Skincare Trend for Kids: Is It Unnecessary Pressure or Smart Parenting?

In an era where social media heavily influences self-image and beauty standards, rising skincare trends are leading parents to spend hundreds of euros on advanced products for children as young as nine. Professor Caitriona Ryan, a leading dermatologist, warns that many of these skincare regimes are neither appropriate nor necessary for young skin.

The Rise of Complex Skincare Regimens for Gen Alpha

As children from the so-called "Gen Alpha" cohort—those born between 2010 and 2024—navigate a world inundated with social media content, it’s evident that TikTok has become a significant player. The combination of the ongoing pandemic and TikTok’s influence has resulted in tweens becoming fascinated with expensive skincare routines. Kids are turning to high-end brands like Drunk Elephant, with some small pots of skin cream costing upwards of €50.

“Parents or Santa maybe, are going to be asked for ridiculously priced skincare,” Professor Ryan noted. Many children are increasingly requesting complex, multi-step skin regimes for holidays and birthdays—regimens better suited for adults, not preteens.

The Pressure on Parents

Parents today face enormous pressure to keep their children feeling included among their peers. As trends accelerate on social media, kids express a desire for trendy products that promise a coveted “glass skin” appearance. Prof. Ryan remarked, “There is huge pressure on parents, and it’s ridiculous. They’re spending all this money to maybe make their kid’s skin worse.”

Just last year, she began hearing from concerned parents frustrated by their children’s persistent requests for costly skincare products. The delightful allure of TikTok can leave parents feeling conflicted, caught between wanting to support their kids and understanding the potential risks of unnecessary skincare use.

The Dangers of Overusing Skincare Products

According to Professor Ryan, the influx of children wanting sophisticated skincare routines is a “dream come true” for skincare companies. They target this impressionable age group with promises of flawless skin, leading parents to spend between €300 and €400 on extensive product ranges—most of which need to be replaced every three to four months.

“There is a concern about causing damage to the skin, although not permanent damage, with the use of active ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids,” she explained. For young children, unnecessary active ingredients can lead to dryness and irritation, which often results in more issues than they started with.

Dermatologist Dr. Bryan Murphy, who has treated patients aged 13 and above, concurs. "The skin cell turnover time for children and teenagers is much more accelerated compared to adults.” Thus, introducing harsh products can disrupt the skin’s natural development, leading to inflammation, dryness, or acne breakouts.

Educating About Proper Skincare

Prof. Ryan believes parents should utilize this newfound interest in skincare as an opportunity to instill healthy habits (not just trends) in their children. “All you need at this age is to wash your face in the morning and evening and put on a sunblock daily,” she advises. "The majority of skin damage, including photo-aging and even skin-cancer risks, occurs before the age of 18."

Inexpensive yet effective options often reside in local pharmacies compared to luxury options. Brands like CeraVe and Cetaphil contain gentle, skin-friendly ingredients that don’t provoke sensitivities, as per Prof. Ryan’s recommendation. “They’re often much better than something you’d buy in Brown Thomas,” she emphasized.

A Positive Shift in Awareness

Despite the complexity of modern skincare trends, there is a silver lining. Many individuals in their twenties are now more conscious about applying sunblock daily—a significant improvement from past generations. This positive shift indicates that while the obsession may veer towards the excessive, the potential awareness of skincare health through proper instructional practices can be beneficial in the long run.

Join the Conversation

The influence of TikTok and rising beauty trends undoubtedly pose challenges for today’s parents, as well as questions about the appropriateness of several products for children. As trends continue to evolve, it remains crucial for parents to assess what’s truly necessary for their children’s skin health while promoting practical skincare habits.

Are you seeing similar trends in your community? How are you navigating the skincare requests from your children? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

[Read more about skincare practices and the impact of social media on youth culture here.]

For further reading, consider exploring resources from the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation.