Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
23 February 2024 | 10:05 a.m. SAST
1 minute read

Image credits: ET Speaks from Home/Pinterest

Like many other women my age, I love browsing through beauty stores. The delightful array of scents and colours is soothing and conjures images of uninterrupted, luxurious self-care moments.

But the appeal extends to a much younger generation. Driven by the content they see online, children as young as eight are increasingly coveting premium adult-targeted beauty and skincare products.

Long gone are the days of home-made skin products: turmeric, honey, and brown sugar, mixed together with love by mom.

Dr Suretha Kannenberg, a specialist dermatologist at the division of dermatology at the University of Stellenbosch, discusses the significant role of digital influence, particularly social media platforms like TikTok, in shaping children’s perceptions and desires regarding skincare.

Some ingredients found in products, like glycolic acid and retinol, are not suitable for delicate, developing skin, and can lead to various complications, including contact and atopic dermatitis, especially in pre-teen children.

“Glycolic acid, for example, is something that is going to peel your skin very gently. Now, if you have a child who hasn’t reached puberty yet and doesn’t have a particularly oily skin, then they can develop various complications. They can develop contact eczema, for example, and that can injure the skin,” Dr Suretha explains.

Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and ought to be tailored to each individual’s specific needs. Seeking advice from specialists like dermatologists or medical aestheticians can aid in making safe and appropriate skincare choices.

Parents have an important role to play in guiding children’s skincare routines. Dr Suretha advises against the misuse of products and obsessive switching between different products or brands, as well as keeping an eye out for skin irritation or discomfort. Providing age-appropriate alternatives and educating children about the importance of gentle skincare practices can help steer them in the right direction.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Roundup with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.