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29th August 2024
05:08pm BST
RTÉ Prime Time investigates looked into the surge in children - some as young as seven - embracing skincare regimens which often involve anti-aging and exfoliating products, fuelling the growth of the children’s personal care market.
While this trend might seem like a positive step toward self-care, experts warn of potential long-term consequences for both skin health and mental well-being.
From “Get Ready with Me” (GRWM) videos to TikTok tutorials, social media has played a pivotal role in shaping young children’s beauty routines.
Many young influencers showcase extensive skincare routines with up to seven products, including active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and polypeptides.
Ava, a 13-year-old content creator from Dublin with over 75,000 followers on TikTok, shared her experience with the trend:
“I tried the viral toner that is really popular on TikTok at the moment. I tried that near Christmas time or February, and it wasn't good for my skin at all. It burned my skin.”
Despite some negative experiences, young content creators like Ava are driving a surge in the children’s skincare market, making it appear almost normal for tweens to have sophisticated skincare regimens.
A new study by the Department of Dermatology at Tallaght University Hospital, seen by Prime Time, revealed that only one in five videos about tween skincare advised against harmful products on young skin.
A lot of videos promoted the use of products containing fragrances and chemical exfoliants, which can strip the skin and lead to irritation and allergies.
Skincare experts and dermatologists are raising alarms about this emerging trend. Dr. Rosemary Coleman, Consultant Dermatologist at the Blackrock Clinic, shared her concerns with Prime Time:
“We don't know what the long-term damage is that they may be doing to their skin if they start to use active ingredients like retinols and glycolics at this age. We will probably know all about it in 10 or 20 years.
"If you found your child was buying cigarettes on the internet, would you intervene and stop, or are you going to be helpless there also?
"I think the parents need to realise that the children are doing harm, both physically and psychologically.”
As Dr. Coleman points out, products like retinols and glycolic acid are designed for mature skin and can be too harsh for young skin.
They can strip the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential long-term damage that might not become evident until much later in life.
Emma Fraher Power, owner of The Ivy Wellness and Beauty Salon, has noticed the growing demand among younger clients:
"I'm in the trade 20 odd years, and it really only started with ladies in their twenties, thirties… we have as young as seven now coming in with their parents asking for skincare advice.
“They tend to go for the strong retinols. And this is something that I would like to avoid on the young skin.”
The trend isn’t just about skincare, it’s also about the broader implications for children’s mental health and self-perception.
Irish child psychotherapist Dr. Colman Noctor expressed concern about how early exposure to beauty standards could impact young minds:
"I have wider concerns that childhood is shrinking, and children are being introduced to concepts much, much earlier."
With four in five teens watching beauty tutorials online, according to Common Sense Media, even the youngest children are influenced by beauty trends, often without fully understanding why they use certain products.
This early focus on appearance can contribute to anxiety, self-esteem issues, and a distorted sense of self-worth.
With the children’s personal care market is looking likely to grow significantly, there’s an increasing need for brands and parents to make informed choices about the products children use.
However, the regulatory landscape remains sparse, and there are few guidelines specifically addressing skincare products for children.
Other than the EU’s restrictions on retinol, there are no further regulations in Ireland governing these products.
One concerned parent, speaking on Prime Time, highlighted the dilemma many parents face:
"I think it's an exciting trend. At the same time, if you're a parent, it's definitely a little bit of a scary trend.
“You're wondering, hey, are they going to be using some kind of products that are going to hurt their skin?”
Educating children about safe skincare practices, avoiding harsh products, and focusing on age-appropriate skincare can help mitigate the potential risks.
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