Teens Who Spend More Time on Social Media Feel Worse About Their Skin

A new study found that adolescents with chronic skin conditions who spent more time on screens reported poorer skin-related quality of life, lower self-esteem, higher anxiety, and a more negative body image. Learn what the findings mean for teens, parents, and healthcare providers.

For many teenagers, social media is a part of everyday life. But for those living with acne, eczema, psoriasis, or other chronic skin conditions, spending more time online may influence more than just entertainment ().
A new study published in the journal Children found that adolescents with chronic skin diseases who had longer daily screen time were more likely to report poorer skin-related quality of life, lower self-esteem, greater anxiety, and a more negative body image. The findings suggest that dermatology care should also consider emotional well-being alongside physical symptoms.

The SSS Effect: Social Media, Skin, and Self-Esteem

Researchers from the University of Szeged in Hungary evaluated 208 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years attending a dermatology clinic between September 2024 and March 2025.

The most common skin conditions included:

Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing:

• Dermatology-related quality of life
• General quality of life
• Anxiety
• Self-esteem
• Body image
• Health behaviours
• Daily media use and screen time

Researchers also examined how social media habits, including following skincare influencers, related to emotional well-being.

How Much Screen Time Did Teens Have?

The average daily screen time among participants was 4.5 hours, with approximately 3.7 hours spent on smartphones.

The most frequently used platforms were:

Interestingly, more than one in four adolescents (27%) reported following influencers who offered skincare advice.

Longer Screen Time Was Linked to Poorer Skin-Related Quality of Life

The study found that adolescents who spent more time on screens generally reported poorer dermatology-related quality of life. Researchers also observed that greater impairment in skin-related quality of life was associated with:

• Higher anxiety levels
• Lower self-esteem
• More negative body image
• Poorer overall quality of life

These findings highlight that the emotional impact of chronic skin diseases extends well beyond visible symptoms.

How Mental Health and Skin Health Were Connected

The researchers found several important psychological associations. Teens reporting greater skin-related quality-of-life impairment were more likely to experience:

• Increased anxiety
• Reduced self-confidence
• Greater dissatisfaction with their appearance
• Lower life satisfaction

Conversely, adolescents with stronger self-esteem generally reported better overall quality of life and greater life satisfaction.

How Social Media Shapes Teens’ Skin Confidence

Social media can be both helpful and challenging for teenagers managing chronic skin conditions. Many participants reported using platforms to:

• Learn about skincare
• Follow health or beauty influencers
• Watch educational content
• Connect with friends

However, researchers note that constant exposure to idealized appearances and influencer-driven skincare advice may contribute to body dissatisfaction and anxiety in vulnerable adolescents.

The study suggests that helping teenagers distinguish evidence-based medical advice from influencer content may improve both treatment adherence and psychological well-being.

Healthy Social Media Habits for Teens with Skin Conditions

Experts recommend that teenagers and parents consider simple strategies to reduce unnecessary stress related to skin appearance:

• Follow qualified dermatologists or trusted medical organizations instead of relying solely on influencers.
• Remember that many online images are edited or filtered.
• Limit prolonged scrolling, especially before bedtime.
• Avoid comparing your skin with unrealistic online beauty standards.
• Consult a healthcare professional before trying viral skincare products or trends.

Does Screen Time Actually Cause Poorer Skin?

Not necessarily. The researchers emphasize that this was a cross-sectional observational study, meaning it can identify associations but cannot prove cause and effect.

It remains unclear whether longer screen time contributes to poorer emotional well-being or whether adolescents struggling with visible skin conditions naturally spend more time online. Both factors may influence one another.

The authors also note several limitations, including recruitment from a single dermatology center, reliance on self-reported media use, and the absence of objective measures of disease severity. Further long-term studies are needed to better understand these relationships.

Why These Findings Matter

Acne, eczema, and psoriasis often affect much more than the skin. They can influence confidence, social interactions, and mental health during a critical stage of emotional development.

The researchers believe routine dermatology care for adolescents could benefit from including screening for anxiety, self-esteem, and body image concerns, alongside education on healthy media use and digital literacy. This more holistic approach may help improve both emotional well-being and quality of life.

Takeaway

A new study suggests that teenagers with chronic skin conditions who spend more time on screens may experience poorer skin-related quality of life, higher anxiety, and lower self-esteem. While the research does not prove that screen time causes these problems, it highlights the importance of addressing both mental health and digital media habits as part of comprehensive dermatological care.

Reference:

1. Chronic Skin Disease, Media Use and Health Values in the Quality of Life of Adolescents
   – (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42509924/)

Source-Medindia