I was a parent blogger for 12 years, at The Tiger Tales . Since establishing Xpat At Home, I don’t write about my children. However, this will interest you if you have preteens or teenagers. Like many children their age, my children see skincare content on TikTok. Now, they want skincare. The packaging looks cute, so they are drawn to it. Unfortunately for them, I’m a Gen X Caribbean mum who knows a bit about natural skincare. We’ve talked about teen hygiene, the importance of a balanced diet, and making homemade masks. Still, I was relieved to see the child skincare boom being discussed on the news. Now, I have ammunition. Many of the products children want are not appropriate for them and expensive. If you need backup, blame me. Don’t buy these child skin care products.
Glass Skin Effect
Fristly, lets talk about ‘glass skin’. Talk about glass skin everywhere social media. Children and some adults are chasing the look of untextured skin like an app filter. The cross-over of K-pop and K-dramas into the Western mainstream may influence this trend. The stars look like pretty porcelain characters. It seems to be the aesthetic being pushed in Korea and product placement in K-dramas is rife!
No lie. I love a good K-Drama! Once, I went hunting for a sweet I saw in a series I was watching. Now at my big age of 51! I know better. I even laughed as I bought it knowing I fell for the ‘trick’. I don’t know if children can beat the attraction, especially if they crave the skincare for brand’s aesthetic and status. We as parents have to look into the ingredients because they can be harmful to young skin.
Child Skin Care And Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A-based products used on the skin and there are types. Due to their anti-aging properties retinoids are being included over-the-counter skincare formulas. They are not meant for children. In the UK Isotretinoin is one of the the treatments for severe acne. Unless it is prescribed by a GP or dermatologist, retinoids should not be used by children.
Avoid over-the-counter retinoid products for child skin care. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) states that tretinoin was approved to be used as a topical treatment for acne in 1971 in the USA. Tretinoin prevents pores from clogging and reduces and prevents acne scars. Treninoin has potent anti-aging properties because it encourages faster turnover of surface skin cells and boosts collagen. Additionally, it also improves skin tone and reduces fine lines and wrinkles! All of which is not a concern for children.
Preteen Skin Concerns And Solutions
Secondly, hormone changes can trigger acne which is natural for teenagers. However, in some instances, establishing a good skin care regime early will help manage the condition. In her book Skin Care: the ultimate no-nonsense guide, Caroline Hirons , beauty industry veteran aesthetician, author, and Founder of Skin Rocks advises:
- Use Gentle products and develop a routine
- Change the pillowcase regularly (at least once per week)
- Use oil-free moisturisersSalicylic or lactic acid on spots
- Remove makeup with a good makeup remover
- Vitamin C serum is ok not necessary
- Apply a hydrating lotion depending on the skin type
- Complete daytime skincare regime with SPF 50 or 30
Sali Hughes, author of Pretty Honest, journalist, and broadcaster, suggests starting a skincare journey with your child. She says the following ingredients are fine for teens but unnecessary: peptides, ceramides, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
She suggests parents pay attention to any packages from the TikTok shop. I’d also add, don’t give in to the pressure to buy the products in the Christmas sales because they are cheaper.
NOTE: using over-the-counter products with retinoids can cause topical dermatitis in children. On melanated skin, it could take weeks for discolouration to heal.
Further Advice On Child Skin Care
Finally, you can seek advice about child skin care from your GP if you have a concern. The Black Skin Directory has a wealth of information on melenated skin concerns. You can even ask your network to recommend a dermatologist they have used and were happy with.
Books are also an excellent source. Caroline Hirons’ Skin Care: the ultimate no-nonsense guide is perfect because it covers from pre-teen to mature skin. There’s also Skincare Bible by Dr Anjali Mahto , Back Chat Beauty: the beauty guide for real life by Sophie Beresiner and Lisa Porter- Dixon or Black Skin: The definitive skincare guide by Dija Ayodele, Founder of the Black Skin Directory. In fact, why not gift your child a book of skin care for a stocking filler or present? For example, Girls’ Home Spa Lab: All-Natural Recipes, Healthy Habits, and Feel-Good Activities to Make You Glow by Maya Pagán.
I hope you find it helpful. Please share with anyone it can help.
For more beauty content on the blog and you can find me on Instagram @MsXpat .
Photo Credit from Pexels.com
