By Brooke Tritton | 20/05/2025
IRINA– stock.adobe.com
Children as young as seven are being referred to dermatologists after using adult-targeted skincare products, prompting concerns over allergic reactions, barrier damage and social media-fuelled beauty trends.
“Children’s skin has not adapted to tolerate those kinds of acids and they don’t need them,” said Dr Faheem Latheef, Leeds-based consultant dermatologist on the GMC’s Specialist Register. “These formulations are for older patients with specific skin concerns, often who have problems with various conditions. ”
Among the biggest culprits, experts say, are trending ingredients like retinols, peptides and BHA exfoliants, typically marketed for anti-ageing and acne treatments in adults.
“They can cause irritant dermatitis… Some people can actually develop an allergy… It can cause conditions like perioral dermatitis,” Dr Latheef explained.
The issue is already appearing in clinics.
“We are actually seeing younger patients being referred in because we’ve got patients as young as 7, 8, 9 using 7 step skincare routine’s. They use hair products and gel, shellac, acrylic nails, all of that sort of builds up as well.”
He added: “If they have irritant reactions and then the skin barrier is impaired… it can then actually lead to sensitisation… Then the next time you get exposed to it, you get a reaction. And then subsequently you get stronger and stronger reactions every time you’re exposed.”
Kristy, a mum of a 12-year-old, says her daughter’s skincare fixation began “somewhere between peer pressure and technology.”
“I don’t think there is much of a restriction we can put on it as parents, other than saying ‘no’ which will then create other problems with lack of fitting in etc,” she said. “Personally, I don’t think many of these products should be sold to anyone under the age of 16. I think the labels should say that.”
She added: “Not only do I believe brands and social media influencers are aware of how strongly they’re impacting kids, I think they are capitalising on it… peer pressure and constant social media algorithms related to skin care have convinced my child she must buy, but only the best.”
While some parents raise concerns, others see the trend playing out more playfully. Nadine, whose ten-year-old niece has taken an interest in skincare, described it as “a bit of fun” and “something that makes her feel a bit grown up.” She said her niece enjoys gentle cleansers, moisturisers and face masks, and has been told she can’t use certain products until she’s older.
Despite the concerns, Dr Latheef believes there’s a silver lining.
“It’s raised a bit of awareness about skincare and particularly about sun protection and, you know, photo-aging and skin cancer.”
Still, his advice is clear: “Less is more… a moisturiser and a cleanser and a sun cream would be all that you’d need. If you have an actual skin problem, go and see somebody… rather than trying trial and error.”
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