I love my skincare routine. Do I have a body image problem?
Spending time on skincare can be enjoyable, creative and soothing. But sometimes this self-care can be concerning. Could it be ‘cosmeticorexia’?
In recent years, a term called "cosmeticorexia" has emerged to describe an excessive or compulsive obsession with achieving flawless skin. This condition is characterized by elaborate skincare routines, frequent purchases of unneeded products, and distress when these routines cannot be completed. However, cosmeticorexia is not yet recognized as a medical or psychiatric diagnosis, and its prevalence remains uncertain.
A small study published in an editorial found that 8% of dermatology patients who had undergone multiple filler procedures exhibited "cosmeticorexic traits." Yet, this sample size is not representative of the broader population. The issue appears to be particularly prevalent among tweens and teenage girls, who are exposed to complex skincare regimens, anti-aging messages, and influencer marketing online during a critical period of identity and body image development.
While social media use has been linked to body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms, it is unclear whether these factors directly cause cosmeticorexia. Other contributing factors may include perfectionism, anxiety, pre-existing skin conditions, bullying, family attitudes, commercial marketing, and broader beauty ideals.
Excessive use of active ingredients like retinoids and exfoliating acids can harm the skin barrier, leading to inflammation, photosensitivity, or contact dermatitis. A 2025 study on TikTok videos found that girl's skincare routines, ages seven to 18, typically involved six products costing an average of US$168. Many of these products contained potentially irritating ingredients, with only 26% of daytime routines including sunscreen.
Potential warning signs that may indicate a problem include spending excessive time or money on skincare, feeling compelled to follow a rigid routine, becoming anxious or irritable when products are unavailable, frequently checking or concealing skin imperfections, avoiding social activities due to skin concerns, and continuing to use products despite irritation or other harm.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
