Do you recall the beauty products you favored at the age of 10? It's likely that you were dabbling in a bit of lip gloss and beginning to build your "adult" nail polish assortment. If you had a skincare regimen back then, it probably consisted of an acne face wash and a budget-friendly moisturizer your mother bought for you. Interestingly, some children as young as seven are now incorporating popular brands like Glow Recipe, Drunk Elephant, Bubble Skincare, E.L.f. Cosmetics, and others into their routines.
Is There Such a Thing as Being "Too Young" for Skincare?
Addressing this query is nuanced. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy, MD, "It's never too early to incorporate suitable skincare products if necessary." The crucial term to consider here is "suitable."
"During the preteen to early teenage years, it's an ideal period to initiate a skincare regimen. At this stage, children start grasping the significance of hygiene and self-care, making them more open to the concept of self-care," explains Dr. Westbay. The principle of 'less is more' is relevant. "It should be kept very straightforward," notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD.
While there isn't a universal rule, the consensus among the doctors is that the objective should be to maintain clean, shielded skin. This entails utilizing a cleanser, employing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for acne spot treatment when necessary, using moisturizer, and applying sunscreen. "For teens grappling with severe acne, I advise seeking guidance from a board-certified dermatologist for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan, which may involve a combination of over-the-counter and prescription products," recommends Dr. Hartman.
The utilization of elaborate serums, facial masks, and active ingredients is highly discouraged. A lot of these products contain intricate blends with powerful components that may not be suitable for youthful skin.
There are significant reasons behind this recommendation. Beginning usage too early can expose you to the risk of developing various skin issues. "Preteens using products that are overly harsh or unsuitable for their skin, designed for older skin types, can have negative consequences," explains Dr. Westbay. "I strongly believe this is one of the reasons why more of my younger patients are experiencing irritation, allergic reactions, dryness, sensitivity, and even heightened acne compared to what I observed during my training."
In addition to the physical risks to the skin barrier, there is also a consideration regarding mental well-being. Presently, numerous adults are finding it challenging to deal with the unrealistic beauty ideals promoted by the beauty industry and social media. Given that many children are now exposed to these standards at a younger age, there is a strong likelihood that they will have lasting impacts on self-esteem.
The motivation driving the curiosity is crucial and should be considered almost as important as the skincare regimen itself. "It's positive to see younger children showing an interest in their skin, but I hope they do so for the sake of their general well-being, not because they feel pressured to emulate their favorite influencer or celebrity," comments Dr. Hartman.