Leading dermatologists have warned children as young as 10 are putting pressure on their parents to buy them expensive, anti-ageing skincare products which could damage their sensitive skin.
Skin experts have expressed concern that the trend, mainly driven by girls seeing products on social media, had left children “obsessed with ageing”.
Experts recommend cleaning twice a day and using a light moisturiser, as well as sunscreen if UV rays are high for children, rather than anti-ageing creams.
Dr Emma Wedgeworth, of the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group, said she had experience of the trend both professionally and personally as the mother of a 12-year-old girl.
She told the Guardian: “The consumer power [of young people] is increasing and they are becoming more knowledgeable because they are exposed to things through social media,” she said, adding that some platforms were “not well policed.
“It is something I see all the time [at work] and as a mother it is … something I am battling with as well. I have an interest in adolescent skin conditions and see a lot of teens brought in by their parents who are using expensive and extensive skincare routines."
“They are spending a huge amount of time on their skincare routine before and after school … I think, as with anything, it is about moderation.”
Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist at Self London, said she had noted the trend of children moving to anti-ageing cosmetics.
She told the Guardian: “Most have been heavily influenced by social media (TikTok in particular) and influencers who are showing their in-depth routines, most often accompanied by luxury skincare brands. There is often an unhealthy focus on anti-ageing too, despite their young age.
"Unfortunately I am seeing more teens in my clinic who are obsessed with ageing. It’s concerning and it’s undoubtedly been fuelled by social media.”
Comments recently surfaced on TikTok about 10 to 12-year-old girls reportedly begging their parents for expensive skincare and makeup at chain beauty stores.
Dr Mahto said young people did not “need that much in terms of skincare”.
She added: “It’s great to look after your skin but not to the point where you are using different products,” she said.
“The vast majority you will not need and some could even be detrimental. Some skin will be sensitive, and some young people are even using retinol [a form of vitamin A added to skin treatments that has anti-ageing effects], which can be damaging for sensitive skin.”
Jill Cotton, said her daughters, aged 12 and nine, were particularly interested in skincare products for Christmas.
She told the Guardian: “My eldest daughter and her friends are very into having an aesthetic look for their rooms,” she said. “A lot of what attracts them to skincare is the fun packaging the creams come in – and how it will look on their shelves.
“However, while the packaging is attractive to children, the prices are very firmly in the affluent adult category – with many products costing way more than I would spend on my skincare.”
