Social media's growing influence on skincare trends among young people

Los Angeles Times

04-04-2025

Skincare has become exponentially popular, with the idea of a perfect face being coveted by many, particularly among the younger generation.
According to a 2019 CNN article , with the advancement in technology and medical procedures, treatments are not only cheaper but less invasive and less painful recovery time. People would wait until their skin needed the treatment, but now with these advancements, people are starting treatments in their twenties.
According to the Economist , ' Cosmetic 'enhancement' is no longer frowned upon—and not because customers have had their capacity to frown surgically removed. Cosmetic treatments have become almost commonplace, thanks to changing social attitudes and pressures and, above all, to technical innovation that is now starting to fulfill its potential.' The accessibility to products, the field of dermatology, and marketing strategies through social media have taken off to show quick results to draw patients in.
Recently, there have been many advancements in technology in regards to medical treatments of dermatology. In the ABC News , these include lasers, Botox, red lights, and chemical peels. Predictably by human nature, the more methods to remain youthful, the demand to receive these treatments increases. All of these beauty treatments are designed to give your skin a more youthful, glowing appearance.
In the Beyond Botox article , Botox has been around for centuries since botulinum toxin was discovered in the 1820s. Botox injections are shots that use a toxin to prevent a muscle from moving for a limited time. These shots are often used to smooth wrinkles on the face. They're also used to treat neck spasms, sweating, overactive bladder, lazy eye, and other conditions. While Botox has the most brand recognition, other injections could help as well such as Dysport, Jeuveau, Xeomin, and Daxxify. These injections work by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles, which causes them to relax and soften expressions.
On the other hand, red light therapy provides therapeutic benefits through external light energy. According to Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects And Uses , 'Red light therapy uses light energy primarily to aid in the healing of skin and muscular conditions, such as scarring and tendonitis. By exposing the body to low-wavelength red light (620 to 750 nanometers), it stimulates increased energy production in cells, leading to various health benefits.' Stated in Forbes , Red light therapy is used in treatments like tanning beds and masks. It has transformed tanning beds by offering a safer alternative, providing full-body exposure to red light rather than just targeted sections. Red light masks, on the other hand, allow users to enjoy the benefits of red light therapy at home, gaining popularity for their convenience and the ability to avoid visits to a skincare specialist.
Another beneficial treatment is chemical peels. These peels with advanced chemicals stimulate the shedding of skin cells to peel off to make way for new skin cells. Based on NIH research , chemical Peels use exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs, such as salicylic acid) to cause the outer layers of the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. This process aids in reducing the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and texture. Ofte, these peels come with pain as the skin is sensitive during the healing process, but this leads to great results.
Social media has catalyzed an increase in the interest of consumers through various brand endorsements on a plethora of platforms. In Gen Alpha takes over skin care social media scene, but are they too young? 'Tweens have taken to social media to share their make-up and skincare routines, often referred to as 'Get Ready With Me' videos, showcasing their favorite products'. Social media has amplified consumer interest, especially through brand endorsements on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Gen Alpha, in particular, has embraced skincare trends, with videos like 'Get Ready With Me' showcasing makeup and skincare routines.
Children and teens are often influenced by peers who share skincare routines, product reviews, and brand promotions. According to Social Media in Dermatology and an Overview of Popular Social Media Platforms , 'A significant number of Instagram posts are promotional or advertising. Before-and-after photos and advertisements for cosmetic procedures' are common. Seeing these photos increases consumer interest, as viewers often seek similar results. Based on dermatology research , on TikTok, dermatology-related content is growing, with the hashtag #acne accumulating 4.5 billion views and #acnetreatment reaching 633.8 million views. TikTok provides a platform where creators and viewers with similar skin concerns, such as acne, can connect, share experiences, and find comfort in relatable content.
In 2018 the skincare industry started to create more revenue than the makeup industry, and many people started to turn toward more natural products. With the evolving knowledge and research being done, consumers are learning more about harmful ingredients, how products are made, and what the long-term effects are. There has been a growth in skin care products, even the combination of makeup and skincare combined into a product.
According to a CNN article , Summer Fridays, a brand co-founded by Instagram influencers Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Gores Ireland, launched in 2018 with just one product: a face mask. Relying solely on their social media presence and spending no money on marketing, the mask quickly became the best-selling skincare product on Sephora.com, selling out repeatedly in less than two weeks. This trend reflects the growing influence of platforms like TikTok, where users constantly encounter brand promotions and influencer recommendations on their For You Page. With the rise of video content, easy access to information, and input from real doctors and dermatologists, consumers are increasingly discovering and experimenting with new products Related