Skincare: A Dermatological Necessity or a Trend Amplified by Social Media?
Is our skincare routine more influenced by TikTok than by the actual needs of our skin?
Today, skincare routines have become increasingly popular on social media. TikTok and Instagram are full of advice, product recommendations and multi-step routines. But this popularity raises an important question: do these practices actually meet our skin’s needs?
01. The influence of social media on skincare routines
The growing impact of social media
Social media plays a major role in shaping the way consumers take care of their skin. A survey conducted among Dutch dermatologists found that 86.3% believe social media has a strong influence on skincare routines (Poelhekken & van der Bent, 2026).
86.3%
of dermatologists believe social media strongly influences skincare routines.
This influence is reflected in increasingly elaborate routines. A study analysing 100 TikTok videos posted by young creators found an average of six products per routine, with an average cost of $168 (Hales et al., 2025).
02. Skincare routines that may be too complex for the skin
When more products mean more risks
Using more products does not necessarily mean taking better care of your skin. Combining numerous active ingredients, fragrances and potentially irritating substances can increase the risk of skin reactions.
The study by Hales et al. (2025) found that 76% of the 25 most-viewed videos featured at least one potential contact allergen. In addition, 50.6% of the products analysed contained fragrance molecules.
76%
of the most-viewed videos featured at least one potential contact allergen.
50.6%
of the products analysed contained fragrance molecules.
The dermatologists surveyed also highlighted the risks associated with these practices, particularly skin irritation and contact allergies (Poelhekken & van der Bent, 2026).
03. Going back to the essentials
A simpler approach to skincare
Taking care of your skin does not necessarily require a routine made up of numerous products. The key is to choose skincare suited to your skin’s needs, rely on trustworthy advice and never overlook sun protection.
The key takeaway
An effective skincare routine is not the one with the most products, but the one that truly respects your skin’s needs.