Teenagers, especially girls, are sharing long and detailed skincare routines on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These routines may look harmless, but experts warn they can be more than just a beauty trend. A recent study found that many of these young influencers use around six different skincare products at once, spending up to $168 each month. Surprisingly, only a quarter of the products included sunscreen.
Doctors and researchers say these routines may be linked to deeper emotional issues. Some teenagers use skincare as a way to feel in control, manage anxiety, and get approval from others online. Social media pressure plays a big role, and many teens want to present a perfect image of themselves. Experts call this behavior part of the ''prestige economy,'' where people earn value and attention through their appearance.
For parents, the key is not to criticize but to ask open-ended questions and stay aware of their child's social media habits. Most importantly, they should encourage the use of sunscreen, which is the most essential skincare product for any age.
Vocabulary:
• routine (noun): a regular series of actions or steps
• harmless (adj): not causing any damage or danger
• sunscreen (noun): a cream that protects your skin from the sun
• anxiety (noun): a feeling of worry or nervousness
• validation (noun): feeling accepted or approved by others
• prestige (noun): respect and importance in society
• fad (noun): something popular for a short time
• curate (verb): to carefully choose or organize things, often for public display
• depression (noun): a mental health condition with strong feelings of sadness
• microscope (noun): something that lets you see small details closely; here, it means being closely judged
• tap (verb): to watch or check something carefully (in this context, ''keep taps on'')
• risk (noun): the possibility of danger or harm
Source: CBS News