The influence of social media
In the Netherlands, too, countless beauty videos appear on our children’s timelines every day. Online, having an extensive skincare routine from a young age has now become completely normalised. It seems as though you need a whole cupboard full of products to look ‘perfect’.
Because everything looks perfect online, young people can become insecure about their own skin. This is often a concern during puberty, and social media amplifies that feeling. The algorithm also plays a part: if you watch one video, you’ll automatically be shown more.
Misleading marketing
Teenagers look up to influencers with ‘perfect’ skin who use products that are actually intended for adults. Many of these products are presented in bright colours and trendy packaging. This makes it seem as though they’ve been made especially for teenagers, but appearances can be deceiving. Buying these products has become so normalised that we’ve almost forgotten how risky it is. A child’s skin is thin and more sensitive; it simply isn’t ready for those powerful ingredients.
Dermatologists are now sounding the alarm. Every day, they see teenagers in their practices with serious skin problems. The cause? The use of cosmetics that are simply not suitable for their young, delicate skin. What started online as a fun trend so often ends in a painful visit to the doctor.
Active ingredients
Many popular products contain active ingredients. These include vitamin A (retinol), high concentrations of vitamin C, or harsh acids (AHAs and BHAs). For adults, these ingredients help combat wrinkles. But in teenagers, they damage the skin’s natural protective layer: the skin barrier.
Lifelong consequences
When that protective barrier is compromised, the way is open for skin irritation and hypersensitivity. But the greatest risk is contact dermatitis.
If your child develops contact dermatitis at a young age, it can become a lifelong allergy. This means that your child may react severely to everyday products for the rest of their life. Think of simple soap, shampoo or other cosmetics. A decision made now can therefore have major consequences later on.
The forgotten step
Whilst teenagers are busy with expensive serums, they forget the most important thing: sun protection. Research shows that only 26% of teenagers use skincare products with an SPF (sun protection factor).
It is precisely that young skin that needs protection from the sun. Without SPF, all other skincare is actually pointless. Sun protection is the best ‘anti-ageing’ measure there is, even for teenagers.
Back to basics
For healthy young skin, three things are really important:
- Gentle cleansing: Avoid harsh cleansers that dry out the skin. Opt for gentle ones.
- Avoid perfume: Perfume is the leading cause of allergies. For children, fragrance-free is the only safe choice.
- Apply SPF: Protect the skin from the sun every day.
Safe options at Het Cosmeticahuis
Fortunately, skincare can also be great fun and completely safe. There are brands that specialise in skincare for younger skin. At Het Cosmeticahuis, we stock three top brands that do exactly what’s needed.
Lila Loom
Lila Loom was developed by Skin Master Delia (D-SKIN). This brand cuts through the noise of TikTok trends and focuses on what teenage skin really needs. The focus here is entirely on restoring the skin barrier.
Take it from Jones
For young people who’ve had enough of vague claims and complicated routines, there’s Take it from Jones. This brand is vegan, minimalist and speaks plainly. They tackle skin problems such as acne without damaging the skin.
AMICI Skincare
AMICI has been specially designed for girls taking their first steps into skincare. The brand understands just how overwhelming the world of cosmetics can be. That’s why they keep it simple with a 1-2-3 routine: cleanse, moisturise and protect.
Gratis advies van onze huidcoach
It’s only natural that, as a parent, you might not know exactly which ingredients are suitable and which aren’t. You want your child to enjoy that lovely skincare routine, but without any risks.
Avoid experimenting on your son or daughter’s skin. At Het Cosmeticahuis, you can get professional skincare advice. Our skincare coach will examine your child’s skin and provide personalised advice.That way, you can be sure your child has safe and radiant skin, now and in the future.
Frequently asked questions about skincare for teenagers
cAround the age of 9 to 10 (the pre-teen years), the skin often begins to change due to hormonal influences. This is a good time to start a basic skincare routine: a gentle cleanser and a good SPF. Brands such as Lila Loom and AMICI have been specially developed for this purpose. The aim at this age is not to ‘improve’ the skin, but to keep it healthy and protect it.
Products for adults often contain high concentrations of active ingredients such as vitamin A (retinol) or vitamin C. A teenager’s skin is much thinner and its barrier function is not yet fully developed. These powerful ingredients penetrate too deeply, which can lead to irritation, red patches and even a damaged skin barrier that takes years to repair.
Yes, exactly. A gentle cleanser removes dirt, sweat and air pollution that have built up throughout the day. If you don’t do this, your pores can become blocked, which can later lead to blemishes.