(NewsNation) — TikTok and other social media platforms have been influencing more people to seek beauty and wellness treatments. Millennials are turning to medical spas in droves for subtle, nonsurgical procedures, while teens and preteens are flocking to beauty stores for skincare treatments.
Mind Body & Soul Medical, an aesthetics wellness practice in Pensacola, Florida, told NewsNation that patients come in daily armed with TikTok screenshots as inspiration.
“TikTok has completely changed how people approach beauty. It’s not just about discovering new treatments anymore, it’s literally driving demand,” said Marlee Bruno, a certified physician and founder of Mind Body & Soul Medical.
One request is the viral salmon sperm facial. Yes, people are putting fish DNA on their faces.
“The name of the facial definitely sounds cheeky and maybe even gross. Who actually wants salmon sperm on their face? But, there’s actual science behind this one,” Bruno said.
The skin treatment, medically known as PDRN therapy, uses pieces of DNA derived from salmon sperm. The fragments, made of proteins and nutrients, can help repair damaged skin, improve hydration and promote collagen production, Bruno said.
Now buzzing in the United States with the help of social media, the skincare trend became popular in Korea, offering a “glass skin effect” characterized by brighter skin and smaller pores.
‘Barbie Botox,’ ‘Trap-tox’ and more
Bruno pointed to more TikTok-fueled beauty trends, including the “soft-glow revolution.”
More people are in demand of “‘tweakments’ that promise subtle yet stunning results,” she said. These include “Barbie Botox,” also known as “Trap-tox,” which involves injecting Botox into the trapezius muscle to slim the shoulders and elongate the neck.
Some of these trends, with names made to generate online buzz, are driven by the goal of “going after ‘Instagram-ready’ tweaks that make them look good in photos and on camera,” Bruno said. “Med spas report daily walk-ins holding screenshots from TikTok as blueprints for their next appointment.”
She encourages patients to do their research and learn about what makes sense for their body and long-term goals.
‘Sephora kids’ and skincare
Social media has proven a useful tool for companies to market to a wide demographic. Increasingly, preteens are flocking to beauty stores for anti-aging and other skincare products, which are formulated with ingredients intended for adults.
“Sephora kids” refers to young consumers, particularly those under 18, interested in anti-aging skincare and makeup, as the industry begins to market to teens. The term is derived from global beauty retailer Sephora.
“This is a major targeted marketing initiative, so there are valid concerns about minors being influenced to get skin treatments that they don’t need,” Bruno said. “Social media has made beauty feel like a performance, and it’s pushing some minors to want treatments before they even have the skin issues those treatments are designed to address.
What are the risks of nonsurgical beauty procedures?
Nonsurgical procedures are noninvasive beauty enhancements, but experts warn they still come with risks — including the overuse of injectables, which can distort natural facial development, and aggressive exfoliation, which can disrupt developing skin barriers.
“Let’s be real,” Bruno said. “Some of these ‘preventative’ treatments are just overkill at that age. Not many people under 30 need retinoids.”