Children as young as 10 demanding anti-aging products, UK dermatologists say

Leading dermatologists have said children as young as 10 are pressuring their parents to buy them expensive anti-aging skincare products, which according to experts, could damage their sensitive skin.

< p class="dcr-1kas69x">Dermatologists have expressed concern that this trend, largely driven by girls seeing products on social media, , left children “obsessed with aging”. Experts recommend a simple skin care routine from a young age, such as cleansing twice a day and using a light moisturizer, as well as sunscreen if UV rays are high.

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, of the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group, said she had experienced this trend both professionally and personally as the mother of a daughter 12 years old.

“It’s something I see all the time [at work] and as a mother, it’s… something I’m against beat too. I'm interested in adolescent skin conditions and see a lot of teens brought in by their parents who use expensive, in-depth skin care routines,” Wedgeworth said.

“They spend a lot of time on their before and after school skincare routine…I think, like anything, it's a question of moderation. »

Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Self London, said she is seeing this trend more frequently in her clinics.

She said: "Most have been heavily influenced by social media (TikTok in particular) and influencers showing off their in-depth routines, most often accompanied by luxury skincare brands. There is often an unhealthy emphasis on on anti-aging, despite their young age. They also have to keep up with their friends to some extent, as well as frequently cut and change their skincare to cure their acne, when they actually need intervention medical.

" I have concerns about their use of 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 so young is detrimental. Unfortunately, I see more and more teenagers in my clinic who are obsessed with aging. This is concerning and has undoubtedly been fueled by social media. skip previous newsletter promotion

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Comments recently surfaced on TikTok about girls aged 10 to 12 allegedly begging their parents to buy them health care expensive skin and makeup at chain beauty stores, such as Sephora and Ulta. Older customers noticed girls buying products and wondering if they were right for their skin. They also complained about young customers being disrespected and testing products being destroyed in stores.

One ​​TikTok user said she thought “this need to want to grow younger" came from social networks. media. Others have complained about influencers promoting “Get Ready With Me” videos and makeup routines, raising concerns about how this could influence young people.

Wedgeworth said the trend is putting too much emphasis. on the image at a formative age. She said young people don't need "a lot of skin care."

"It's good to take care of your skin, but not to the point to use different products,” she says. “You won't need the vast majority of them and some might even be detrimental. Some skin will be sensitive, and some young people even use retinol [a form of vitamin A added to skin treatments that has anti-aging effects], which can be harmful to sensitive skin. »

Wedgeworth said young girls' interest was largely driven by social media. "[Young people's] consumption power is increasing and they are becoming more informed because they are exposed to things through social media," she said, adding that some platforms were "not well policed."

One ​​woman, Jill Cotton, said her daughters, aged 12 and 9, were particularly interested in skin care products for Christmas. “My oldest daughter and her friends are very keen that their rooms look aesthetically pleasing,” she said. “A lot of what draws them to skincare is the fun packaging the creams come in – and the way they will...