Anti-age products cause severe skin reactions in children

Children as young as 10 are worrying about wrinkles and using adult skincare products, some of which have caused severe skin reactions, Yle reports.

Carl Kyrklund, a dermatologist at Ihosairaala, says he has treated young patients who developed persistent facial rashes after using products intended for adults.

“They are designed to treat wrinkles and signs of ageing, which children obviously do not have,” Kyrklund told Yle. In some cases, the skin has healed simply after the products were discontinued.

Children may follow complex skincare routines and use strong active ingredients such as AHA and BHA acids and retinoids. Retinoids are used, among other purposes, to increase collagen production in adult skin.

Social media, particularly TikTok, is considered a significant factor behind the trend. Cosmetic brands have also been criticised for marketing products to children, with some brands collaborating with child influencers.

British broadcaster ITV News reported in July that 13-year-old Sienna developed a rash that lasted for months after trying an anti-ageing product intended for adults. The Associated Press previously reported on Scarlett, who began following a complex skincare routine at the age of 10 because she feared wrinkles. Adult products caused her skin to burn and led to blisters forming on her face.

Strong ingredients can damage the skin barrier

Kyrklund says strong active ingredients can place a strain on the skin barrier, particularly when used incorrectly. The barrier prevents moisture from evaporating and protects deeper layers of skin from external irritation and damage.

This can lead to dry skin, rashes and allergic contact dermatitis. Inflammatory reactions may leave scars and dark patches, which are especially likely to develop on darker skin tones.

In inexperienced hands, strong ingredients can even cause chemical burns and worsen existing conditions such as acne, perioral dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Daily exfoliation can also sharply increase the risk of developing rosacea, Kyrklund says.

A Swedish pharmacy chain decided several years ago to prohibit the sale to under-15s of skincare products containing vitamin A, or retinoids, and vitamin C, as well as chemical exfoliants, unless the child had parental permission or a skin condition for which the products were used.

Kyrklund does not recommend the use of strong active ingredients such as retinoids for children under 16. Teenagers with acne may be treated with products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

In Finland, a survey commissioned by cosmetics brand Aco several years ago found that more than a third of responding parents had at some point forbidden their child from buying or using a skincare product.

Kyrklund advises parents to check the ingredient lists of products their children use, especially if the child’s skin condition suddenly worsens. He also hopes that small imperfections will be seen as part of a person rather than as something that must be eliminated in pursuit of perfect skin.