The Skincare Craze: Kids, TikTok, and Too Much Moisturiser!
Leading dermatologist Professor Caitriona Ryan has recently brought to our attention a rather eyebrow-raising trend: parents shelling out hundreds of euros on skincare for their tweens. Yes, that’s right, people! Kids as young as nine are asking for these fancy skincare potions that are probably more suitable for a Hollywood starlet than your average third-grader. I mean, remember when our biggest skincare concerns were whether to use Nivea or Vaseline? These fresh-faced munchkins have moved on to regimes that could give a facialist a nervous breakdown!
It appears the double whammy of the pandemic and the ever-ubiquitous influence of TikTok has led to this new generation—dubbed Gen Alpha—being utterly transfixed by the allure of costly skincare regimes. If you think about it, it’s like giving kids access to a high-end beauty salon and then leaving them to run riot! I can just imagine it: little Timmy reading a skincare label that says “Exfoliating Moon Essence.” What’s next? A facial steam and a cucumber eye mask?
And oh, the irony! While teenagers of yore yearned to raid their mother’s makeup drawers, the new trend is decidedly more glamorous: aiming for “glass skin.” Glass skin? Seriously? I mean, is that a look or a health hazard? I feel like at this rate, we’ll all be living in a giant greenhouse, and the kids will be watering their skin with special potions daily.
The Pressure is Real: Parents in a Quagmire
As Professor Ryan pointed out, the pressure on parents is immense, and quite frankly, ridiculous. Children aged nine, ten, or eleven are asking their parents for bottles of cream that cost half the rent! I guess I’m just old-fashioned, but I thought the only thing kids should be asking for around this age was more screen time or a new video game—perhaps a face-cream allowance will be the new thing. Forget kid-sized bikes; we need kid-sized skincare departments!
It’s as if TikTok has become a virtual god, guiding our children’s skincare choices, and let me tell you, that spells trouble. Do you remember growing up and your only source of beauty advice was your best friend’s older sister? And here we are now, navigating the choppy waters of skincare with the same people who can’t seem to boil an egg without help! Can I just get a round of applause for the wisdom of TikTok influencers? I was taught by my parents to only trust advice from people who had their driver’s license, not random teenagers showing me how to do a 10-step routine!
Mind Your Skin Barrier!
Experts like Dr. Bryan Murphy have also weighed in, warning about the potential skin damage. Apparently, a plethora of serums and acids could be wreaking havoc on skin that’s still in its developmental stage. Just think about it: all those expensive products might leave our kiddos’ faces looking like they’ve run a marathon through a sandstorm! And while they’re busy making redundant appointments with dermatologists, the market is busy flexing its muscles, looking for payment in shiny packaging and trendy promises.
The “Real” Deal: What’s Actually Necessary?
What’s Professor Ryan’s secret formula for wiser skincare? Simple! A splash of water in the morning, a splash of water at night, and for crying out loud, Wear your sunscreen. This not-so-secret weapon is crucial for preventing skin damage down the road. Who knew that your grandmother’s advice years ago was a less expensive and far more effective skincare regime?
And let’s not forget about the magic tricks that affordable brands like CeraVe and Cetaphil offer. These products don’t come with a designer price tag but work wonders on young skin. Who would have thought that the magic beans were hiding in the local pharmacy and not at the ritzy department store? Talk about a skincare plot twist!
TikTok Influences, but Can It Help?
Sure, it’s not all bad! On the other side of the spectrum, Professor Ryan did mention the growing trend of young adults making sunblock a daily routine. If the most they’re taking away from TikTok is a solid hydration plan, then maybe there’s a light at the end of the tunnel!
So, dear readers, the moral of the story is this: While our little darlings might be on a quest for “glass skin,” let’s make sure they don’t shatter their fragile skin barrier along the way. Remember, you don’t need an arm and a leg to achieve glowing skin; just the right balance of love, care, and a good ol’ dose of common sense. Now, where’s my Nivea?
