One trend that makes my blood boil is tweens and teens believing they need elaborate skincare products and routines. Just recently, I read about a 13-year-old who ended up in the hospital after using a chemical peel she purchased from Kmart. The first thought that crossed my mind? Why on earth was she even using such a product? And more importantly, how did we get to the point where our kids are being influenced that they need expensive skincare routines?
I think about what this means for my daughter as she grows up. Instead of being influenced to waste her time and money on unnecessary skincare products, I’ll continue teaching her the value of smart spending – how to save, invest, and make thoughtful financial choices.
What experts say – How young is too young for skincare?
Internationally trained skin and dermal therapist Isabella Loneragan (also a mother of two) says it bluntly: “Anyone under 20 does not need anti-ageing or active skincare.” She explains that the skin only starts to show signs of ageing in our 20s, so what exactly is being “prevented” by using these kinds of products during the pre-teen years?
A simple skincare routine of a cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF is more than enough. Anything beyond that – retinol, exfoliating acids, AHAs, BHAs – are active ingredients designed for mature skin and severely disrupt the delicate skin barrier of young users. Ironically, many of these products claim to repair the skin barrier, yet their overuse is causing the very problems they promise to fix.
The role of social media
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have reshaped how young people view beauty and skincare. It’s a status symbol, a carefully curated “shelfie” of overpriced products kids don’t need.
Sally* a former store host for a well-known beauty giant shared stories of 13-year-olds layering retinol, glycolic acid, and vitamin C. Without proper knowledge, these ingredients can lead to irritation, burning, and long-term skin damage.
These influencer-driven trends have little to do with actual skincare needs and everything to do with branding and consumerism. As parents, we need to step in and guide our kids toward healthy, age-appropriate choices.
The financial burden on parents
As if the skincare craze wasn’t concerning enough, the financial impact is another issue.
Sally* recalls young girls using their birthday money and pocket money to buy hundreds of dollars’ worth of serums and creams they clearly don’t need. If this were my daughter, I’d be furious she wasted her money on this crap. And yet, some parents — whether unaware of the risks or just giving in to their child’s demands (which honestly blows my mind!) — are also shelling out hundreds on skincare for kids.
It’s a stark contrast to what skincare (and priorities) looked like when I was young. Fake eyelashes and nails were never a thing. And skincare meant always using sunscreen, something I’m especially grateful for now, as it’s kept my skin healthy and damage-free into my 40s. I never stressed about my “barrier function” or which acid to apply first – because back then, none of that even crossed our minds.
How can parents navigate this trend?
So, what can we do to prevent our kids from falling into the luxury skincare trap?
1. Educate your kids on skincare basics – Teach them that their skin is naturally resilient and doesn’t need excessive products.
2. Set boundaries on skincare purchases – No tween or teen needs a $300 anti-ageing skincare routine!
3. Be mindful of social media – Have open conversations about how influencers and brands are motivated by sales, not skin health.
4. Encourage professional guidance – If your child is struggling with acne or other skin concerns, seek advice from a dermatologist and not bloody beauty influencers!
As parents, let’s push back against these marketing ploys and teach our kids that their beauty isn’t defined by the number of products on their shelf. Beauty isn’t found in a bottle – it’s in confidence, self-care, and embracing who they are, just as they are.
