Leading dermatologists have said that children as young as 10 are pressuring their parents to buy them expensive, anti-aging care products, which experts say can damage their delicate skin.
Dermatologists expressed concern that this trend, driven largely by girls seeing products on social media, was making children “obsessed with growing older.” Experts recommend a simple skin care routine at a young age, such as cleaning twice a day and using a light moisturizer, as well as sunscreen when UV rays are high.
Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, from the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group, said that as a mother of a 12-year-old girl she had experience of the trend both professionally and personally.
“It’s something I see all the time (at work) and as a mother it’s… something I struggle with too. I am interested in skin conditions in adolescents and see that many teens are brought in by their parents and use expensive and extensive skin care routines,” Wedgeworth said.
“They spend a huge amount of time on their skincare routine before and after school… I think, like anything, it’s about moderation.”
Dr. Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Self London, said she was seeing the trend more often in her clinics.
She said: “Most are heavily influenced by social media (particularly TikTok) and influencers showing off their in-depth routines, usually accompanied by luxury skincare brands. Despite their young age, there is often an unhealthy focus on anti-aging. There’s also a certain amount of keeping up with their friends, and often chopping and changing their skin care to clear up their acne, when what they really need is medical intervention.
“I worry about using ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin A (retinoids) and exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs. They are not necessary on young skin and I think the psychological aspect of starting an ‘anti-aging’ routine at a young age is harmful. Unfortunately, in my clinic I see more and more teenagers who are obsessed with growing older. It is worrying and it is undoubtedly fueled by social media.”
after newsletter promotion
Recently, comments appeared on TikTok about 10- to 12-year-old girls allegedly begging their parents for expensive skincare and makeup at beauty stores, such as Sephora and Ulta. Older customers have noticed that girls are buying products and wondering if they are suitable for their skin. They have also complained that the younger customers are disrespectful and destroy tester products in the stores.
One TikToker said she believed “this need to want to get younger” comes from social media. Others complained about influencers promoting "get ready with me" videos and makeup routines, expressing concern about how this could impact the younger demographic.
Wedgeworth said the trend placed too much emphasis on image at a formative age. She said young people “don't need as much in terms of skin care”.
“It's great to take care of your skin, but not to the point where you're using different products,” she said. “You don't need the vast majority and some can even be harmful. Some skin will be sensitive, and some young people even use retinol (a form of vitamin A added to skin treatments that is anti-aging), which can be harmful to sensitive skin.”
Wedgeworth said interest among young girls was largely driven by social media. “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 properly monitored.”
One woman, Jill Cotton, said her daughters, ages 12 and 9, were particularly interested in skin care products for Christmas. “My oldest daughter and her friends really like an aesthetic look for their rooms,” she said. “A big part of what attracts them to skin care is the cute packaging the creams come in – and what it will look like on the shelves.
“While the packaging is attractive to children, the prices are very firmly in the affluent adult category – with many products costing much more than I would spend on my skin care.”