and didn't get chapped at all. This stuff is magic and I won't go anywhere without it now." — Anna C. Adams
Get it from Amazon for $8.46.
3. Aquaphor's Healing Balm Stick you can rub on your elbows, knees, and anywhere else that is lacking some hydration. Thanks to the avocado oil and shea butter formula, this will soothe your dry skin sorrows!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "RUN to buy this, I repeat… RUN. I bought one of these about two years ago, and it's STILL going strong. Aquaphor is amazing; we all know that. Buuut the convenience of having it in a tube is life-changing. It truly is as easy as one, two, three. It can easily be applied to anything you could possibly need. I've used it on brand new tattoos, dry/chapped skin (hands, feet, legs, lips etc.), and the edge of my hairline to protect my skin from hair dye!" — Tara Fossa
Get it from Amazon for $10.39.
4. Byoma's Hydrating Milky Toner that so many people swear by because it's a more affordable alternative to the Ilia Base Face Milk Toner. Thanks to the blend of ceramides and lipids, it'll help you achieve that glass-skin look you've been searching for. This helps reduce redness, lock in moisture, and it's great for sensitive skin.
Amazon
See how milky and smooth it is in this TikTok.
Promising review: "I got this as a new step in my skincare routine. This milky toner is perfect for hydrating the skin while leaving it with a slight shine that makes your skin look bright and clean! It's not heavy and absorbs quickly! It smells nice, too, which is a plus because a lot of products these days stink. If you are looking for a new milky toner, this is the one to try!!" — Amanda smart
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
5. The very popular Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel — you know the OG Neutrogena commercials where they beautifully splash water on their faces? Yeah, that pretty much sums up what you're getting with this bad boy. It contains hyaluronic acid to quench your dry skin's thirst for moisture.
www.amazon.com, www.instagram.com
Promising review: " This stuff is the ONLY moisturizer that works for my ultra dry face. I use this with the oil cleanser to get clean then add serum occasionally to this gel moisturizer and it works amazingly especially under makeup up it'll even make the makeup set nicely all day without rolling or going weird spotty creasy crepey or separating. I look dewy and I love it. I give 5 stars. ⭐️" — I hate scammers
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
6. Or their body gel cream if you already know all the hype about the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel face cream and you want the same moisturized, non-greasy feeling for your body. Soon enough, you'll be telling people, "Feel how soft my skin is!"
www.amazon.com
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review:"I have very dry sensitive skin and also have eczema, and this lotion is amazing. I found it on TikTok and decided to give it a try because it's hard to find good quality and affordable fragrance-free lotion. And let me tell you, this is some of the best lotion I have ever used. I'm currently on my fifth bottle. I have very dry skin, so it's hard to find a good moisturizing location that doesn't leave me feeling greasy. This lotion has never left me feeling greasy. It's very lightweight." — The Edick's
Get it from Amazon for $6.97+ (available in two sizes).
7. The Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment that everyone and their mom wants to get their hands on because of how wildly hydrating it is (thanks to the Scandinavian cloudberry oil). With this, your dry, cracked lips will definitely turn into soft, plump perfection!
Sephora
Promising review: "I'm the type of person that would never be caught DEAD spending $22 on a LIP BALM. But, I had a gift card and my lips have been cracking so I pulled the trigger. And let me tell you I WOULD PAY FULL PRICE FOR THIS WITH MY OWN MONEY TIME AND TIME AGAIN." — morgan1432
Promising review: "This is a great lip balm/treatment. It gives a hint of color, a nice gloss, so buttery, moisturizing, works perfect for dry, cracked lips. The scent smells SO yummy, and it is a [great] scent. Best I have ever tried, and I have tried hundreds. Can't be without this." — NavyVet71
Get it from Sephora for $22 (available in six styles).
8. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence — truly one of those "don't knock it 'til you try it" products. You probably didn't understand all the hype around this since, TBH, it sounds kinda weird, BUT this helps repair dark spots, hydrates dull skin, and rejuvenates a damaged skin barrier. Soon enough, you'll be trying to convince all your friends to add this to their skincare routine.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out how this TikToker uses it!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord has this and says, "I use this on my skin and definitely have noticed results! While it didn't help kick my stubborn pre-period hormonal acne, it has done *wonders* with reducing redness on my face, particularly around my nose, and in dealing with my pores. Since I started using it, my primer and foundation goes on a whole lot smoother, and I'm struggling a whole lot less to cover my pores. After using it a few weeks, I read the advice of one reviewer to put this on when your face is slightly moist from washing, rub it in, let it dry, and then put your moisturizer on top of it — I've found that it's what got me the best results!"
