Great increases is the consumption of skin care products to pre -adolescents and adolescents – a trend that can hurt the skin further affecting their self -image and mental health. Negative effects have both the cosmetics intended for adults but are used by people even under 12 years of age, as well as those designed for adolescents, children or even babies.
Girls 12-18 years old use, for example, perfumes with irritants, hard scrubs, moisturizing creams with substances such as retinol or hyaluronic acid, and serums with no need at age, with the risk of developing dermatitis, minor injuries. Unfortunately, the safety and tolerance of many of the ingredients contained in these cosmetic products and Effects on the skin of children and adolescents They have not been sufficiently studied and therefore is a well known part of the dangers of young consumers.
“Adolescence is a new chapter in children’s lives. During them, physical and emotional changes take place, which are triggered by their consumer habits. Hormonal changes bring about skin problems, creating increased care needs, while emotional changes lead to the onset of aesthetic “transformation” of the skin with the use of cosmetics.
However, access to them without the advice of a doctor can create further skin problems. This applies to both products containing medicines and cosmetics and perfumes, ”says Dermatologist – Aphrodisiologist Dr. Christos Stamou.
In recent years several branded cosmetics and skin care companies have been released Skin Makeup and Skin Care Species specifically for Teenagers and Children intended for use even from the age of 3 years. They are promoted by aggressive marketing and according to US financial data have achieved their goal. The market for children’s cosmetics was valued at $ 1.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $ 2.5 billion by 2030.
This has contributed to this Skinfluers who “follow” on social media. Research has shown that 57% of children born after 2010 spend 3 or more hours a day on the internet with most of the time being invested in platforms such as Tiktok. Half of them are not only influenced but trusting the skinfluencers as much as their family and friends – people often promote therapies and cosmetics without specialized knowledge. The consequence of their faith in them is to experiment with dubious quality products or inappropriate for their age, type and needs.
Specifically, the ingredients contained in the aromas are potentially harmful when they come in contact with sensitive baby skin. Some contain chemicals such as benzofenone (used as reinforcing and stabilizing not only in aromas but also in sunscreen, shampoo, etc.), which can cause irritation and increase skin absorption and other ingredients. And by saying “fragrances” are not only the cologne but also all sorts of products that smell beautiful, even what is intended for babies.
A study recently published in Pediatric Dermatology is very enlightening about ingredients contained in cleansers, lotions and moisturizing creams and how beneficial and safe they are for children and adolescents.
The cleaners and soaps, for example, depending on the ingredients they contain are aimed at different skin types. While soaps contain substances that may be useful to those with oily skin, they are very tough for those with sensitive skin and can cause irritating dermatitis. Excessive cleansing can cause damage to the skin barrier, leading to irritation and imbalance of the skin microbiomes that can aggravate the acne from which a large proportion of adolescents suffer.
Tonic lotions used by much of the adolescent population offer almost nothing if the appropriate facial cleanser has been selected. They have the risk of excessively drying the skin and cause dry skin. Some contain anti -acne or anti -aging ingredients, such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which may be harmful depending on the amount.
Another popular category of products used by teens is scrubs. The particles they contain to exfoliate the skin can lead to inflammation and skin irritation when used in youthful, sensitive skin.
Several teenagers resort to the use of products (often their mothers) aimed at slowing down or inverting aging signs, such as discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. Except that do not offer any benefit to young people Consumers, since they have not yet developed signs of aging, these creams can aggravate acne or cause irritation and photosensitivity if they contain retinoids or high concentration of Vitamin C. Those containing vitamin E or niainamide are likely to cause other nipple.
Hyaluronic acid, which is chosen by minors, offers no benefit to these ages because it has not yet decreased in its natural production, and at best its benefits are limited to hydration.
‘Nail polishes also contain ingredients such as toluenewhich are toxic and could cause a number of problems for children. Those containing formaldehyde can cause allergies, such as contact dermatitis.
As far as makeup products are concerned, such as foundation, conceales, powders and lipstick, A study of more than 200 research, conducted by Earthjustice and Columbia University scientists found that most children in the United States use facial and body makeup products that may contain carcinogenic substances and other toxic chemicals, such as leads, in the organization.
Equally dangerous is the use of makeup products in adolescence and childhood, as they can clog pores and lead to acne and cause allergies due to the perfumes, conservatives and metals they contain. It is also a possible source of viral infections, such as herpes, or bacterial infections when used jointly with the mother, ”concludes Dr. Stamou.