The skincare phenomenon: brightly-coloured packaging, big brand names and social media trends are enticing more young people to buy their products, but can this be damaging to them?
The skincare craze is taking over all forms of social media, and the constantly sold-out shelves of the newest and brightest coloured skincare products are a testament to this. Although looking after your skin can be beneficial for all age groups, the misuse of products can do more harm than good.
Younger skin is delicate, and it can be tricky to find a balanced skincare routine that won’t irritate their skin further. Everyone's skin is different, so something that might work on someone else may cause irritation on their skin.
Ingredients to avoid
Try to steer away from products that contain artificial fragrances, and instead opt for fragrance-free or naturally fragranced products such as tea tree oil. The same goes for artificial colours and alcohols, as these harsh chemicals can do more harm than good to their skin.
Using products like Retinol can be harmful to younger skin and can cause irritation and dryness. Retinol is a heavy-duty product used to combat fine lines and wrinkles. Younger skin is more susceptible to damage and doesn't need help with cell turnover in the same way adult skin does.
Vitamin C is another active ingredient in skincare products that young people should avoid. It can disrupt the skin's protective barrier, leading to dryness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Skin issues like Acne and Eczema can often be worsened by the use of these active ingredients. Less is more when it comes to skincare for younger skin. A gentle cleanser, moisturiser and SPF suncream is more than complex enough of a routine.
Good practices like drinking water daily, making sure they are eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can be more beneficial for younger skin than some of the best-selling skincare products.
Trendy but troubling
The social media trend 'Get Ready With Me' (GRWM ) has sparked skincare recommendations from Bubble and Drunk Elephant to Cerave and The Ordinary. These products have amassed extensive popularity from this social media craze, which makes them more enticing for younger people.
The products from these companies can range from €30 to €90 for just 30ml of product. Not only is that a financial burden placed upon parents, but many of these products contain the active ingredients that are harmful to young skin.
For a basic skincare routine, La Roche-Posay and Nip+Fab are some popular brands that have gentle skincare that won't be harmful for younger skin. An entire skincare routine from these brands, including a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and SPF suncream, can range from €35 to €45.
The skincare obsession is just another example of consumerism and overconsumption that is taking the world by storm. Before buying the young people in your life the latest and most popular products, read the ingredients to save their skin.