Promising review: "OK, I saw another influencer share this, and I've also loved the products she shares, so I grabbed some for myself. I put this on daily after a shower and love how it makes my skin feel. Tight and glowy. I immediately clicked "buy now," given the price and reviews, and I don't regret it! I use two pumps at a time, and it covers my entire face perfectly. Will definitely be using this for the foreseeable future." — Kylee
Get it from Amazon for $14.85.
9. A pack of Biodance overnight hydrogel masks to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and help smooth the appearance of wrinkles. It's got collagen, oligo-hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide (which is basically a recipe for great skin). Honestly, this might just be the secret behind those 'I woke up like this' selfies — because you'll wake up looking fresh, dewy, and seriously moisturized.
See it in action on TikTok.
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.
10. A bestselling Sol De Janeiro body cream that's infused with caffeine, which can brighten and temporarily reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite if that's something you're looking to do! It also contains guarana extract and coconut oil for firming and moisturizing.
www.amazon.com
Seriously, people are *obsessed* with how this stuff smells. Its warm gourmand fragrance has notes of salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla — yum!
Caffeine has a number of skincare benefits. You can read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "I am 60 and I could not get rid of the cellulite on my legs. I started using this product six weeks ago and can noticeably see a difference. I apply morning and evening, before bed for optimal results. It goes on smooth and has a creamy, nonsticky feel. The smell is dreamy, and even my husband has commented on the improvement. Make sure you apply in a circular motion for optimal coverage, absorption and circulation." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in two sizes).
11. Vanicream Daily Moisturizer — a lightweight face cream that doesn't contain any pore-clogging ingredients, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. It's formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for extra hydration, so you'll be sure to have supple skin from morning to night!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I've been using Vanicream Daily Cream every day, and it's a game-changer for dryness! The texture is just right and versatile across many seasons — not too heavy, not too light. It provides excellent hydration for my dry skin without feeling greasy. It's also a fantastic value for money and works wonders for anti-aging. I honestly can't live without this face cream now. Highly recommend!" — Ashley Cosmi
Get it from Amazon for $12.97.
12. La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5 Balm to give you baby soft skin... really, it's even safe for babies to use. This fragrance-free shea butter and glycerin formula gently hydrates and soothes irritated skin. One reviewer says it's "liquid gold," and I won't challenge them on that.
This TikToker says it was a game changer for helping heal their skin barrier.
Promising review:"I bought this as a recommendation from my dermatologist to apply on top of my tretinoin at night. I apply my tretinoin, moisturizer, and then this stuff on top, and my skin is GLOWINGGG when I wake up! I'd never used this brand before, but after using this product, I went and bought the cleanser + moisturizer, too lol. It's nice and thick, so it really holds all the moisture in your skin." — Cat
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (also available in a SPF version).
13. An Oak Essentials Moisture Rich Body Balm that will make you think you just fell into a tub of butter (literally and figuratively). This luxurious balm meltsssss into the skin and contains protective and hydrating sea buckthorn oil, making the skin feel super supple.
Oak Essentials
Promising review: "Healed my difficultly dry skin. This body balm was a game changer for my skin. Healed, moisturized and left my skin soft all day. Nothing else even came close." — Susan L.
14. An Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil, a must-have if you want to go the extra mile and add even more things to your "everything-shower" routine. This lightweight oil smells good and will have your skin glowing in no time without making you feel sticky or greasy.
Amazon
Promising review: " I've tried tons of moisturizers due to my dry skin and this by far is the best stuff I've put on my body. Because it's an oil based skincare, you should apply this while your skin is damp for better absorption. But this does seem fine applied on dry skin. I get out of a shower or bath, lightly dry off with towel while leaving some moisture on my body, then apply this all over my body. It leaves me skin so supple and buoyant. The smell is also very light and great." — Jenny L.
Get it from Amazon for $52 (also available in a mini size).
