Young girls' obsession with skincare fuels 'cosmeticorexia'

A growing number of young girls, some as young as seven, are becoming intensely interested in skincare and makeup, mirroring adult routines and trends. This phenomenon, dubbed 'cosmeticorexia', a blend of 'cosmetic' and 'anorexia', describes an unhealthy obsession with achieving 'flawless' skin, leading to excessive or compulsive use of beauty products and procedures.

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Cosmeticorexia is an umbrella term for an unhealthy obsession with achieving ‘flawless’ skin that drives excessive, age-inappropriate, or compulsive use of cosmetics and cosmetic procedures.

Dermatologists observe this preoccupation, particularly among girls aged seven to 14, who are drawn to adult skincare products despite having no significant skin concerns. The "Sephora kids" trend highlights this, with young girls spending considerable time in beauty stores, browsing and purchasing skincare and makeup items. They often demonstrate advanced makeup skills and familiarity with complex routines, including "Get Ready With Me" videos.

Dr. Lynn Chiam, a dermatologist, explains that cosmeticorexia signifies an obsessive and compulsive behavior with potential physical and psychological repercussions. Young patients are not only knowledgeable about the latest creams and serums but also about procedures like lasers, energy-based devices, and even injectables like Botox. The concern extends beyond product ownership to the distress girls experience when deviating from their multi-step routines or constantly seeking new products to fix perceived imperfections.

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She even does GRWMs.

This fixation is fueled by social media, marketing, and prevailing beauty standards that emphasize unattainable perfection. Viral beauty trends, such as the South Korean "glass skin" ideal, encourage the use of specific ingredients or treatments, sometimes without regard for their suitability or potential harm to young skin. The constant pursuit of flawless skin can lead to anxiety and a negative impact on self-worth, overshadowing other aspects of a child's development and well-being.

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The blend of ‘cosmetic’ and ‘anorexia’ is used to signal an obsessive, compulsive nature of a behaviour, and it has physical and psychological consequences.