ORLANDO, Fla – Establishing a skin care routine is important at any age. But some young children might be taking it a little too far by using expensive products and ingredients made for adults -- and it could be doing more harm than good.
Young influencers on social media are setting the beauty bar high. They’re using expensive products and encouraging their followers to do the same.
“I don’t think it’s necessary for any child or adolescent to really be going crazy buying skin care products,” said Shelley Fox, a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner.
Fox said social media has a strong impact on young children. She said when it comes to skin care, just because a favorite influencer or celebrity is using a product, that doesn’t mean it’s right or safe for everyone.
“A lot of influencers are paid well to endorse certain products that they don’t necessarily even fully understand all of the ingredients that are in the products and the potential side effects that they can have,” Fox said.
Fox said some ingredients can be harmful to children, especially if they aren’t used correctly. That includes alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, retinoids and topical steroids.
She said instead to look for ingredients like sunflower seed oil or ceramides. Those have been tested to be safe for children.
Fox said children should keep it simple, and there’s no need for fancy ingredients or exfoliators.
She said a good routine includes a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. She also adds that children with acne, eczema or other skin conditions need to be especially careful with the products they use.