Girls as young as 8 are turning up at dermatologists’ offices with rashes, chemical burns and other allergic reactions to products not intended for children’s sensitive skin.
Scottsdale dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy says when kids use anti-aging skin care, they can cause premature aging, destroy the skin barrier and lead to permanent scarring.
Ingredients like retinol and chemical exfoliants like hydroxy acids are inherently harsh on young or sensitive skin and can cause redness, peeling and burning that can lead to infections.
Another concern is the effects on girls’ mental health. Data suggests a fixation on appearance can affect self-esteem and body image and fuel anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
What dermatologists recommend
Dermatologists agree a child’s face typically needs only three items, all found on drugstore shelves: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer and sunscreen.
For tweens, dermatologists recommend brands of cleansers and moisturizers like Cetaphil, CeraVe and La Roche-Posay that are commonly available in drug stores.
