NATALIA BUSTAMENTE – STAFF WRITER ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JAN 31 2024
In the evolving realm of beauty and skincare, the upsurge in skincare practices among younger girls has taken the world by storm. Due to social media outlets like TikTok and Instagram, younger girls have posted their extensive and elaborate skincare routines, using expensive products that are unnecessary for such a young age. The prevalence of extensive and elaborate skincare routines, featuring the use of expensive products, has created a ripple effect as younger girls are easily influenced by the trends they encounter on these social platforms.
This trend has not gone unnoticed by those with medical professions. Doctors and dermatologists express growing concern over the unnecessary use of harsh chemicals in the skincare routines of younger girls. The thin and sensitive skin of children makes them more prone to irritation and dryness when exposed to such harsh products. The use of acids and retinols, ingredients not intended for children, may have long-lasting consequences on their skin health.
This concern is heightened by the fact that certain popular brands, including Drunk Elephant and Bubble, dominate the skincare environment among these younger users. While these brands have addressed this issue, asserting the safety of most of their products for teens and children, a notable exception has been made regarding the use of retinol serums and acids. Despite this caution, retinol serum remains the most popular product children are looking for in stores like Sephora. The challenge intensifies as employees at Sephora constantly advise against the use of these products for younger customers. Despite these warnings, younger children and their parents do not pay them any attention.
Senior international global studies major, Melyna Martinez, expressed her concern over this issue. “I have seen this all over my TikTok, and it has gotten out of hand. Personally, I did not implement any extensive skincare routine until I turned 16, and to see that 12-year-olds are putting on such harsh chemicals should not be allowed.” Martinez ended the conversation by saying how she has witnessed an increased presence of children in older audience stores like Sephora, something she had previously never seen before.