Parents: This skincare is and isn't safe for your teen

Is your child suddenly talking about skincare? You're not alone! There's a trend among children, teens, and young adults on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. So you're probably not landing on this blog post by chance. Skincare for teens can be harmful! Read on to find out why. And how to keep your teen happy with safe, gentle skincare products.

Thanks to TikTok and Instagram, there's a new craze among Dutch teenage girls: skincare. Young people (ages 10-13) are watching videos on social media and starting to use skincare products themselves. What should you pay attention to as a parent? And which skincare products are safe for your child? Where does this trend come from? Read on!

The skincare craze among young people and teenagers in the Netherlands has spread from America. Skincare products with attractive, colorful packaging, as seen on TikTok creators, are very popular. Sephora, in particular, is popular among young girls, giving rise to the term "Sephora Kids" (we don't have a store in the Netherlands).

TikTok users make fun videos sharing their beauty routines. Young girls love to imitate what they see online and have little understanding of the contents of these products. These products often contain high concentrations of active ingredients, which can be harmful to young skin.

Skincare for teenagers can have adverse effects. Using too much or too harsh skincare can damage the skin barrier. This can lead to redness, blemishes, sensitivity, itching, dryness, and uneven skin texture. Pay particular attention to the following products:

It may sound obvious, but young people don't need anti-aging products. No matter how pretty and colorful the packaging, some anti-aging products are harmful to young skin. These products are intended to reduce wrinkles.

Ingredients like retinol (vitamin A) stimulate cell renewal to combat skin aging. Retinol use is only recommended for those aged 25 and over . Young children should avoid this ingredient.

Anti-aging products that only moisturize are not harmful.

Some skincare products contain fruit acids (AHA/BHA). These peels remove dead skin cells and renew the skin to improve its texture. Young skin doesn't need this yet.

The acids make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, for example. They can also irritate young skin and damage the skin barrier. Do you know your skin type based on UV sensitivity? It's important for both you and your child to know. Check out the handy infographic and discover your skin type!

Acne-fighting products may not be suitable for teenage skin. Most acne products you buy at the drugstore are incredibly harsh. Cleansers and spot treatments contain irritating ingredients that can dry out the skin. These products can even worsen the symptoms. So avoid them at all costs.

Acne symptoms vary from teenager to teenager. Some may experience only a few small spots, while others experience severe acne. For mild cases, we advise against using harsh products, as these can damage the skin. Always use gentle skincare products that don't irritate your skin and keep your sebaceous glands clean.

For young people with severe acne, it's wise to consult a doctor or dermatologist. These experts can provide sound advice and solutions. This prevents further skin irritation from the wrong products.

Scrubs are products that remove dead skin cells. Hard granules are rubbed over the skin, providing physical exfoliation. However, this can damage the skin barrier, so we advise against using scrubs for young people. So don't!

Chances are your teen(s) want to join in on the skincare craze. Kids talk about it at school, watch videos from TikTok influencers, and share videos on their own TikToks. You want the best for them, because there are skincare products that are actually suitable!

There are definitely products that are safe for young people to use. With skincare, less is truly more! A simple skin routine consists of a cleanser, a day cream with SPF, and a night cream. This also has benefits for young skin, provided you use the right products.

Cleansing your skin has many benefits. It removes dirt, sebum, and makeup. Using a gentle cleanser can also help reduce (early) blemishes.

It's important that the cleanser doesn't contain harsh ingredients and keeps the skin balanced. We therefore recommend that teenagers use cleansers suitable for sensitive skin and focused on hydration. This helps maintain the correct pH level and supports the skin barrier.

It's best to cleanse your skin in the evening anyway. Mornings are also fine, but may not always be necessary for young people.

A day cream with SPF is a valuable addition to any skincare routine, even for teenagers! These day creams are hydrating and protective. Protecting young skin from the sun is essential, as UV rays can cause skin damage.

A night cream restores your skin in the evening after cleansing. It nourishes the skin and replenishes its moisture. For teenagers, we recommend a night cream that supports the skin barrier and hydrates the skin. These products are also suitable for daytime use.

Ask your children what skincare products they're currently using or plan to use. This will give you insight into the type and quantity of products they use. As mentioned before, less is more when it comes to skincare. More than a cleanser, a day cream with SPF, and a night cream (moisturizer) —aside from an extra serum, if needed— isn't necessary.

You can always patch test products on the inside of your arm. This allows you to see if there's a reaction to the product before you start using it. This prevents unpleasant surprises and facial reactions.

Drugstores are full of skincare products in colorful packaging. However, even these products can contain harmful ingredients like alcohol, perfume, sulfates, and parabens.

Pay close attention to whether the skincare product is free of these ingredients or look for alternative brands that do not use these substances at all.

Finally, we want to emphasize that as a parent, you don't have to be strict, but rather monitor your teens' skincare habits. Provide guidance where necessary and help them choose the right skincare.

Explain that the products they see on TikTok aren't always good for their skin. Show interest and ask why they're requesting certain products. Look for alternatives so they can still participate safely and responsibly.