So, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about something that’s been on my mind – skincare and make-up for teens. It’s kind of a tricky topic, isn’t it? I mean, on the one hand, experimenting with beauty products can be super fun and a way to express yourself. But on the other hand, there’s a lot to consider in terms of safety and health, especially for us teens.
I get it – dealing with acne or oily skin can be a real confidence crusher. Trust me, I’ve been there. And when you see all those ads promising clear skin overnight, it’s tempting to try every product out there. But here’s the thing: a tween/teenager’s skin is still growing and changing and is extremely sensitive. Slathering on harsh chemicals can do more harm than good.
Adults on social media are now calling beauty obsessed pre-adolescents “Sephora kids.” As young as 9 years, often referred to as Gen Alpha – have been flooding their nearest Sephora stores to get their hands on these products typically targeted at older consumers.
There are tons of “get ready with me videos (#GRWM)” on TikTok showcasing these products, ice rollers and other anti-wrinkle skincare appropriate for these children’s parents, but not the children.
The Skincare Industry
Image Source: https://www.technavio.com/
According to Market Research Future the global children’s cosmetics market is projected to be 1,795 MIL USD by 2026 and the Asia Pacific market is projected to be 408 MIL USD by 2026 which is around 7.25% market cap.
I read a recent article on BBC News where they had received messages from several parents worried about their child’s interest in skincare – and the influence of social media and friends. Kids as young as 8 years old were being influenced by what they watch on YouTube, Instagram and in other countries TikTok.
As an adult, I know I have spent quite a lot of time looking at content on skincare and routines to follow etc. Skincare content is unrestricted on social media and many daily routine and get-ready-with-me videos attract millions of views. So you can imagine the effect it has on the younger generation.
Why Make Up For Kids Is A No-No?
Experts say that
The absorption rate in children is at least 10 % higher as compared to adults due to their faster metabolism. So, if they apply lipstick with dangerous chemicals, their skin will immediately absorb it, and the effects might become evident in the future.
Children have thinner skin as compared to adults and have lower barrier function than adults.
A lot of the products contain anti-ageing products which work well for older skin but not a child’s delicate skin.
Allowing your child to wear makeup may cause acne later, especially due to insufficient product removal combined with unhygienic behaviours that can clog pores and spread bacteria.
In her interview on BBC News, Dr McPherson, who represents the British Association of Dermatologists says she is worried about the “suggestive packaging”, often bright and colourful and therefore attractive to children. These products are sold as empowerment but [it] is playing on vulnerabilities.
South Korea’s cosmetics industry, known as K-beauty, has become an Asian powerhouse and global phenomenon for its rigorous step-by-step regimens. Kids as young as kindergarten have a regime & make-up kits. Can you imagine the pressure and the havoc it plays with the little ones?
Did you know South Korea is home to one of the world’s top 10 beauty industries? It has one of the highest rates of plastic surgery in the world, with one in three women ages 19 to 29 years saying they have undergone procedures, especially on their eyelids, according to a Gallup survey.
One such Korean brand that has entered the Indian market is Puttisu. It has a full range of children’s skincare and make-up products from easy-to-use sunscreen sticks to non-toxic nail paint (which can be peeled off to remove) cheek tint and lipstick as well as kid-sized, natural sheet masks and more.
How To Talk To Tweens/ Teens About Skin Care
If someone were to tell you not to think of chocolate cake, what is the first thing you would think of? So don’t try to curb a tween or teen’s skincare obsession by saying, “You shouldn’t care so much about skincare.
You start by asking open-ended questions like
- “I see you have been doing a lot of skincare research. What brought this interest up for you?”
- Ask the kids what their concerns are.
- Ask them what they are hoping to achieve with their skincare requests.
- Discuss that social media often portrays unrealistic photos and expectations.
- Explain what harsh chemicals can do to their sensitive skin.
- Read the ingredients. They are important because some things you see, you can’t trust.
Educate Your Kids About Good Skincare
Skincare expert and bestselling author Caroline Hirons is part of a growing movement of specialists taking to social media to educate and inform people about skincare.
Image Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-68238754
Parents are increasingly beginning to think of facials, threading, and spa treatments as innocuous treats they can give their children once in a while or on special occasions like birthdays.
As a parent to 2 teenagers, I think the more time you help your kids stay away from artificial stuff and help them understand the importance of using good hygiene & healthy eating habits, the better it is for them in the long run.
Until the age of 18, all they need is a strictly home-based skincare routine. After 12 years, teenagers might start worrying about acne, blackheads and whiteheads on their previously flawless skin. That’s normal. As they hit puberty, they will be more concerned about their appearance and all the changes their bodies are going through.
Instead of running to salons and exposing their naturally supple skin to harmful chemical treatments, you can help your teen battle the beauty woes with some home remedies.
Make a bath scrub with finely ground green gram, Bengal gram/ besan or rice powder. To get rid of dandruff, you can make them a natural shampoo using aloe vera pulp, lemon juice and egg white. A hot oil massage once a week will keep your growing children’s hair healthy and naturally lustrous. Your kitchen can be a godsend.
All you need to do is explore and encourage them to stay away from the glitz of fancy products, stay hydrated, eat right and follow a healthy skincare routine of washing their face before they hit bed, a lightweight moisturizer and sunscreen. Your skin is the biggest organ of your body and you can look after it easily.
Would you be OK to gift your kids or nieces cosmetics at such a young age?
Nidhi Somani
Asma Shaikh
Mansi Zaveri
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