15. Eqqualberry Swimming Pool Toner so you can feel like you just took a dip at the pool. If you have sensitive skin that can't handle acids like BHAs or AHAs, this contains protease (a naturally derived enzyme), which is less harsh than traditional chemical exfoliants. It'll gently exfoliate and unclog pores to reveal a smoother complexion over time.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I've tried every other chemical exfoliating ingredient like AHA, BHA, glycolic acid, blah blah. This toner has protease, which is an ultra gentle chemical exfoliant and it makes my skin so smooth and clean. I use it twice a day. It has a great, decadent texture. No scent, which is always a plus" — Juhyuk
Get it from Amazon for $18.99.
16. An Ouai Body Créme, made with cupuaçu butter, coconut oil and squalane... basically a triple threat of ingredients for moisturized skin. Plus, it comes in their famous St. Barts fragrance that everyone raves about.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Exactly as described ! This was the PERFECT cream. I typically have dry skin and live in a state that has less humidity so this was perfect! Def worth the splurge. I got the scent St Barts and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. If you are going for the clean girl, classy scent this is it!!" — Clare Mazina
Get it from Amazon for $38 (also available in two other scents).
17. L'Occitane's fast-absorbing shea butter hand cream for those of you who need a little helping hand to get some moisture into your life. With 20% shea butter, this hand cream will have you rubbing your hands together like a villain — because you just beat out dry, cracked skin for good.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This hand cream smells wonderful. Aside from that, it is very hydrating to the skin. I've been on the hunt for a quality cream that can rehydrate my hands, as I work in a hospital and am washing my hands constantly. This fits perfectly into my pocket during a shift which inspires me to actually use it! Definitely worth the money for this one!" — Alyssa
Get it from Amazon for $30 (also available in a travel size).
18. A Dr. Scholl's glass foot file that might just have you clicking your heels together because of how smooth it'll leave the bottom of your feet. You can use this on dry or wet skin — either way, you'll be amazed at the results!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This. I'd rate it 1,000/10 if I could. I'm six months pregnant and have had super dry skin my entire pregnancy, including my feet. I swiped it over my heel twice, and it was completely smooth. It instantly removed the rough skin from my heel, no exaggeration. I'm honestly shocked at how affordable this product is." — Aryeona Poe
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
19. An Olay Super Serum packed with niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptide, AHA, AND vitamin E *whew.* This absorbs into the skin like no other and leaves you with nourished skin for days, all without feeling sticky!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"It is silky and smooth (not greasy) my skin in about a week hasn't been dry and it's balancing and brightening my skin. Age/sun spots are half the darkness. 40 feels like the new 20 with this product! I have been using the (advanced snail 92 all in one cream) moisturizer. My skin has a glow, a little firmer, rosacea almost unnoticeable. But it got rid of the constant dry texture. Makeup feels smoother." — Emily
Get it from Amazon for $29.94+ (available in two sizes).
20. A tried and true Tree Hut exfoliator that's a staple in SO many people's shower routines. Once you get a tub of this, you'll understand why. This vegan and paraben-free formula has a long-lasting scent and deeply exfoliates the skin to make you feel smooth and nourished.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "You simply will NOT believe how smooth and soft your skin is after just one use. Right out of the shower, your skin is transformed to near perfection! I'm still in awe! With regular use, your skin becomes clear, and all those dark spots and 'strawberry legs' disappear. I've tried dozens of body scrubs, and this one is hands down the best." — LadyLoLinda
Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in 27 scents).
21. A bottle of cuticle oil so you can treat the dry skin around your nail beds. It can also help prevent getting hangnails (that Hurt. So. Much.) help heal damaged nails, and can promote nail growth. This reviewer said her nail salon literally uses it and recommended it for her to use at home!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Love the scent, very moisturizing and also love the bottle design. It has a little slanted cutaway in the design where the bottle can rest at a slant — it reminds me of a salon-like style. Nice little surprise and perk there, not sure if that helps with anything except being aesthetically pleasing :) Really pleased with this, it doesn't take much so it will last a really long time with the amount. Will definitely buy again, may even try the almond one. Will probably last for years, there is a lot here." — Kozzy
Get it from Amazon for $7.57+ (available in 11 scents).
