Social networks bring with them a multitude of challenges and fashions that go viral among the youngest. One of them is the so-called skincare, or what in English is facial care, a practice that has spread through TikTok and many influencers.
So far it may seem normal and harmless, but the problem comes when very young children use an infinite variety of products that are not intended for their skin, which can cause dermatological problems.
Antonio Ruedas, dermatologist at Consultorio Dermatológico and Hospital José Molina Orosa, assures that this use of products from such an early age "can cause an aggravation of pathologies that already exist, although it occurs more in adolescents, because they may have problems with acne, rosacea or atopic dermatitis and the use of these products or an overuse of them can cause these pathologies to worsen."
Similarly, they can cause irritative or contact dermatitis because facial products are usually acidic, such as retinone. Likewise, Ruedas also highlights that the psychological part comes into play. "Cosmeticorexia, that obsession with having perfect skin that bases self-esteem on body image," he explains.
A trend that is noticed in cosmetic stores
The different businesses dedicated to the commercialization of these products have noticed the increase in minors who come to their stores in search of creams, cleansers or treatments that are promoted on social networks.
Raquel Calvo, in charge of one of the cosmetic stores in Lanzarote, explains that "what they are looking for the most are aesthetic and makeup products, but especially facial creams and skincare routines, and they also ask me a lot about anti-wrinkle facial creams or with components for more mature skin."
Likewise, Calvo warns that "each of the products that are sold in her store are aimed at a type of skin or aesthetic problem, but if they are not used properly and are not used for what they are, they can cause acne, burns, rashes or allergies."
In this sense, the worker assures that "some parents have normalized the excessive use of products." "Parents have to explain to their children that changes in the skin such as acne, dryness or the oily nature of the skin are normal in puberty and, in addition, that many advertisements are misleading," she declares.
What products should a minor use for skin care?
The skin of children and adolescents, being such young skin still, should simply use two products: sun protection and a facial cleanser. However, sunscreen is not exclusive to minors. "In all age groups, sun protection is essential, especially for the future, although from adolescence onwards, if there is acne-prone or oily skin, a cleanser can be used morning and night," advises the professional.
Although sunlight is necessary, the dermatologist advocates using common sense. "You have to avoid being exposed to the sun in the central hours of the day, especially in summer, approximately from ten in the morning to four or five in the afternoon, in this range you have to protect yourself from the sun as much as possible," he points out. However, outside of that range, a little sun is beneficial.
One of the products that minors should not use are those that have components to stop aging "because they do not have these signs of aging, that is, there are no spots, wrinkles or loss of luminosity."
On social networks there are many skincare routines in which minors use several products that are applied at once. "For me that doesn't make sense because the skin of childhood and adolescence are healthy skins, they don't have pathologies or signs of aging, so only cleanser and sun protection are recommended," says Ruedas. "In the event that the minor has acne-prone skin or blackheads, some substance could be used for that," he concludes.
On the other hand, to have healthy skin it is also recommended to drink plenty of water, have a good diet, do physical exercise and rest well.
