As parents, you want your children to be healthy, but your children may have different desires. Today, the TikTok generation is significantly more exposed to grooming habits, beauty products, and trends related to them. Therefore, you must have complete and accurate knowledge that will help both you and them understand what is right and what is less suitable for them. Some products are definitely safe for them to use, while others are unnecessary for their age and may even be harmful. So, let's understand when your children can (and maybe should) start using cosmetic products and what they can incorporate into their skincare routine according to their age.
Why do young children start showing interest in skincare?
Very few studies have been conducted on this topic, but a study published in 2023 found that children start becoming interested in cosmetics as early as age 12, mainly because they see skincare as an activity similar to play rather than an attempt to maintain their skin or look better. Of course, this is not universal, and each child may develop an interest in skincare for different reasons. However, what is certain is that children today are exposed to this topic more frequently compared to the past due to social media. The problem is that on TikTok, children watch influencers who are often several years older than them, and even if they give correct recommendations, those may not be suitable for their age.
When should a skincare routine begin?
Most dermatology experts recommend starting a skincare routine around the age of 20. However, as we have seen, children today may begin showing interest in this topic at an earlier age. There is no scientific evidence that a specific skincare routine is necessary between the ages of 12-18, but during this stage of life, skin issues related to puberty start appearing, and children may want to learn how to manage them.
Additionally, there are skincare products that are beneficial even at a young age, such as sunscreen, which can and should be used at any age—except for infants under six months, where it's recommended to simply keep them in the shade rather than exposing them to strong sunlight. However, it's important to remember that some children have more sensitive skin than others, so they may need gentler products.
Which skincare products are suitable for children aged 12-14?
If your children have shown an early interest in skincare and cosmetics, you must ensure they use products suitable for their age. These mainly include gentle skin cleansers, sunscreens, and moisturizing products. Some beneficial ingredients include:
Zinc Oxide
This ingredient is found in sunscreens that protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays, creating a protective layer on the skin, unlike chemical sunscreens that penetrate the skin. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are recommended for almost all ages, especially for children with sensitive skin.
Squalene Oil (Squalene)
Squalene is a natural component extracted from plants like olives or sugarcane, and it can enrich the skin with moisture. It is recommended for children who suffer from dry skin.
Marula Oil (Marula)
Marula oil is an extract derived from the seeds of the marula tree fruit, and it has a high concentration of antioxidants. It contains no ingredients that clog pores and lead to acne, making it recommended for children at the onset of puberty who might suffer from such issues. It helps reduce scars, dryness, and cracks in the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
This is, of course, not about injecting hyaluronic acid, but about products containing it, as it is considered a substance capable of highly effectively enriching the skin with moisture. This acid is found in various serums designed to hydrate the skin, both internally and externally.
Which skincare products are suitable for children aged 14-18?
During this period, children are much more independent, but you should still ensure they use products suitable for their skin and age. The recommendations are similar to those for age 12, with one addition: a substance called benzoyl peroxide. This is used in products designed to treat acne and can be applied to the skin from age 14, but only upon a doctor's recommendation. It is essentially an antibacterial agent that can prevent the accumulation of bacteria on the skin, which causes pimples.
Which skincare products are suitable for children aged 18 and up?
At age 18, your children are likely under less supervision, but you can still recommend a skincare routine that will benefit them more than the information they find on social media, as they don’t really need products containing retinol or collagen, at least not until they’re 25. These are the ingredients that can help them and that they can use:
Nicotinamide
This is a type of vitamin B3, slightly different from niacin (nicotinic acid), and it can help improve the skin’s appearance by reducing inflammation caused by acne. It helps hydrate the skin, soothe inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s protective layer.
Ferulic Acid
This antioxidant acid has the ability to reduce the visibility of sun damage on the skin and lighten spots. If your children have experienced spots caused by sun damage, they can start using it at age 18 to reduce their visibility. It works best in products that also contain vitamins C and E.
Vitamin C
We mentioned vitamin C in the previous section, and it is indeed recommended for use from age 18 and up. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin cells and fight free radicals. However, this ingredient can sometimes cause skin irritation, especially at high concentrations, so it’s important to test products containing it and see how the skin reacts.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that make up the proteins in our skin. In terms of skincare and cosmetics, they encourage collagen production and reduce signs of aging, such as loss of volume and skin thinning. As you can understand, this isn’t highly necessary for someone who just turned 18, but it’s generally safe for them to use products containing peptides.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
This ingredient is found in toners and products designed to treat acne, and while it is very effective for this issue, it’s important to note that it can make the skin highly sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, if your children use it, they should also use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher alongside it. It’s also worth mentioning that overuse can cause irritation, redness, and peeling, so caution is needed to avoid overdoing it.
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
This substance, also known as 'salicylic acid,' is one of the most common ingredients in skincare products aimed at preventing acne. It can unclog pores and encourage sebum production – a fatty fluid that keeps our skin healthy, smooth, and soft. However, like the previous acid on the list, overuse can lead to unwanted side effects such as redness, a burning sensation, and/or itching. Therefore, it’s best to use products containing it in moderation.
Which skincare products are suitable after age 20?
We’ve previously prepared an entire article on this topic, which you can read by clicking here. If you have older children who are past 20, you can share this article with them so they can learn about the topic and understand how they should really care for their skin. The information here can also help you understand how to maintain a proper skincare routine according to your age in every decade of life.
Which skincare products should children avoid?
Young skin is more sensitive than adult skin and more prone to inflammation from using cosmetics with ingredients that aren’t suitable for it. Generally, it’s recommended to stick to products containing only the ingredients we’ve mentioned by age, but it’s best to avoid any product marketed as anti-aging or wrinkle-reducing. Your children’s skin doesn’t need the ingredients in those products in any way.
How to talk to your children about their skincare and cosmetic routine?
Our recommendations are one thing, but you need to apply this knowledge and discuss it with your children for something to actually happen. Here are our tips on how to do it:
- Explain that most TikTokers and influencers your children see are older than them and don’t necessarily recommend ingredients suitable for their young skin. If they use products that aren’t right for them, they might experience redness, peeling, and dryness on their skin.
- Don’t try to embarrass your children for suddenly wanting to use skincare products with remarks like, 'Look at her, thinking she’s all grown up...' or anything like that. Simply direct them to products suitable for their age and try to show your support this way.
- Encourage your children’s self-confidence and help them feel comfortable with their appearance. Explain that skincare and cosmetic products can help them maintain their skin, but remind them that they’re beautiful just as they are.