22. The Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream that has no business being this good! It leaves your skin feeling ridiculously luxurious, so you'll have no trouble justifying the splurge on this holy grail product. Its special ingredient is antioxidant-packed Japanese purple rice which will leave you looking oh-so-moisturized.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I'm one picky B**** when it comes to face creams. I'm a dialysis patient which makes my skin very dry and dull. This came first in an Ipsy bag as a sample, and from that day I was hooked. I feel like my face is more even, and the fine lines are less noticeable and I have a dewy glow that I love. This stuff is so luxurious feeling, almost gel-like for a cream, and I can describe my face as plump and nourished. If you're looking for something to make it easy to blend your makeup, this is it. It's not sticky or too thick." — UnfinishedSweet
Get it from Amazon for $72.
23. O'Keeffe's Working Hands hand cream — ~hands down~ one of the best things you can buy for your dry, cracked skin. Construction workers and nurses swear by this stuff, and so do the 60,000+ people who left 5-star reviews!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "If you're trying to decide whether or not you want to spend the money on this, I'd say 100% do it! Through the months my husband has done nothing but complain about the health of his hands. With this, all I hear is 'feel my hands, don't they feel so much better?' Hands down my best purchase for him. He works as an engineer on a tug boat, so you could only imagine how rough his hands were before use! I so wish I had before and after pictures for you to see." — Mikayla Baker
Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in two sizes and multipacks).
24. The viral L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil that one reviewer says has a "permanent spot" in their shower routine. This has an oil-to-milky lather and acts as a great base for shaving!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love this product. I buy this every year as Christmas presents to friends and family. No more itchy dry winter skin. Smells fantastic and is luxurious addition to winter baths! Recommended for everyone. A must have for winter skin." — Andrea
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes).
25. A Dermasuri exfoliating mitt you'll be able to see immediate results with, because dead skin will just clump up and roll right off your arms and legs as you use it. Reviewers have said that this helps with keratosis pilaris (those annoying little red bumps) and is a miracle for achieving smoother skin.
And there's even a smaller, face-specific mitt to help gently exfoliate the skin on your face.
Promising review: "These exfoliating mitts could not work better. They are incredible at removing every inch of dead, dry skin, leaving behind only baby-soft skin that is smooooother than smooth and that absorbs skincare and lotions so much better. I don't know what kind of sorcery this is, but they're perfect." — BAMA
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (also available in a two-pack).
26. Naturium's Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter so you can smother your body with all-over hydration. This rich formula has a blend of linoleic-rich botanical oils, shea butter, glycerin, squalane, AND plant-based peptides. Add this to your cart and glow get 'em, tiger!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I absolutely love The Glow Getter Oil Body Butter. This Body Butter is so smooth and has a great soft distinctive scent. It glides on my skin so smooth and the moisturization is long lasting. The title of the body butter is exactly how you and your skin will be after using. Amazing product! Will have your glowing and feeling soft and buttery." — AF
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
Me to my boyfriend after I take my everything shower with the L'Occitane shower oil and finish it off with the Ouai body cream:
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- Health Line
TikTok Beauty Routines May Cause Skin Allergies and Irritation, Study Finds
New research shows the potential health harms of TikTok skin care videos touting 'lighter, brighter skin' marketed toward young girls ages 7 to 18. Many products analyzed contain harsh active ingredients, which may lead to skin irritation and chronic skin allergies. The findings show young content creators using an average of six skin care products costing $168 to $500 or more per regimen, with just 26% of regimens involving sunscreen use. Experts warn that unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media send harmful messages to young girls. The 'Get Ready With Me' (#GRWM) trend on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram is wildly popular among pre-teen and adolescent girls. In these videos, young content creators demonstrate their skin care and makeup routines for captive audiences to absorb tips and tricks like a sponge. As with many social media trends perpetuated by algorithms catering to the interests of young, vulnerable minds, some #GRWM hacks may do more harm than good. In a first-of-its-kind study, Northwestern Medicine researchers examined the potential risks associated with skin care routines shared on TikTok by teenage girls. To do this, researchers created two undercover TikTok profiles, each claiming to be 13 years old. After analyzing 100 unique videos generated in their 'For You' tab based on their reported interests, the researchers determined that young girls ages 7 to 18 use an average of six different skin care