‘It’s really, really dangerous’ – Children as young as nine are damaging their skin due to online trends

It seems crazy to think that a child of just nine would even know what anti-ageing products do, let alone have access to them.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast on Monday, Professor Catriona Ryan said: “It's something that we've seen really over the last two-years now – and there's no sign of it going away either.”

She went on to explain that it is “TikTok and YouTube and all of these social media channels that are highly, highly influencing these kids and ‘tweens’ between 9 and 12.”

Despite being targeted by videos online pushing certain skincare products, none of these regimens are actually suitable for children's skin and can cause long-term damage,

“What we’re seeing is them adopting complex and harsh skincare routines – regimens that are usually targeted at people like me, who are in their mid 40’s,” Prof Ryan said.

“They're not suitable for the skin of children.

“So, they're using anti-aging serums, exfoliants, retinoids, things that they don't need – and it can often do more damage than benefit.”

Prof Ryan said at this rate, it’s time that parents and schools make an effort to educate children on age-appropriate self-care routines.

"If they're thinking this way and putting 10 layers on their skin, morning and evening, when they're nine, they have no hope as teenagers," she said.

"It's a really, really dangerous thing to begin at this age, this focus on beauty."

If your child is particularly interested in skincare and beauty regimens Prof Ryan says most children only need to cleanse their face in the morning and evening, and wear sunscreen to maintain healthy skin.

Both of which are accessible in child-friendly formulas.

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