Children as young as ten are using anti-ageing creams because of social media pressure, experts have warned.
Pre-teens are begging parents for moisturisers costing around £50 a jar as they adopt complicated skincare regimes, according to dermatologists.
Ingredients like retinol, which is a form of vitamin A, are popular but — while helpful for ageing skin — can cause redness, flaking and rashes on children’s faces.
Older teenagers risk worsening their acne by using unnecessary and expensive products.
Dr Emma Wedgeworth, of the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group, warned some 10-year-olds are using skin creams designed for older women.
Pre-teens are begging parents for moisturisers costing around £50 a jar as they adopt complicated skincare regimes, according to dermatologists
She said: ‘There are children with extensive skincare routines, who wash their face before using a serum, then a mist, and next a toner, followed by an expensive moisturiser.
‘This is completely unnecessary as children only need to wash their face with a gentle fragrance-free cleanser and use a light moisturiser, and sunscreen during the summer months.
‘But social media is making children very aware of their appearance and skin, as they compare themselves to influencers, and that is also worrying for their mental health.’
Parents are being pestered to buy expensive face creams for their children, because the youngsters see them being used on social media.
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However some of these products can irritate the skin of pre-pubescent children, and can block the pores of teenagers with more oily skin, making acne worse.
Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist at Self London, said: ‘I’m aware that at present there is a social media trend for teenagers showcasing their luxury skincare routines (often with many steps), especially on platforms such as TikTok.
‘As a consultant dermatologist, I feel it is essential to emphasise that a 13-year-old’s skincare routine should prioritise basic hygiene, rather than unnecessary complexity.’
She added: ‘Teenagers are sometimes overly concerned about premature ageing.
‘I recently saw a 14-year-old in clinic who was concerned about crow’s feet.
‘She had undoubtedly been influenced by social media and influencers.’
Dermatologists say teenagers are following online trends when they should seek medical help for problems such as acne.
Dr Wedgeworth said: ‘I see my own 12 year old daughter wanting to spend significant time on her skincare routine before and after school.
‘I think much of this focus is coming from relatable “girl-next-door” influencers on social media.
‘And as a result, many young children are scrutinising their skin, looking out for imperfections and blemishes, far more than is necessary at this age.’
