health
Cosmeticorexia: a worrying obsession with flawless skin or just a new term for an old problem?
The uptick in children focused on skincare has some experts concerned about body image and mental health. But others warn of the risks of rushing to ‘medicalise’ new trends or behaviours
TL;DR
- Children, including those as young as eight, are increasingly interested in high-end skincare and makeup, influenced by social media trends and influencer marketing.
- The term 'cosmeticorexia' describes a preoccupation with achieving 'flawless' skin, and some Italian researchers suggest it could be a mental disorder requiring further study and potential treatment.
- Concerns include the potential for increased contact dermatitis due to inappropriate product use, heightened focus on appearance, and links to body image issues, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
- Experts debate whether cosmeticorexia is a distinct condition or a pop culture term for existing issues like body dysmorphic disorder, with some warning against over-medicalizing trends.
- Societal factors, including influencer culture and targeted advertising, are seen as significant contributors to this trend, magnifying perceived imperfections and monetizing them.