Acids, Retinols, and TikTok Trends: Is Gen Z Overdoing It?

If TikTok is your dermatologist, you might think every 16-year-old needs a retinol, a cabinet full of acids, and a chemical peel before graduation. Gen Z loves skincare, and honestly, we love that for them! But there’s a difference between being curious about skin health and overloading your skin barrier with products they don’t need yet.

 

Gen Z has turned skincare into a form of entertainment. Routines are no longer just private bathroom rituals; they have become content to share. A quick scroll shows teens reviewing prescription tretinoin, layering multiple acids, or double-dosing on retinol as if it’s “normal” and nothing special.

 

Skin care now combines self-care, identity, and performance. The upside? This generation discusses SPF, skin health, and the importance of consistency in ways older generations never did. The downside? In their rush to achieve glass skin, poreless perfection, prevent aging, and follow their favourite influencer, many are reaching for products their skin simply doesn’t need.

 

But there are serious consequences with using too many actives. Ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C are powerful tools. They can transform skin, boost collagen, treat acne, and improve texture among other benefits. When used correctly, they’re revolutionary. When misused, they can cause redness, irritation, sensitivity, and damage the skin's barrier. When your skin barrier is compromised, there’s no quick fix. Recovery isn’t immediate; it can take weeks or even months, during which irritation, breakouts, and sensitivity serve as constant reminders that overdoing it can actually hinder your progress toward healthy and balanced skin.

 

Dermatologists worldwide are warning that more young patients are experiencing irritant dermatitis and chronic sensitivity due to overexposure to actives. Translation? Too much, too soon, can harm the skin. That alone can trigger premature aging, so be cautious. Trust me… whatever you do today will most definitely “show up” down the road.

 

When should you start with actives?

• Retinol and retinoids: Great for acne, texture and aging, but retinoids are seldom needed in your teens and early to mid-20s unless prescribed for acne by an aesthetician or dermatologist.
• Acids (AHAs/BHAs): Effective for gentle exfoliation and managing acne, but using them once or twice a week is usually sufficient for most people. Daily acid use at 16? That’s a hard no; it’s like sandblasting baby skin.
• Vitamin C: A solid choice at any age for antioxidant protection, but stable formulas that target your skin type and concerns matter more than TikTok popularity.
• SPF: The only true non-negotiable at every age. If Gen Z nailed one thing, it’s normalizing sunscreen as a daily essential. And, we love that!

 

Most teens don’t need a complicated skincare routine. A gentle cleanser, a targeted treatment if necessary, a lightweight moisturizer, and daily SPF are usually enough. If you’re into self-care, incorporating a weekly ritual with a gentle exfoliant or mask can feel great. Just keep it simple and avoid overdoing it. Actives like retinoids or stronger acids can be introduced later, as your skin develops or if you have a specific issue, such as persistent acne. When in doubt, always consult a skin professional, such as an aesthetician or dermatologist, for proper advice.

 

So, why the obsession? Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with beauty content on demand. Algorithms reward extreme routines. The more shocking, the better. No one clicks on a video titled “I washed my face and put on moisturizer.” But “I use five acids every night” goes viral.

 

Add to that:

• Fear-based marketing from brands pushing anti-aging to teenagers.
• Peer pressure in digital communities where “skincare hauls” mean status.
• Access to prescription products online without the same gatekeeping that older generations had.

 

It’s no wonder the line between “skincare interest” and “skincare overdose” has blurred.

 

Our take? Skincare shouldn’t be a race. At Boutique Skin Envie, we believe skincare should support your skin health at every age, not rush you through life stages. Gen Z doesn’t need to be “anti-aging” at 16. They don’t need five serums fighting battles their skin hasn’t even started.

 

What they do need is more education:

• How to protect their skin barrier.
• How to build a routine that matches their actual needs.
• How to spot marketing gimmicks before their wallet empties.

 

Because the real flex isn’t a 20-step routine, it’s having skin that feels calm, resilient, and authentically yours.

 

Actives are powerful tools when used wisely. But starting strong too quickly can do more harm than good. Skincare isn’t a competition; it’s about self-respect. The best thing Gen Z (or anyone) can do for their future skin isn’t triple-strength retinol. It’s about learning to listen to their skin, getting solid advice from an expert, maintaining its health, and remembering that less is often more. So, can we please slow down, skip the fear-based marketing, and make choices that promote skin health and vitality… not trends?

 

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of skincare, our Glow Lab is here to help. Simple, personalized, science-backed guidance so you can feel confident in the skin you’re in.

 

Until next time,

Beate