When I was 10 years old, most kids my age were focused on their sports teams, school, or friends. I was concerned with, among other things, my skincare routine. In fact, I would give skincare advice to my older sister, mom, and other relatives. Ten years later, nothing has changed. And I’m not alone in this.

Generation Z, perhaps due to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has demonstrated a profound interest in skincare and curating the perfect routine. Dermatologists like Dr. Scott Walter have created platforms on TikTok to provide insight on certain issues. Walter (@denverskindoc) currently has over 440,000 followers and 10 million likes across all his videos.

“I was really surprised at how interested [Gen Z is] in skincare in general,” Walter says. “Gen Z seems to be the one that’s kind of pushing that forward.”

Walter says he originally started his account as a joke, posting videos of him dancing or his dog. However, he eventually realized that any time he talked about skincare, the video performed extremely well, and his following grew from there.

I’ve noticed it, too. Over the past year, especially since the beginning of the pandemic, my friends have shown a greater interest in skincare than ever before. We all want to achieve that fresh, glowy face without the aid of makeup, and skincare is where to start.

Skincare can be daunting, and some people who can’t see a specialist for whatever reason just need some guidance on the basics. That’s where people like Walter come in.

“You keep learning tips and tricks, and a lot can be super helpful, even as simple as what products to pick out in the store and what ingredients to avoid,” Walter says.

I’ve struggled with acne on and off for about five years. Around March, when I really started to get into TikTok, my skin was at its worst. By chance, I came across some skincare content from specialists, estheticians, and dermatologists. Despite going to a dermatologist for years, I learned so much new information, such as products to try, tips for layering skincare products, and answers to specific issues, just by scrolling on my phone. Within a few months, I started seeing genuine results, with my acne clearing up and my hyperpigmentation fading.

A 2017 study from the American Journal of Managed Care found that the average wait time for a dermatology appointment was 56 days. So even when patients have the insurance and means to see a specialist, time can be an issue.

“Co-pays are expensive; it’s hard to find dermatologists, especially in rural areas,” Walter says. So instead, he tries to provide “as much info as [he] can give to people to help [them] make educated decisions on how they treat their skin,” while “at the same time, letting them know that they may need to seek medical attention in certain cases.”

Skincare influencers like Walter, Skincare by Hyram, and J.C. Dombrowski answer questions via TikTok’s ‘reply with video’ feature to address anything from thoughts on eye cream, to signs of skin cancer, to what to do about bacne (acne on your back or the rest of your body). Some of these questions may be embarrassing to ask a dermatologist face-to-face, or may not warrant an entire appointment, so getting a quick yet thorough answer from a trusted professional can go a long way for those struggling with their skin.

Prior to TikTok, there weren’t many platforms with trustworthy dermatology advice. Growing up, I watched YouTube videos where influencers would tout certain products, before finding out the videos were sponsored and therefore may be ingenuine. Furthermore, these influencers had no training or education working with skincare, as many of them were simply teenagers sitting in their bedrooms with a tripod.

Of course, sponsored content is still something to look out for on TikTok, even with specialists. Make sure to check the captions, watch the entire video, and look through the comments for any notes regarding any potential brand deals, such as #ad or #sponsored. Also, do some research to ensure the products have favorable reviews and will work with your skin type. Walter ensures his sponsored content is worthwhile to his audience.

If you’re in the market for a revamped skincare routine, consider going to TikTok for guidance! However, for more serious or persistent concerns, an in-person dermatologist is more suitable to help.

The (TikTok) Doctor Is In