TWEEN SKINCARE… HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?
I recently made an appearance on Channel 10's 'The Project' to address a concerning trend: tweens using skincare products intended for adults aged 30 and above. It's unsettling to witness children using products that are not only complex in formulation but also beyond their financial means.
This trend inevitably suggests that parents, caregivers, and other adults in their lives are purchasing these products for them. While the rise of TikTok skin-fluencing has brought valuable skincare information to the masses, it's also exerting undue influence on our children and placing them under unnecessary pressure, not to mention the potential harm they could be causing to their skin.
As a dermatologist, I advocate for educating children from a young age about proper skincare practices. However, these practices must be age-appropriate. For example, the use of retinol is certainly not suitable for an 11-year-old.
Here are my tips to ensure your children's safety in the realm of skincare:
1. Stick to the essentials: Cleanser, Moisturizer, and SPF.
These three steps are vital for maintaining healthy skin at any age and are more important for educating children about skincare than glamourising it. For tweens experiencing congestion, a gentle cleanser in the evenings followed by a moisturiser containing ceramides is recommended. Sunscreen is a must in the mornings and establishes a healthy habit for the future. If they are dedicated, they can reapply SPF+ 3-4 hours post first application.
2. Avoid active ingredients:
Active ingredients like Vitamin C and retinol are unnecessary for tweens and can harm their skin's barrier function. Young skin is naturally resilient and doesn't require the stimulation of cellular turnover from ingredients like retinol. Using such ingredients at a young age can lead to future complications such as eczema and dermatitis. Parents should firmly say no to their use and reject gifts containing these ingredients (or keep them for yourself).
3. Monitor social media:
It's important to monitor your children's social media activity to ensure they are not being influenced by paid partnerships promoting skincare rituals that are unsuitable for their age. Just as parents once supervised their children's use of makeup, skincare rituals should also be scrutinised to ensure they are appropriate.
Final thoughts:
In conclusion, as a mother of two young girls, I understand the need to protect our children from potential harm, including the pressures of social media and skincare trends. Skincare products are formulated with specific age groups in mind, and it's essential to introduce children to skincare practices that are suitable for their age and skin needs. Starting with the essential three steps—cleansing, moisturising, and sunscreen—is a positive way to instill healthy skincare habits that will benefit them for life.
Dr. Shammi Theesan, a distinguished Australian dermatologist renowned for her pioneering work, established ODE Dermatology in 2021. Her philosophy embodies the fusion of cutting-edge technology with unparalleled medical expertise, dedicated to achieving remarkable transformations in dermatology.
