How young is too young for skincare? Children in the US promote products on social media

NO NEED FOR KIDS TO HAVE ELABORATE SKINCARE ROUTINES

While dermatologists welcome the interest in caring for the skin, they say there is no need for multiple-step routines.

“As a parent, and a paediatric dermatologist, I don’t think there’s any need or even role for elaborate skincare regimens for young children,” said Dr Yasmine Kirkorian, chief of dermatology at Children’s National Hospital. 

“Definitely, I think that’s something that’s a trend and that is not supported by any evidence.”

Skincare brand Drunk Elephant, which sells its moisturiser for nearly US$70, is one of the most popular brands among young shoppers. The company has had to advise them to stay away from some of their products. 

In California, some state legislators have tried to push for further action. 

Mr Alex Lee, member of the California State Assembly, said: “I’ve introduced this Bill to ban the sale of anti-aging products to kids and preteens.”

However, the law has failed to advance. Nationally, there are no age restrictions on who can buy these products. 

Marketing professor Sonya Grier, who spent two years working at the Federal Trade Commission, said the agency – which works to prevent fraudulent and unfair business practices – looks at whether there is truth in advertising.

“You don’t want to have miscommunication or untruths, and that doesn’t focus specifically on skincare. So that falls through the crack in that way,” said Prof Grier from the American University’s marketing department.

“You have regulations that focus on youth such as COPPA, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, and that regulates what type of information can be collected from youth. So again, that focuses on youth, but it doesn’t focus on skincare.”