Dermorexia (Cosmeticorexia): A Narrative Review of the Emerging Phenomenon of Obsessive Skincare Behavior in the Digital Age

Abstract

The increasing use of visual social media has intensified societal pressure to achieve flawless skin and may contribute to excessive preoccupation with appearance and skincare. The emerging terms dermorexia and cosmeticorexia have been used to describe potentially compulsive skincare behaviors extending beyond conventional self-care. This narrative review examines the proposed concept of dermorexia, its conceptual overlap with recognized psychiatric conditions, potential risk factors and clinical manifestations, dermatological and psychological consequences, and implications for aesthetic practice. The available literature was conducted, focusing on compulsive skincare behaviors, social media–related body image concerns, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and obsessive-compulsive spectrum conditions. Relevant evidence was critically synthesized to assess the current conceptual and clinical basis of dermorexia. Dermorexia has conceptual similarities to orthorexia nervosa and may overlap with obsessive-compulsive and body dysmorphic psychopathology. Adolescents and young adults may represent a particularly vulnerable population. Proposed manifestations include excessive and prolonged skincare routines, compulsive product use, repetitive mirror checking, skin picking, and recurrent pursuit of cosmetic procedures. Potential dermatological consequences include epidermal barrier disruption, irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, and excoriation-related scarring. Psychological consequences may include anxiety, depressive symptoms, appearance-related distress, and functional impairment. However, empirical validation, standardized diagnostic criteria, and prevalence estimates are currently lacking Dermorexia/cosmeticorexia remains an unvalidated clinical construct rather than a formally recognized psychiatric diagnosis. Nevertheless, increasing awareness may help aesthetic clinicians identify maladaptive skincare and appearance-related behaviors and facilitate appropriate psychological referral. Further research is required to establish its epidemiology, diagnostic boundaries, and clinical significance.