TikTok has been known to do more harm than good, but research shows so-called ‘skinfluencers’ may be having a positive impact on skin cancer rates in Australia.
Seven of the world’s top 10 such influencers are medical professionals who boast a combined 44.8 million followers, leveraging their platforms to educate the public about crucial skincare practices, including the importance of sunscreen usage, debunking common myths, and promoting sun-safe behaviours.
Australian ‘skinfluencer’ Jayde Taylor is one of the prominent figures leading the charge.
“As a Dermal Clinician, I found a lot of misinformation on TikTok, and I just decided I needed to bust a lot of myths,” she said.
Her efforts have been instrumental in educating the public about proper sunscreen use, ingredients to look for, and the dangers of DIY sunscreen methods – like debunking people falsely spruiking coconut oil as SPF 10.
“Why it’s so powerful is we can see a video that’s full of misinformation and stitch it and re-share it and re-educate the public,” Taylor said.
The impact of ‘skinfluencers’ is particularly significant considering melanoma’s prevalence as the most common cancer among Australians aged 15 to 29, which is TikTok’s primary demographic.
And some medical professionals are starting to see the impact of the online trend in person.
“I think there’s less focus on getting tan and more focus on wearing SPF and all of these skincare products, and I think a lot of that has stemmed from social media,” registrar Hollie Moran said.
But while the majority of the most influential ‘skinfluencers’ are qualified professionals, their advice shouldn’t replace regular visits to the doctor.
“Everyone should be getting regular skin checks, so still seeking proper medical advice,” Moran said.