GRWM to Cosmeticorexia: Why Doctors Are Worried About Children’s Growing Skincare Obsession

From “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) videos to elaborate 10-step skincare routines, beauty content has become a daily part of many children’s and teenagers’ social media feeds. While learning about skin health is not inherently harmful, doctors are increasingly raising concerns about a growing trend known as cosmeticorexia—an unhealthy obsession with skincare and cosmetic products, particularly among children and adolescents.

The concern is fueled by the beauty industry’s increasing focus on younger consumers through influencer marketing, viral social media trends and products packaged specifically to appeal to pre-teens. Experts warn that children, whose skin is still developing, often do not need the potent active ingredients found in many adult skincare products. Instead of improving skin health, excessive use may damage the skin barrier, cause irritation and contribute to anxiety about appearance.

As childhood becomes increasingly influenced by digital beauty culture, parents, educators and healthcare professionals are being encouraged to promote healthy skincare habits while helping young people develop a positive body image.

What Is Cosmeticorexia?

Cosmeticorexia refers to an excessive preoccupation with skincare products, beauty routines and cosmetic treatments, often driven by the belief that flawless skin is essential for confidence, popularity or self-worth.

Although the term is not a formal medical diagnosis, healthcare professionals use it to describe unhealthy behaviours such as:

• Using numerous skincare products without medical need.
• Constantly purchasing trending beauty products.
• Feeling anxious about missing a skincare routine.
• Obsessing over minor or normal skin features.
• Seeking unrealistic “perfect skin” seen on social media.

For children and adolescents, these behaviours may interfere with healthy emotional development and self-esteem.

How Social Media Is Driving the Trend

Platforms filled with GRWM videos, skincare hauls, beauty tutorials and influencer recommendations have transformed skincare into entertainment.

Many children watch creators demonstrating:

• Multi-step skincare routines.
• Luxury cosmetic products.
• Anti-ageing ingredients.
• Daily beauty rituals.
• Before-and-after transformations.

Repeated exposure to this content can create the impression that complex skincare routines are necessary from an early age, even when children’s skin is naturally healthy.

Why Doctors Are Concerned

Children’s skin differs significantly from adult skin. It is generally thinner, more delicate and still developing its natural protective barrier.

Using products designed for mature skin may lead to:

• Skin irritation.
• Redness and inflammation.
• Dryness and peeling.
• Damage to the skin barrier.
• Increased sensitivity.
• Allergic reactions.

Dermatologists emphasize that healthy childhood skin usually requires only gentle cleansing, moisturizing when necessary and daily sun protection.

The Rise of Beauty Marketing for Younger Consumers

The beauty industry has increasingly recognized children and teenagers as an expanding consumer market.

Marketing strategies often include:

• Colourful product packaging.
• Social media influencers.
• Celebrity collaborations.
• Limited-edition product launches.
• Viral online challenges.
• Products promoted as “must-have” essentials.

While these campaigns may appear harmless, they can encourage unnecessary purchasing and unrealistic beauty expectations among young audiences.

Do Children Really Need Skincare Products?

For most healthy children, the answer is relatively simple. Basic skincare is usually sufficient.

A healthy routine typically includes:

• A mild cleanser.
• A gentle moisturizer if the skin is dry.
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen during daytime outdoor activities.

Unless recommended by a healthcare professional, most children do not require products containing strong active ingredients commonly marketed to adults.

Ingredients That May Be Unnecessary for Children

Many popular skincare products contain powerful ingredients intended to address ageing or chronic skin concerns.

The Psychological Impact of Early Beauty Pressure

Beyond physical skin health, experts are increasingly concerned about the emotional consequences of cosmeticorexia.

Children exposed to constant beauty messaging may begin to:

• Compare themselves with filtered online images.
• Develop low self-esteem.
• Become anxious about normal skin texture.
• Believe appearance determines personal value.
• Spend excessive time thinking about their looks.

These pressures may contribute to unhealthy body image and reduced confidence during important stages of emotional development.

Understanding the Influence of Filters and Editing

Many images shared on social media use filters, editing tools or professional lighting that create unrealistically flawless skin.

Children often do not recognize these digital alterations, making it easier to believe that perfect skin is normal and achievable through expensive products alone.

Teaching media literacy helps young people understand that many online beauty standards are artificially enhanced.

Healthy Skincare Habits for Children

Parents can help children build healthy lifelong skincare routines by focusing on skin health rather than cosmetic perfection.

• Wash the face gently once or twice daily.
• Use products appropriate for the child’s age.
• Apply sunscreen before prolonged outdoor exposure.
• Avoid unnecessary layering of products.
• Consult a dermatologist for persistent skin concerns.
• Encourage balanced nutrition and adequate hydration.

Simple routines are often the most effective for healthy young skin.

How Parents Can Reduce Beauty Pressure

Parents play an important role in shaping children’s attitudes toward appearance and self-worth.

Helpful strategies include:

• Discuss how social media images are often edited.
• Encourage confidence beyond physical appearance.
• Avoid criticizing personal appearance.
• Model healthy skincare habits.
• Monitor age-appropriate online content.
• Promote hobbies that build self-esteem outside appearance.

Open conversations about beauty standards can help children develop a healthier relationship with social media.

When Professional Advice Is Needed

If a child develops persistent acne, eczema, allergies or other skin conditions, parents should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on social media recommendations.

Professional guidance ensures that treatments are appropriate for the child’s age, skin type and medical history.

Teaching That Healthy Skin Is More Important Than Perfect Skin

Healthy skin naturally varies in texture, tone and appearance. Pores, occasional blemishes and minor imperfections are normal parts of growing up.

Helping children understand that skin health is more important than achieving unrealistic perfection can reduce anxiety while encouraging lifelong self-confidence.

Conclusion

The growing popularity of GRWM videos and elaborate skincare routines has transformed beauty culture for younger generations, but it has also raised important concerns among doctors about cosmeticorexia and unnecessary skincare practices. While basic skincare and sun protection are valuable habits, children generally do not need complex routines or potent cosmetic ingredients marketed to adults.

By encouraging age-appropriate skincare, promoting media literacy and focusing on overall well-being instead of appearance, parents and caregivers can help children develop healthy habits and positive self-esteem. In the long run, protecting a child’s confidence may be just as important as protecting their skin.