Hyperpigmentation Advice on TikTok: Reliable or Risky?

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Hyperpigmentation, particularly postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), is a common dermatological concern that disproportionately affects individuals with skin of color (SOC).¹ The increasing popularity of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has influenced how individuals seek skincare advice.² The study "Analysis of TikTok Content on Hyperpigmentation in Skin of Color" explores the quality and impact of TikTok videos related to managing hyperpigmentation in SOC patients.³

"One in 5 adults consults TikTok for health solutions before seeing a doctor,” researchers behind the study stated. "This trend toward self-treatment is driven by the accessibility of over-the-counter products and the influence of online content creators."

Methods and Study Design

The study reviewed the top 50 TikTok videos tagged with "#hyperpigmentation" between March 28, 2024, and May 14, 2024. These videos were analyzed using the DISCERN scale, a validated tool for assessing the quality and reliability of health information. Content creators were categorized into 3 groups: non-medical content creators, dermatologists, and other health care professionals.

Findings and Analysis

The study found that "the top 50 TikTok videos tagged with ‘#hyperpigmentation’ had an average DISCERN score of 2.83 (±0.74) and were predominantly produced by non-medical content creators, who accounted for 76% (38/50) of the videos." These creators primarily shared personal experiences and over-the-counter treatments, with researchers writing, "These routines featured over-the-counter and homemade facial soaps, moisturizers, and treatments such as hydroquinone, retinol, and niacinamide."

Notably, videos from non-medical creators received significantly more engagement, averaging 1,247,011 views and 1,284 shares, despite their lower DISCERN scores (2.56 ± 0.44). In contrast, dermatologist-created videos, which had a higher average DISCERN score of 4.02 (±1.02), received fewer views (295,957) and shares (265). This discrepancy highlights the challenge of balancing engagement with evidence-based medical information.

Concerns and Implications

The study underscores concerns about the reliability of TikTok as a primary source of dermatological advice. The authors noted that "this study highlights that TikTok videos on hyperpigmentation management in SOC, made by non-medical creators with lower DISCERN scores, receive more engagement than those by medical professionals with videos with higher DISCERN scores." This finding suggests a gap between popular content and clinically accurate recommendations.

One significant limitation noted in the study is the lack of a validated tool specifically designed to assess video content. While DISCERN is effective for written health information, its applicability to short-form video content remains uncertain. The study suggests that future research should focus on developing standardized methods for evaluating video-based medical information.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The prevalence of misinformation and low-quality advice on TikTok emphasizes the need for increased collaboration between medical professionals and content creators. The research stated that clinicians and healthcare organizations should consider leveraging social media platforms to provide accurate, engaging, and accessible information about hyperpigmentation management. Additionally, the development of new tools to assess the quality of video content will be essential in ensuring that patients receive reliable skincare guidance.

“Overall, the high engagement yet low DISCERN scores of non-medical content creators suggest a need for increased collaboration between medical experts and content creators. Additionally, the strong interest in hyperpigmentation management highlights the demand for treatment options for SOC patients with hyperpigmentation,” researchers stated.

The findings of this study highlight the importance of critical media literacy for consumers seeking dermatological advice online. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before implementing treatments suggested on social media, particularly for conditions like hyperpigmentation in SOC that require tailored medical approaches.

References

1. Callender VD, St Surin-Lord S, Davis EC, Maclin M. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: etiologic and therapeutic considerations. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2011;12(2):87-99. doi:10.2165/11536930-000000000-00000
2. Nguyen M, Youssef R, Kwon A, Chen R, Park JH. Dermatology on TikTok: Analysis of content and creators. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2021;7(4):488-489. Published 2021 May 12. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.04.006
3. Stolarski M, Sanabria B, Kwarteng L, Rao B. Analysis of TikTok content on hyperpigmentation in skin of color. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(3):e70091. doi:10.1111/jocd.70091