I love my skincare routine. Do I have a body image problem?

Iana Kunitsa/Getty I love my skincare routine. Do I have a body image problem? Published: September 17, 2026 10:13pm EDT https://theconversation.com/i-love-my-skincare-routine-do-i-have-a-body-image-problem-289299 https://theconversation.com/i-love-my-skincare-routine-do-i-have-a-body-image-problem-289299 Link copied Share article Share article

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A 12-year-old watches a “get ready with me” video. Then she adds a retinol serum, exfoliating acid and several “anti-ageing” products to an online shopping cart.

An adult repeatedly checks their pores in a magnifying mirror. They then buy each new product promising “glass skin” and become anxious if they cannot complete their nightly routine.

Skincare can be enjoyable, creative and soothing.

But when does self-care become something more concerning?

Cosmeticorexia is a recently proposed term for an excessive or compulsive preoccupation with achieving flawless skin. It’s sometimes called dermorexia.