Research Mentor Name

Geoffrey Potts

Research Mentor Email Address

gpotts@med.wayne.edu

Institution / Department

Wayne State University Department of Dermatology

Document Type

Research Abstract

Research Type

clinicalresearch

Level of Research

no

Abstract

Background: TikTok is a popular social media platform with bite-sized videos. Many educational skincare videos are shared by healthcare professionals, with 13% being board-certified dermatologists.1 Only 2.5% of the most viewed skincare videos are created by board-certified dermatologists.1 The majority of videos are posted by non-experts sharing personal anecdotes or advertising products. This raises concern as around 40% of people use social media for information on dermatologic conditions.2 The misinformation shared by non-medical professionals can be potentially harmful. Recent TikTok skincare trends include slugging, skin cycling, glycolic acid as a deodorant, collagen supplementation, gua sha, and face tape. Given TikTok’s impact on health decisions, the information shared should be evaluated to ensure skincare decisions are based on evidence-based guidance.

Methods: The authors utilized a content analysis approach to review the top skincare trends on TikTok and their clinical evidence and effectiveness. We reviewed research papers that focused on the benefits and risks of the relevant skincare ingredients and techniques.

Results: The paper evaluates the effectiveness of skincare trends on TikTok including slugging, glycolic acid as deodorant, skin cycling, gua sha, collagen supplementation, and face tape. Many of these products focus on achieving hydrated, ageless skin. Glycolic acid aims at reducing axillary hyperpigmentation. While skin cycling and slugging can be beneficial, they are not ideal for every skin type. The evidence for oral collagen supplements as an individual ingredient is minimal. Gua sha and face tape are potentially harmful to the skin.

Conclusion: Skincare trends on TikTok can be either beneficial or potentially harmful to the skin. Since content creators who differ in expertise and profession share videos on TikTok, there is a potential for the spread of misinformation about the effects of each skincare trend. In addition, many of these skincare trends are not supported by scientific evidence and research. TikTok can be used as a platform to educate on skincare products, including proper use and adverse effects. By sharing reliable information, social media can play a role in combating misinformation and swaying the information readily available.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

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