Kids, tweens and teens in the beauty industry
The blossoming industry of skincare
The explosion in the skincare trend started in 2023 has children aged 6 – 12 from all over the world, using hundreds of dollars’ worth of products from brands such as Drunk Elephant, Glow Recipe, and many more.
The trend of tweens using such products originated on social media platforms, specifically TikTok, which had young girls wanting every new and trendy cosmetic.
Skincare is rapidly destroying many kids’ confidence, being afraid of what their friends may think if they aren’t using the ‘popular’ products.
All my friends use it, and I don’t want to be left out.
Lily, 9
The brands from Sephora are also not preventing this from happening, many of them marketing their products to a younger demographic of children, by using younger models for their advertisements, making the packaging for these products extremely colourful, and making out that these products are okay for younger skin to use every day and night.
I want to have clear skin…. it puts a routine in early for when I’m older.
Lily, 9
Many people often say that the reason young girls are buying all these products are because of social media, and while that is true, another reason is also the fact that these young girls are wanting to look older, and grow up quicker, which has always been a part of history. It is also making the children may feel compelled to participate to fit in or gain social validation.
The influencers in the beauty industry
Social media, specifically TikTok is having an extreme negative impact on young consumers, who are purchasing multiple products that are not age appropriate for them. TikTok’s hundreds of beauty influencers who put their looks on display, and review multiple products per week, and perform makeup tutorials, often influence these young girls. This eventually develops an addiction to these products, which is doing more harm to their physical appearance and mental health.
‘Disturbing’ for parents
The parents of these children have been finding it difficult to navigate how to make their child happy, but
also to use age-appropriate products.
One day my daughter just started asking for all these products… It was quite disturbing.”
A mother of a ‘Sephora kid’
While some parents have been trying to understand their child, many of them seem very unconcerned over the products their child are using, products that have a potential for skin damage, like retinol, which should be nowhere near these girls’ shopping lists.
What dermatologists think
Many dermatologists have been expressing their worries about using skincare as it can provoke allergies or eczema. The British Association for Dermatologists have warned young girls that using skin products designated as anti-aging could leave them with irreversible skin damage.
Dr. Anjali Mahto, the dermatologist at self London, told The Times, “Something I feel quite strongly
about is discouraging the adoption of intricate anti-aging routines that involve actives like vitamin C,
retinoids and other exfoliating acids.”
Many dermatologists say that since the beginning of 2023, they have seen an increase of children coming to see them with issues with their skin, while having multi-step skincare routines filled with products that they don’t need and are harming their skin. Dermatologists are now starting to press the alarm against the beauty industry and culture which is ruining kids’ confidence, and are going on these websites such as TikTok, and Instagram sharing what young kids should be using.
A simple routine
A simple routine that these children should be using include a simpler, non-expensive gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. Sunscreen specifically should be emphasised, as part of a daily skincare routine and for swimming or sports.
Year 8 Journalism student