What the TikTok study actually found
A 2025 Pediatrics study analysed 100 TikTok videos in which creators aged 7 to 18 demonstrated skincare routines. The routines used an average of six products and had an average total cost of about US$168; only 26.2% included sunscreen, and many contained ingredients with irritation or allergy potential. This was a content analysis, not proof that TikTok caused disease, not a survey of every young person and not a clinical test of each product. Its value is cultural: it shows how adult-style, expensive routines can become normalised for children while a basic protective step is often absent. Prices and products in Hong Kong may differ.
Start with three functions, not ten steps
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a simple foundation for tweens: a gentle cleanser, fragrance-free moisturiser and broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Choose texture according to comfort and activity, not prestige. Cleanse after sweating and before bed without scrubbing; moisturise dry areas; use sunscreen as labelled and add shade, clothing and a hat. A child does not need retinol, strong exfoliating acids, peel pads or multiple anti-ageing serums simply because they trend online. Introduce one change at a time so that irritation can be traced, and keep adult products out of reach when they are not intended for the child.
Acne and body changes deserve proportionate care
Puberty can increase oil and acne, but aggressive cleansing can worsen irritation. Mild acne may respond to an age-appropriate product used exactly as directed, yet painful nodules, scarring, significant pigment change, persistent rash or distress deserve medical assessment. Avoid diagnosing “fungal acne,” allergy or hormonal disease from a short video. Parents and carers can ask what the young person hopes to change, whether comments or filters are creating pressure, and whether the routine is affordable and sustainable. Conversation works better than ridicule: beauty interest can be creative and social, while safety still requires adult boundaries around purchases, ingredients and health claims.
Use a family checklist for new products
Before buying, read the age guidance and complete label, check fragrance and active ingredients, and ask what problem the product is meant to solve. Avoid sharing jars, tools or applicators. Patch testing may reveal some immediate irritation but cannot guarantee full-face safety. Stop a product that causes persistent burning, swelling, blistering or worsening rash; seek urgent help for breathing difficulty or facial and eye swelling. A New You can discuss general routines and consultation questions, but does not replace paediatric or dermatology care, endorse an influencer, certify a product for a child, or promise that a routine will treat acne or change appearance.
Common questions
Does every tween need a skincare routine?
No elaborate routine is required. Basic gentle cleansing as needed, moisturiser for dryness and sun protection are enough for many young people.
Should teens use adult anti-ageing products?
Usually not by default. Strong retinoids, acids and peel products can irritate and should not be added simply because they trend online.
When should acne receive medical assessment?
Painful or deep acne, scarring, substantial pigment change, persistent rash, failed simple care or significant emotional distress justify professional assessment.
Sources
- Pediatrics: A content analysis of tweens’ skin care regimens on TikTok ↗
- American Academy of Dermatology: A dermatologist’s guide to skincare from growing up to glowing up ↗
General education for families; not paediatric or dermatology diagnosis, individual product approval, treatment advice or a claim about every social-media user.
This guide was written and edited by the A New You editorial team and has not been medically reviewed. It is not personal diagnosis or medical advice. Suitability for any treatment requires an individual assessment; seek qualified medical care for persistent or concerning symptoms.