Forget SkinTok: the real science of skincare and why it matters for your health

"People are much more likely to experiment on themselves than they have been in the past. Social-media platforms such as TikTok seem to be a main driver of the hot pursuit of youthful, glowing skin, with hashtags such as #SkinTok generating more than one billion views per month. The platforms have helped to kick-start a wave of skincare trends, from using beef tallow as a moisturizer to achieving 'glass skin' - a smooth, shiny complexion - using dozens of pricey products."

"For most people, the recipe for maintaining healthy skin should be simple and follows guidelines that dermatologists have offered for years. But it's not just about what one puts on or takes off one's skin. There's plenty of evidence that lifestyle factors are important - arguably more important - than products and daily rituals for keeping skin healthy."

"The platforms are rife with harmful misinformation, such as the false claim that sunscreens cause skin cancer and vitamin-D deficiency. Often, the recommendations from physicians about skin run counter to what is circulating on social media."

Dermatologists observe patients adopting increasingly complicated skincare routines influenced by social media platforms like TikTok, often involving products lacking scientific evidence. The global skincare industry is projected to exceed $200 billion by 2026, driven largely by social media trends promoting practices like using beef tallow or achieving 'glass skin' through expensive products. These platforms simultaneously spread harmful misinformation, such as false claims about sunscreen causing cancer. Medical professionals recommend simple skincare routines based on established dermatological guidelines, emphasizing that lifestyle factors are arguably more important than products. Recent research reveals connections between skin health and other organ systems, indicating that maintaining healthy skin extends beyond cosmetic appearance.

Read at Nature