A growing fixation on achieving flawless skin, particularly among young children, is raising alarms among experts. The term "cosmeticorexia" describes this preoccupation with perfect skin, a trend observed with "Sephora kids" - eight-year-olds using adult skincare products like retinol and collagen serums.
Italian authorities recently investigated beauty brands for targeting younger consumers, citing cosmeticorexia as a concern. Researchers from the University of Milan have suggested that cosmeticorexia might represent a clinically relevant mental disorder, requiring further study and potential treatment. Dermatologists have noted an increase in irritant and allergic contact dermatitis on children's faces due to the inappropriate use of chemical exfoliants and retinoids.
This phenomenon is linked to broader issues of "appearance-related distress" and heightened self-scrutiny, often fueled by social media. While not an officially defined disorder, new terms like cosmeticorexia can draw attention to concerning trends, though experts caution against medicalizing behaviors that may not meet clinical criteria.
The influence of influencer marketing and targeted advertising exacerbates the pressure on young people to achieve unattainable beauty standards. Experts emphasize that while dissatisfaction with appearance can be normal to an extent, it becomes a concern when it becomes excessive and impacts functioning, potentially aligning with conditions like body dysmorphic disorder.
Further research is underway to understand the phenomenon, with initial findings indicating a strong dependency on social media among those exhibiting cosmeticorexia.