As a mom of a teen girl, I want my daughter to feel confident in her skin. But for some tweens and teens today, skincare is becoming an unhealthy obsession.
Recently, there has been concern about a growing trend among tweens and teens called dermorexia, an extreme fixation on achieving perfect skin. There have been many stories lately about girls as young as 10 spending up to an hour on elaborate skincare routines both morning and night.
The media has even started referring to this generation as “Sephora Kids” due to the trend of preteens becoming heavily interested in skincare and beauty products and often spending significant amounts on premium products like those found at Sephora.
Related: 7 Surefire Ways to Boost Your Middle School Daughter’s Confidence
If your tween or teen is spending what feels like an excessive amount of time scrutinizing their face, constantly switching skincare products, or obsessing over every tiny blemish, they may be struggling with dermorexia.
What is Dermorexia?
Dermorexia refers to an unhealthy obsession with skincare and the pursuit of flawless skin. It goes beyond a normal self-care routine. Tweens and teens with dermorexia often feel anxious or distressed about even the smallest imperfections.
While it’s natural for adolescent girls to care about their appearance, dermorexia can become compulsive. It’s similar to body dysmorphia or some eating disorders, where individuals see flaws that aren’t really there or magnify tiny blemishes into something much bigger.
Instead of being a routine for hygiene and self-care, skincare can become a never-ending battle to “fix” one’s skin, even when there’s nothing to fix.
Related: Dear Teenagers: Your Value Isn’t Measured in Numbers
Why is it on the Rise Among Teens?
- The Influence of Social Media
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are packed with beauty influencers promoting complex, multi-step skincare routines. Many teens believe they need expensive serums, retinols, and acids—even when their young skin doesn’t require them. In fact, some are even considering preventative Botox as early as 18.
Related: How To Protect Your Teen’s Self Esteem From Social Media Threats - Unrealistic Beauty Standards
Filters and photo-editing apps create impossibly smooth, poreless, glowing skin—something that doesn’t exist in real life. When teens compare themselves to these unattainable standards, they feel pressured to achieve the impossible. - Fear of Acne
Acne is a normal part of growing up, but for many teens, it’s seen as a crisis. Instead of sticking to a simple, gentle routine, some go overboard with products, causing irritation and worsening their skin. Worse, some teens will order products from other unregulated entitities that can be dangerous to their health. - The Pressure to Fit In
Skincare has become a status symbol. Kids talk about brands, ingredients, and new trends—sometimes trying things just to be part of the conversation. It is a new kind of peer pressure.
Signs Your Child Could Be Struggling with Dermorexia
As dermorexia becomes more widespread, it’s important that we as parents recognize when our teen’s skincare regimen is crossing the line. Here are some red flags you can watch out for:
- Spending excessive time researching and applying skincare products.
- Constantly checking their skin in mirrors, different lighting, or using magnifying mirrors.
- Frequently switching skincare products, often using harsh treatments.
- Expressing distress over small or invisible blemishes.
- Avoiding social situations due to concerns about their skin.
- Excessive use of beauty filters or editing their photos to “fix” their face.
If you are concerned about your adolescent child’s mental health and you are on a waiting list to see a professional therapist, consider Talkspace Online Therapy for Teens, A private space where you can open up about your experiences and emotions, and get non-judgmental support from a licensed therapist who specializes in teens.
The Potential Risks of Dermorexia
When teens start to obsess about having perfect skin, they often do more harm than good. Over-exfoliating, layering too many active ingredients, and using unnecessary treatments can cause some serious problems. These include:
- Skin Barrier Damage – Redness, peeling, irritation, and increased breakouts.
- Increased Anxiety & Low Self-Esteem – The belief that they aren’t “good enough” without flawless skin.
- Distorted Self-Image – Over-reliance on filters can make them uncomfortable with their real face.
- Financial Strain – Buying expensive, unnecessary skincare products.
How Can You Help an Adolescent Struggling with Skincare
No adolescent needs a 10-step routine. The basics like a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF are more than enough. Here are some steps you can take to help your teen if you’re worried they may be heading towards or even dealing with dermorexia.
- Teach Media Literacy
Help your child understand that filters, editing, and professional lighting create the flawless skin they see online. Real skin has pores, texture, and occasional blemishes—it’s normal! - Set Boundaries Around Skincare Product Use
Monitor the products they use. Discourage unnecessary or harsh treatments, such as retinol, strong acids, or DIY remedies, unless prescribed by a dermatologist. - Have Open Conversations About Self-Esteem
Let them know that their beauty is not defined by their skin. Remind them that everyone has imperfections, and true confidence comes from within. Help them build a self-care toolbox that includes activities to take their mind off solely their outward appearance, such as adult coloring books, exercise routines, volunteer opportunities, meditation apps, affirmations, etc. - Seek Professional Help if Necessary
If your teen’s obsession with skincare is impacting their daily life and causing significant distress, or if they are exhibiting signs of anxiety, body dysmorphia, or other mental health conditions, consider reaching out to your health care provider or a mental health therapist.
It’s normal for your teen to care about their appearance, but when the pursuit of “perfect skin” turns into an unhealthy fixation, it can damage their self-esteem and mental health. As parents, we can help our adolescents develop a balanced, realistic approach to skincare that prioritizes health over perfection.
At the end of the day, real beauty isn’t about having flawless skin. It’s about our teens developing self-confidence and authenticity and embracing who they are—imperfections and all.
Looking for a good gift for a young girl who needs a pick-me-up?
We love this coloring book geared to pre-teen and teen girls: Sometimes You Forget You Are Awesome. It features 40 beautifully designed coloring pages that combine the therapeutic benefits of coloring with inspiring quotes to help uplift your mood and encourage positive thinking.
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