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Professor Caitriona Ryan, a leading dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists, highlights that parents are increasingly being pressured to invest hundreds of euros in advanced skincare routines for their children, some as young as nine, despite such products being inappropriate for their skin types.
The surge in costly skincare routines among Generation Alpha—children born between 2010 and 2024—is attributed to the combined effects of the pandemic and the rapid rise of TikTok, a platform that has captivated their attention.
Young tweens are actively urging their parents to purchase popular skincare brands like Drunk Elephant, which markets smaller containers of skin cream priced at approximately €50, a significant expense for such a young audience.
In contrast to previous generations who were fascinated by their mothers’ makeup, the current trend shows a growing desire for achieving “glass skin”—a term that describes a smooth, nearly reflective complexion—amongst the youth.
“Parents, or perhaps even Santa Claus, are increasingly asked for exorbitantly priced skincare products,” comments Professor Ryan. “Children aged nine, ten, and eleven are requesting complex and advanced skincare systems for birthday and Christmas gifts, which are not fitting for their skin.”
She adds that many young individuals are captivated by intricate Korean skincare regimens, often involving multiple steps of cleansing, toning, and applying various products like essences and serums. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube have become pivotal in influencing this demographic, showcasing elaborate eight to ten-step routines that are now perceived as necessary.
Professor Ryan emphasizes the conflict parents face, as they grapple with the desire to keep their children included in social trends, often leading to unnecessary expenditures.
The phenomenon represents a lucrative opportunity for skincare manufacturers, as the younger generation shows an unprecedented obsession with achieving idealized appearances and flawless skin, frequently leading parents to spend upwards of €300 to €400 on products that may only last a few months.
Professor Ryan raises a concern regarding the potential harm these products can cause to the delicate skin of children, highlighting that ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids, if misused, could lead to skin irritation without lasting benefits. “There are risks of dryness and irritation,” she warns.
Similar adverse effects are seen when children utilize retinoids intended for acne and anti-aging due to their potential irritant properties. “Unless a child has acne, there’s typically no need for them to use a retinoid,” Professor Ryan explains, emphasizing that these products often lead to red, scaly, dry skin complications.
Dr. Bryan Murphy, a consultant dermatologist, notes that many teenagers come to his clinic with histories of using various creams and lotions for years, often before receiving any professional advice.
The dermatologist explains that the rapid cell turnover of younger individuals allows their skin to renew itself much more quickly than in older populations, making it crucial to minimize the use of unnecessary products during this developmental stage.
He warns that introducing harsh skincare elements can disrupt the natural skin barrier and lead to conditions like inflammation or acne in susceptible individuals, particularly those predisposed to dry skin or eczema.
Professor Ryan advocates for a more sensible approach, suggesting that parents could use this skincare obsession as an opportunity to teach their children effective habits, which can help shield them from skin diseases like cancer in the future.
She believes simple practices such as washing the face twice a day and using sunscreen as a moisturizer are sufficient for protecting their skin, given that most damage occurs before the age of 18.
In her professional opinion, comparatively affordable skincare brands available at pharmacies are often more effective than overpriced luxury labels, emphasizing that products like CeraVe and Cetaphil contain beneficial ingredients like ceramides that promote skin health and avoid triggering dermatitis.
Professor Ryan acknowledges that while there are risks associated with the skincare craze, there are also positive aspects, as many young adults are adopting daily sunblock routines, contributing to healthier skin overall.
How can parents teach their children about safe skincare practices?
626_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit” style=”color:var(–color-primary-80)”>while striving for that enviable glow might seem harmless, it’s essential for both parents and children to approach skincare with a healthy dose of realism. Simplifying routines and choosing gentle, age-appropriate products can go a long way in protecting youthful skin and instilling sensible habits that will last a lifetime. After all, glowing skin shouldn’t come at the expense of a fragile skin barrier—or your wallet! So next time you find yourself in a skincare aisle with your child, remember: less is more, and a little common sense can go a long way in the quest for “glass skin.”
