TikTok, Acne, and Teens: Separating Skincare Facts from Viral Fiction

TikTok has become more than just an entertainment app—it’s where millions of young people go to learn about their skin, find acne tips, and share their personal journeys. With over 129 billion views under the hashtag #acne, it’s clear that this topic isn’t just popular—it’s personal.

But there’s a catch: not everything you see on TikTok is accurate. While the platform offers endless advice, very little of it comes from qualified professionals. A recent study published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology looked at the most-viewed acne-related TikToks and found that only 11% were created by medically trained experts. The rest came mostly from influencers, often teenagers or young adults themselves.

So, what does this mean for teens struggling with acne? Let’s break it down.

The TikTok Acne Boom: Big Views, Little Regulation

TikTok has turned acne into one of its hottest topics. A recent review analysed the top 150 TikToks under #acne and found:

• 3+ million posts using the hashtag
• Nearly 2 billion combined views
• Over 120 million followers across these accounts

Five main themes emerged:

• Pimple popping
• Acne education
• Acne transformations (before-and-after videos)
• Acne positivity
• Acne reality (showing the emotional impact)

Interestingly, the most viral videos were pimple popping and transformation clips—the ones with dramatic, eye-catching visuals. On the flip side, “acne reality” content, which focuses on the mental health struggles linked to acne, received far less attention.

Even more concerning, many educational videos were posted by influencers with no formal skincare or dermatology training. Some content also appeared to be brand-sponsored, though this wasn’t always clearly disclosed.

The Problem With Crowdsourced Skincare Advice

For teens dealing with acne, TikTok can feel like a goldmine of tips—but it’s also a minefield of misinformation. A lot of the “advice” circulating on the platform includes:

• Unproven diet hacks (“cut out dairy and your acne will vanish overnight”)
• DIY home remedies like applying toothpaste, lemon juice, or garlic to pimples
• Videos demonising prescription treatments like isotretinoin
• Buzzwords like “chemical-free,” “detox your skin,” and “natural cures”

The result? Confusion and frustration.

Influencers often seem more relatable than doctors, and their content feels authentic—but relatability doesn’t equal accuracy. Unlike clinical guidelines or peer-reviewed studies, TikTok content isn’t fact-checked. Misinformation can spread fast, leading teens to try treatments that don’t work or may even harm their skin.

The TikTok Algorithm: Why You See More of What You Watch

TikTok’s algorithm is designed to keep you scrolling. It learns from:

• The videos you watch
• The ones you like, share, and comment on
• The creators you follow

This means if you watch a few acne-related videos, TikTok will flood your feed with more of the same.

While this might sound helpful, it can also be risky:

• Misinformation spreads quickly—especially “quick fixes” and miracle cures
• Teens may develop unrealistic expectations about how fast acne can clear
• Sponsored content isn’t always clearly labelled, making it harder to know when you’re being marketed to
• The more you watch, the deeper you fall into an echo chamber where influencers, ads, and algorithms all reinforce the same messages—even if they’re not scientifically sound.

Why Pimple Popping Is So Addictive

One of TikTok’s most viral acne trends? Pimple popping videos.

These clips rack up millions of views because they’re:

• Visually dramatic and oddly satisfying
• Built around the thrill of instant results
• Designed to trigger curiosity and “just one more” scrolling

But dermatologists warn against popping pimples at home. Doing so can:

• Push bacteria deeper into the skin
• Cause scarring and hyperpigmentation
• Lead to prolonged inflammation
• If extraction is necessary, it’s safest when performed by a qualified dermatologist or skin professional—not at home with DIY tools.

The Emotional Side of Acne and TikTok

Acne isn’t just a skin condition—it can affect self-esteem, confidence, and mental health.

TikTok makes things complicated:

• On one hand, acne positivity movements help teens feel seen and supported.
• On the other, curated “perfect skin” content sets unrealistic beauty standards.
• It’s easy for young people to compare themselves to influencers with filtered, flawless skin—which can fuel feelings of shame, anxiety, and frustration.

How Dermatologists Can Help Cut Through the Noise

TikTok isn’t going anywhere—and ignoring it isn’t the solution. Dermatologists and skincare professionals need to meet teens where they are and provide credible, empathetic advice.

Here’s how they can make a difference:

• Acknowledge TikTok’s influence – Start conversations with teens about where they get their skincare information.
• Educate with empathy – Explain why some treatments work and others don’t, without dismissing their experiences.
• Share evidence-based content – Simple videos explaining the role of retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or prescription medications can help counter misinformation.
• Clarify misleading claims – “Natural” doesn’t always mean safe, and “chemical-free” skincare doesn’t exist.
• By being approachable and accessible, dermatologists can help teens navigate the overwhelming online advice and make informed choices.

For Teens and Parents: How to Spot Reliable Acne Advice

• Before trying a new skincare hack you saw on TikTok, ask yourself:
• Who is giving the advice? Are they a dermatologist, a GP, or just an influencer?
• Is there scientific evidence? Look for references to studies, not just personal experiences.
• Is it sponsored content? Always check if products are being promoted for profit.
• Does it sound too good to be true? If it promises “clear skin in 3 days,” it probably is.
• When in doubt, talk to a qualified healthcare provider before making major changes to your skincare routine.

Redefining Healthy Skin in a Filtered World

• TikTok often promotes an unrealistic version of “perfect” skin: smooth, glassy, and poreless. But in reality, pores are normal, texture is normal, and acne is common.
• Healthy skin isn’t about being flawless—it’s about:
• Function over appearance: Your skin protects you, and that’s its most important job.
• Sustainability over quick fixes: Long-term routines beat overnight “cures.”
• Confidence over conformity: Self-worth isn’t defined by having “glass skin.”
• Empowering young people to understand their skin—and seek help when needed—is far more important than chasing perfection.

The Bottom Line

TikTok has transformed the way teens learn about acne—but it’s also made things more complicated. While the platform offers community and visibility, it’s flooded with misinformation, unrealistic expectations, and sponsored content disguised as advice.

The good news? There’s a better way forward.

Dermatologists and trusted healthcare providers can bridge the gap by sharing credible information, listening without judgment, and empowering teens to make evidence-based choices.

When empathy meets expertise, we can help young people navigate the noise, avoid harmful trends, and find treatments that work.