The growing desire for flawless skin among young people is causing concern among health professionals. Although not a formal medical diagnosis, “cosmetics” encompasses the unhealthy pursuit of perfect skin or an ideal appearance through cosmetic procedures, skin care products, treatments, and aesthetic interventions.
Increase in cosmetic correction
Several factors are driving this trend, with social media playing a central role. The widespread use of filters and image editing tools exposes young people to unrealistic images of skin that appears flawless, “poreless” and free of all natural textures and imperfections.
This has been further fueled by beauty trends such as “glass skin,” which promotes a luminous, flawless, flawless complexion that is biologically unattainable for most people.
At the same time, aggressive marketing and the rapid growth of cosmetic treatments reinforce the idea that every imperfection needs correction. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have also normalized complicated skincare routines – often promoted by influencers to an audience that doesn’t need them.
Cosmetic correction in children
Adolescence is also a time when self-esteem, identity and social acceptance are especially important. As a result, many young people are highly sensitive to appearance-related feedback and may associate fair skin with attractiveness, popularity, or success.
Although skin care itself is not inherently harmful, an excessive focus on appearance can have serious psychological effects. Young people may become preoccupied with minor or perceived imperfections, which can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal. Constant comparison to ideal images online can reinforce feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.
The danger of cosmetic correction
However, there are also physical risks associated with improper use of skin care products – especially for children and teenagers with healthy skin. Many products promoted online contain powerful active ingredients that are not necessary for young skin. Overuse can disrupt the skin’s barrier, causing irritation, dryness, redness, increased sensitivity, eczema flare-ups, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In some cases, excessive exfoliation can make the skin more vulnerable to environmental damage and actually make the skin look worse.
For most young people, a simple routine of gentle cleansing, moisturizing when needed, and daily sun protection is enough.
What parents should pay attention to
The following warning signs may indicate that your teen’s skin care has gone beyond healthy care and become a source of anxiety or obsession:
- Spending too much time examining the skin in the mirror
- Worrying about minor flaws
- Repeated requests from parents to buy products
- Follow complex multi-step routines
- Avoidance of social situations due to concern about appearance
- Repeated requests for cosmetic treatments despite having healthy skin
- Often compare themselves to influencers and peers online
Instead of dismissing these concerns, parents should encourage open communication. Encouraging critical thinking around social media content and discussing how filters, editing, and marketing affect perceptions of beauty are especially valuable.
After all, the culture of maturity is far beyond the skin. Today’s youth are increasingly exposed to messages that they need to optimize every aspect of their appearance, activity and lifestyle. This can create unrealistic expectations and contribute to chronic self-criticism, anxiety, and decreased resilience.
When perfectionism becomes the norm, normal human variation is often viewed as a defect rather than a natural part of life. As health professionals, parents, and educators, we must encourage young people to prioritize health, balance, and authenticity over unattainable ideals.
Who is the author?
Dr Jako Kotze is a qualified and internationally trained plastic, reconstructive and hand surgeon based in Cape Town and Somerset West. He holds an MBChB, MMed, specialist fellowship in plastic surgery and a PhD in immunology and metabolomics, making him one of only five plastic surgeons in South Africa to hold a PhD.
As the founder scalpel and specialist at Mediclinic Vergelegen, he completed fellowships in hand surgery at both the University of Cape Town and Guy’s and St. Thomas’s Hospital in London, becoming South Africa’s first board-certified plastic surgeon. His clinical experience includes complex hand and peripheral nerve microsurgery, natural facial aesthetic procedures such as MACS facelifts, and leading scientific research on scar prevention and keloid treatment.
