Teen nearly goes blind because of Tiktok makeup tip
A 13yearold teenager almost lost her eyesight after following some beauty tips she found on TikTok. The report was recently revealed by the girl's mother to the British tabloid Chron. According to Claire's statement, her daughter Amelia Gregory was hospitalized for days after using a product that irritated her skin.
Speaking to Vehicle, Claire explained that Amelia used to follow an influencer who shared skincare tips on social media. However, in one of the videos, the content creator mentioned a product containing retinol a substance used to reduce the effects of skin aging. The girl then started using the cosmetic because she believed it could make her face more radiant, but she didn't know she would have a negative reaction to it.
“Amelia ran down the stairs, redfaced and screaming in pain,” the teen’s mother recalled. “The skin on her face was peeling and she had red spots. I frantically asked what she had done and she sobbed, “A skin care video.” Whatever she put on stung her skin so badly that it gave her welts. I was stunned,” he said.
The two quickly rushed to the hospital and Amelia was examined by a specialist. First, he explained that the substance could cause burning if used excessively on young skin, but that healing would not take long. But as the days went by, the situation worsened to the point where Amelia's eye became red and swollen.
Back at the emergency room, the girl was admitted with a bacterial infection in the tissue beneath her skin. “This open, scaly skin became infected and the infection spread to the left eye. At some point it looked as if it would spill over into the law. Doctors told me that the infection could cause her to lose her vision. “I was terrified and couldn’t believe it it was all because of skin care,” said the mother. Treatment to prevent the infection from spreading included intravenous fluids.
Young man almost lost his vision due to a reaction to cosmetics (Photo: Personal Archive)
Fortunately, the procedures were successful and Amelia was discharged. “A few weeks after we left the hospital, we saw a dermatologist who looked under the microscope and said that although Amelia's skin had healed on the surface, it would take a long time for the deeper layers to heal. Irreparable damage was caused and she had to apply SPF 50 sunscreen to her face in summer and winter. Your skin also becomes permanently more sensitive and irritable. We tried several creams and every single one caused pain. Doctors had to prescribe high doses of antihistamines because she reacted to everything that came into contact with her skin,” the mother said.
After the scare, Claire explained that she decided to share the story so that other parents wouldn't have to go through similar situations with their children. “I thought it was normal as all her friends were following videos of other teenagers and girls skincare is something that is very fashionable among Amelia and her friends. But pay attention to what your children see online and make sure they only care for their skin with products designed for young skin. As her mother, I take full responsibility for what she saw. But I think it is wrong that a cream containing retinol can be sold to children. “The doctors managed to save Amelia’s skin and eyesight, but things could have turned out differently,” he emphasized.
Dermatologists warn
Dermatologist Derrick Phillips from the British Skin Foundation also spoke about the case. For him, the skin care video trend can also have its downsides. “Influencers share tips and product recommendations when they may not have all the information. Furthermore, what works for one person may not work for another,” he pointed out.
Phillips explained what may have happened to Amelia: “Both acids and retinol exfoliate or peel the top layers of skin. When combined, these products can cause chemical burns resulting in dry, red or darkly pigmented, irritated and sensitive skin. Using effective ingredients without knowing their interactions and concentrations can also worsen existing skin problems or create new ones.”
He also warned that if retinol use is necessary, the product should only be purchased with a doctor's prescription and under supervision.