2024-11-05 07:00:00
On social networks, little girls and pre-teens act as beauty influencers by making “skincare” videos. The phenomenon, which has arrived from the United States, encourages young people to use exfoliating cream, beauty mask, revitalizing and anti-aging serum or even makeup of all brands. What are the health risks associated with this misuse of adult cosmetic products?
Children’s skin
In children over 3 years old, the skin is more fragile, because they have an ineffective detoxification system. They are more sensitive to oxidative stress, cellular attacks caused by molecules derived from oxygen.
Also, their hydrolipidic film assimilated to the skin barrier is more vulnerable because it is thinner. In fact, their sebaceous glands (sebum-secreting glands) are not yet active. They will only be stimulated at puberty by different hormones.
In children, the skin will tend to become dehydrated and the risks of dry skin and pathologies such as atopic dermatitis are high.
To know! Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is a chronic itchy (itchy) skin disease that develops in outbreaks. It mainly affects infants and children, but can persist into adolescence and adulthood.
During the preadolescencethe pores of the skin dilate and the skin becomes more oily.
Read also – Cosmetics not so pretty!
Irritations, allergies and endocrine disruptors
Applying an adult product to children’s skin is risky. In fact, their skin is thinner and more fragile.
THE irritations caused on the skin of young children may occur in the event of application of:
Anti-aging cream containing acids or derivatives of vitamine A (retinol); Cream anti-imperfections or anti-acne containing salicylic acid ;Crème exfoliant with glycolic acid ;Serum with vitamin C.
In the “beauty routine” videos of these little girls or teenagers, we see that they apply several products. The combination of all these molecules contained in different cosmetics increases the risk of appearance intense irritations and allergies.
Indeed, certain active ingredients contained in creams, milks, balms and serums are allergens and cause skin but also ocular and respiratory reactions.
To know! The European Commission established a list in July 2023 of 80 allergens with mandatory labeling if their presence is 0.001% for non-rinsed products and 0.01% for rinsed products
Finally, by exposing their skin to multiple cosmetic products for adults, young girls add endocrine disruptors in their body. In other words, chemical substances (of natural or artificial origin) which disrupt the functioning of the endocrine glands (the organs which produce hormones).
Ces endocrine disruptors contained in cosmetics are often molecules playing a role of preservatives oremollients.
To know! An emollient is a product used to soften and soften the skin: it hydrates it to protect it from drying out.
Read also – Endocrine disruptors, a long list of harmful effects on health
Cosmetics for children
THE only cosmetics suitable for children’s skin are :
Mild soap; Moisturizing products (perfume-free) and sun protection specially designed for children; Creams or lotions suitable for young or acne-prone skin; Lip balms.
Dermatologists point out that it is important to select a cosmetic marked “child”. Indeed, in this context, the same tolerance tests nor the same regulations apply.
Read also – Health and social networks: A law against the excesses of influencers?
Sources
– Sephora Kids: the new phenomenon of social networks and its dangers. www.pharma-gdd.com. Accessed October 16, 2024.
– “Sephora kids”: watch out for this dangerous trend for the health of children’s skin. factuel.afp.com. Accessed October 16, 2024.
Written by Julie P.
1730841149
#risks #skin
**Interview with Dr. Emily Hartman, Dermatologist and Children’s Skin Care Expert**
**Date: November 5, 2024**
**Host:** Good morning, Dr. Hartman, and thank you for joining us today to discuss an important topic affecting our youth—skin care products and their potential risks to children’s skin.
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me! This is a crucial conversation, especially with the rise of young beauty influencers on social media.
**Host:** Absolutely! We’ve seen a surge in videos from pre-teens promoting various skin care products. Can you explain why children’s skin is particularly vulnerable to these adult products?
**Dr. Hartman:** Certainly. Children, especially those over three years old, have skin that is inherently more fragile. Their skin is thinner, has a less effective detoxification system, and lacks the hormonal activity that stimulates the sebaceous glands, which means it’s more prone to dehydration and other issues.
**Host:** What kind of risks do you see when children use adult skin care products, especially those marketed for anti-aging or acne?
**Dr. Hartman:** There are several significant risks. Adult products can contain strong active ingredients such as retinol, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid, which can cause irritation and allergic reactions on children’s delicate skin. The combination of multiple products can exacerbate these issues, leading to intense skin irritations, allergies, and even respiratory reactions.
**Host:** That sounds alarming. Can you talk about specific conditions that can arise from this misuse of products?
**Dr. Hartman:** Yes, one of the most common problems is eczema, specifically atopic dermatitis, which can develop in children and persist into later life. Additionally, as the skin becomes more oily during preadolescence, if not managed correctly, it could lead to outbreaks of acne.
**Host:** Given all these risks, what can parents do to protect their children’s skin while still allowing them to explore skin care?
**Dr. Hartman:** Communication is key. Parents should talk to their children about the appropriate age to start using certain products and emphasize the importance of safe, gentle options designed specifically for younger skin. It’s crucial to choose products free from harmful ingredients and allergens, and to always perform a patch test before introducing any new product.
**Host:** What advice would you give parents who notice their children engaging with skincare content online?
**Dr. Hartman:** Encourage your children to be critical of what they see and follow reputable sources. It’s essential to help them understand that not all products are suitable for their skin type and that the influence of social media can sometimes lead to unhealthy beauty standards.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Hartman, for shedding light on this important issue. It’s clear that while the world of skin care can be exciting, it’s vital for children to approach it safely.
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to create a healthy foundation for skincare habits early on.
**Host:** Definitely! Let’s work together to ensure our children have a safe and healthy start to their skincare journey.