products on their faces. Some girls, they found, use more than a dozen products in their routines. According to the researchers, the skin care products included in the analysis were marketed toward younger audiences. The products are also expensive, averaging around $168 per monthly regimen and as high as $500 or more. Using the Pediatric Baseline Series patch test, the researchers also found that the most-viewed videos had an average of 11 active ingredients known to raise the risk of skin allergy and irritation. The videos also emphasized 'lighter and brighter skin,' and only 26% mentioned sunscreen use. TikTok's platform is intended for users ages 13 and older, but the study suggests some content creators may have been as young as 7. The researchers told Healthline that some influencers disclosed their age in their videos. For those who didn't, ages were determined based on content shared in the video that may pertain to their age, such as a birthday or another event (i.e., 'GRWM for the first day of 6th grade!') and any relevant hashtag (#highschool or #freshman). The researchers did not examine skin care routines on other social media platforms, which warrants further study. The authors also acknowledge the limited sample size, and the mental health implications were not evaluated, only inferred. 'This type of content is common across all media, and the authors admit they did not assess its impact on teen well-being. However, they did find actual benefits to teen self-expression, parent-teen bonding, and building a supportive community on TikTok,' a TikTok spokesperson told Healthline by email. Still, experts say the findings, published on June 9 in the journal Pediatrics, are concerning and outweigh any positive benefits. 'As a dermatologist and a mom of four, I was concerned about the kinds of messages that young teens are getting about skin and skin care on social media,' said corresponding author Molly Hales, MD, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow and board certified dermatologist in the department of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. 'The only product I regularly recommend for kids without specific skin problems is sunscreen. Worse, it seemed like teens were starting to think that they needed to use tons of products for their skin to be healthy,' Hales told Healthline. Skin care content linked to allergies, sensitivities The researchers collected TikTok skin care videos between April 1 and May 15, 2024. They found that the high risk of skin irritation and allergy was linked to content creators using multiple active ingredients simultaneously. Active ingredients like hydroxy acids may be especially harmful to young, developing skin and may cause allergic contact dermatitis, a reaction which could lead to long-term skin sensitivities. ' The skin care products and regimens being used in the videos have dermatologic risks (irritation, allergy, and sun sensitivity), and set an unrealistic standard of beauty that is promoted as 'health,'' Hales said. Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, board certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, cited several reasons for young people to avoid using products with certain active ingredients (Ganjian wasn't involved in the study): Delicate skin barrier: Young skin is more delicate and has a less developed barrier compared to adult skin, making it more susceptible to irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. Harsh ingredients can disrupt this barrier, leading to increased sensitivity. Higher risk of sensitization: Repeated exposure to irritating ingredients at a young age can lead to sensitization. This means the immune system becomes 'trained' to react to these substances, leading to chronic skin allergies (allergic contact dermatitis) that can persist into adulthood. Long-term skin issues: Early exposure to harsh chemicals can lead to long-term skin problems beyond immediate allergies, such as chronic inflammation, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier, making skin more prone to other issues like acne or eczema. Signs of allergic reaction Ganjian told Healthline that chronic skin allergies caused by skin care products may range in severity, but in some cases, can be serious. Common symptoms of a reaction may include: Itching: Often intense and persistent. Redness (Erythema): The affected skin becomes noticeably red. Rash: Can appear as flat, raised, bumpy, or scaly patches. Swelling: Especially common on the face, lips, and eyelids. Dry, flaky, or scaly skin: The skin may become dry, cracked, or peel. Hives: Raised, itchy, red welts. Blisters: Small, fluid-filled bumps that may break open and ooze. Burning or stinging sensation: Discomfort in the affected area. Thickened skin (lichenification): In chronic cases, repeated scratching can lead to thickened, leathery skin. 'In severe cases, allergic reactions can impact a person's quality of life significantly, leading to discomfort, sleep disturbances, and self-consciousness,' Ganjian said. 'While rare for topical products, extremely severe reactions like anaphylaxis (a life threatening whole-body allergic reaction) are possible with some allergens, though this is more commonly associated with food or insect stings.' Beauty content emphasizes 'lighter, brighter skin' Many of the TikTok videos analyzed by the researchers emphasized 'lighter, brighter skin' as a picture of health. In one video, an influencer applied 10 products to her face in just six minutes to achieve this effect. 