The Young and Skincare

Increased access to social media applications has dramatically shifted how teens and adolescents engage with beauty and skincare trends. Many trending skincare routines for the young feature ingredients, which may not be beneficial and cause adverse reactions. Risks and concerns include increased sun damage, irritation, inflammation, scarring, and psychological impacts from an obsession with “perfect skin” from a young age. Reports of adolescents and teens experiencing adverse effects after trying beauty trends endorsed by social media influencers demonstrate the potential consequences of following trends without sufficient understanding of their safety and suitability.

Although adolescents and teens can make adult‐level decisions, they frequently do not exercise it optimally, leading to more immediate‐reward decisions enhanced by peers.

Younger people are constantly exposed to persuasive marketing and peer‐driven beauty trends that may not prioritise their long‐term well‐being over immediate aesthetic appeal. They desire to emulate the skincare regimens of their favourite influencers, driven by the allure of luxury products perceived as essential for achieving flawless skin.

Ethical skincare practices must advocate for transparency in marketing, promoting evidence‐based approaches that prioritise safety and health over superficial trends to avoid harm to young individuals. Thus, influencers and content creators also have an obligation of transparency about their target audiences and mitigating the risk of exploiting youthful impressionability for commercial gain, especially when promoting skincare products knowingly to younger viewers.

Influencers hold significant sway over adolescent audiences, influencing their perceptions of beauty ideals and skincare routines. As a creator's viewership expands, so does their duty to promote truthful practices.

Some may argue parents or guardians have the responsibility of regulating purchases and skincare exploration. However, the pervasive influence of social media exposes youth to content through their peers, educational institutions, and various other channels where social interactions and commercial interests converge. This extensive reach complicates the traditional notion of parental responsibility.

There is an increase of the use of products containing such ingredients as Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Retinoids and Peptides. These products are targeted at more mature and adult skin types or for those with specific issues. On younger skin, these ingredients can cause the exact opposite, if used whilst young, in later life. Not to mention, irritating young skin. Used young, Retinoids can cause Retinoid Dermatitis and increase the damage that may be caused by over exposure to the sun. Since the UK left the EU, regulations regarding ingredients may change. Ingredients previously not allowed could now find their way into products targeted at young people. Bear in mind that nearly all skincare is targeted towards adult use

Makeup and body products for the young may include bright colours, animals, and cartoon characters to attract the attention of children. Social media platforms that children may use, are also being increasingly utilised to advertise such products. Be aware of ingredients in skincare products used by the young.

A gentle cleanser and a sunscreen are really all that is required. If there are specific issues, visit your chosen skincare professional - not social media.

Taken, in part, from: (italics, here, are mine!)

Parikh, A. K., & Lipner, S. R. (2024). Glow or No-Go: Ethical considerations of adolescent and teen skincare trends in social media. Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI), 30(8), e70029. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.70029