Skin care and the use of cosmetics and makeup are the order of the day. On social networks, ‘skincare’ content is among the most acclaimed and every day an endless amount of advice on cosmetics invades these platforms, bringing to the fore many products that acquire the category of viral and sweep sales.
From this rise comes a condition that, although it is not classified as a mental health problem or recognized as a disorder, we should not underestimate: cosmeticorexia. It consists of compulsively buying cosmetics, as well as an addiction to them and their active ingredients and ingredients.
Although cosmeticorexia can occur in anyone, there are two population segments among which it is especially prevalent. On the one hand, teenagers who become obsessed with cosmetics that they see on social networks and buy and use them without them being necessary for their skin type. For example, turning to anti-aging products at such a young age. On the other hand, this condition is also common in older people who accumulate and use excessive amounts of cosmetics aimed at reducing the signs of aging on the complexion.
The clearest sign to identify cosmeticorexia is the excessive, compulsive and recurring purchase of cosmetics. This is done haphazardly, buying products that are unnecessary, either because they are not suitable for your skin type or because you already have several and still continue to stock up on new brands and products.
Furthermore, it is common to buy cosmetics and use them without being really informed about their usefulness and how to use them. Consequently, many people use cosmetics that are not suitable for their skin type. Furthermore, this accumulation of products occurs because new ones are constantly purchased without having finished using others.
Another consequence of cosmeticorexia is, in addition to the huge outlay of money, that the skin is damaged. This is because it is exposed to active ingredients and ingredients that are not suitable for it – for example, using some that are very aggressive on sensitive skin or using ingredients that do not interact well with each other –, giving rise to the appearance of skin conditions such as allergic outbreaks, dermatitis. , sensitive skin, irritation, dryness, clogged pores or acne.
To this we must add that beauty products also expire. As a result of the accumulation derived from cosmeticorexia, it is common for there to be a large number of open and expired cosmetics, but the person continues to use them without being aware that they are exposing themselves to infections or problems such as conjunctivitis, styes or herpes.