'As she's applying the products, she begins to express discomfort and burning, and in the final few minutes, she develops a visible skin reaction,' said senior author Tara Lagu, MD, MPH, adjunct lecturer of medicine and medical social sciences at Feinberg and a former Northwestern Medicine hospitalist, in a news release. 'We saw that there was preferential, encoded racial language in some cases that really emphasized lighter, brighter skin. I think there also were real associations between use of these regimens and consumerism,' Lagu continued. Lagu and Hales concluded that the content they examined offered little to no benefit for the young demographics they're targeting, and that the potential harms extend beyond the risk of skin damage. 'It's problematic to show girls devoting this much time and attention to their skin,' Hales said in a news release. 'We're setting a very high standard for these girls.' Mental health harms of high beauty standards The researchers' estimates for the high monthly costs of skin care regimens touted by young content creators are likely out of reach for the average young person. It's unknown how the young influencers paid for the products. 'We were disturbed at the high cost of some of the most common products used in the videos, most of which offer little to no benefit to the young teens and pre-teens who were shown using them,' Hales said. 'It makes me wonder about the many girls whose families can't afford to spend $68 on a moisturizer, and whether they think that their skin is somehow less healthy as a result.' What's more, skin care content promoting unrealistic beauty standards may cause mental health harm during adolescence, when young people are developing their sense of self. 'Constant external validation sought through appearance can hinder the development of a healthy, authentic identity based on internal qualities and values,' Ganjian noted. These impacts may include: body image dissatisfaction and low self-esteem anxiety and depression eating disorders and unhealthy behaviors social isolation perfectionism and obsessive tendencies distorted perception of reality impact on identity development 'True beauty encompasses overall health, confidence, and internal qualities,' Ganjian continued. 'Chasing unrealistic beauty ideals perpetuated online can be detrimental to mental well-being. Be highly skeptical of skin care content on social media platforms like TikTok. Understand that much of it is marketing-driven, often promotes unrealistic beauty standards, and may feature digitally altered images,' he said. Hales echoed this sentiment. 'I'm concerned about problematic and unrealistic beauty standards being passed off as skin 'health' or 'care,' and potentially exposing young people to skin irritation, allergy, and sun sensitivity,' Hales said. 'For parents whose kids are already expressing an interest in skin care or starting to purchase and use these products, I would encourage them to help their child select products with a minimum of active ingredients, such as hydroxy acids, which can be irritating and can make you more sensitive to the sun,' she added. Skin care tips for teens Dermatologists and health professionals recommend keeping skin care routines simple, consistent, and gentle. 'Less is more with skin care,' Ganjian said. Many popular products promoted online contain ingredients that are too harsh for young skin and can lead to chronic allergies or other skin issues.' Ganjian shared some basic tips: Keep it simple: Avoid overly complicated routines with many steps or strong active ingredients. Cleanse gently twice daily: Wash your face twice daily (morning and night) and after sweating, using a mild, fragrance-free, noncomedogenic cleanser that won't clog pores. Use fingertips, not harsh washcloths or scrubs. Moisturize (even if skin is oily): After cleansing, apply a lightweight, noncomedogenic, and fragrance-free moisturizer. Even oily skin needs moisture to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Use SPF: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning, regardless of the weather. Look for oil-free or non-greasy formulas. Don't pick or pop pimples: This can lead to increased inflammation, infection, and permanent scarring. Be mindful of makeup: If wearing makeup, choose noncomedogenic products. Clean brushes and sponges regularly, and never share makeup. Always remove makeup before bed. Prioritize sleep: Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night, as adequate rest is crucial for skin repair and overall well-being. Manage stress: Stress can worsen skin conditions like acne. Encourage relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or hobbies. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet: Drinking plenty of water supports skin hydration from within. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contributes to overall skin health. Avoid harsh ingredients: Avoid products with high concentrations of retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide (unless specifically recommended by a dermatologist for acne), alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), strong fragrances, and alcohol, which can be too harsh for young, sensitive skin. Consult a dermatologist: If persistent or severe acne, eczema, or other skin conditions arise, seek professional advice from a dermatologist. 'Young skin is naturally healthy and doesn't require complex or expensive routines. A simple routine of gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection is usually sufficient,' Ganjian said. 'If there are genuine skin concerns like persistent acne, a dermatologist is the best resource for personalized, safe, and effective advice, rather than relying on social media trends.'
