Essential Skincare for Children: What Products Should You Use?

Is Skincare Dangerous for Children? | Safe Skincare for Kids

Is skincare bad for kids? The British Association for Dermatologists has put out a warning that children who start skincare too young may be at risk for developing skin problems. They stated that skincare can be dangerous for children. Children as young as 8 years old are beginning to use skin care products that they see on social media and are following trends on Tik Tok. How dangerous are these skincare products for children? Why are dermatologists concerned?

I am a Dermatologist in Miami Florida. Many of my patients are parents that want skincare advice for children. In this blog I will share with you the advice that I give to my patients who have kids who want to use skincare. Is it really dangerous? The bottom line is- the risks of tweens using skincare- in my opinion- is really no different than the risk to adults- except the issue of absorption of toxic chemicals and exposure to allergens. Let’s look at the issues.

Skincare for Children

Children have been lured in by campaigns that target them such as the Drunk Elephant campaigns. There is not anything inherently wrong with children 13 and under using skincare. The issue is that they choose the wrong products which means that they do not use the important products they should, and the products they are using can cause harm.

Which Skincare Products Should Children Avoid?

There are 6 main issues we need to worry about when thinking about the safety of skincare for kids:

Allergy

Chemical absorption into the body

Inflammation

Over exfoliation

Sun sensitivity

Toxic ingredients

Allergic reactions

Female adolescents have a higher rate of contact dermatitis on the face, due to increased exposure to preservatives, fragrances and other allergens in cosmetics. (4) Now that more male tweens are using skincare, it is likely that we will see a rise in this group too. Basically, the more possible allergens you are exposed to- the more likely you are to have an allergic reaction. Many pediatric dermatologists suggest a pre-emptive avoidance strategy’ (P.E.A.S.) of the top 10 allergens.

However, there is no proof that I can find that normal healthy teens are any more likely to develop an allergic reaction (also known as Type IV hypersensitivity) than any other groups. The study I did find (7) showed that kids with eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis or AD) are more likely to have contact allergies compared to kids who don’t have eczema. This might happen because eczema can make the skin’s outer layer weaker. When the skin’s barrier isn’t strong, things from the outside can get in easier. Eczema can make it easier for allergens to enter the skin and cause allergies. The youngest kids with eczema, those between 1 to 5 years old, are especially more likely to develop allergic reactions to skincare, showing that their skin might be extra sensitive during these early years.

The bottom line is- if your child does not have eczema and they are over 5 years old, they are not at a higher risk of skin allergies than adults. A PEAS should be used in kids that have eczema- especially age 5 and younger, and if they had eczema as a child, are hypersensitive, or have severely dry skin.

You can find a list of common allergens in skincare products at this link.

These are the most common allergens in kids associated with skin care products or facial beauty devices such as jade rollers, gua sha stones:

Nickle

Fragrances

Preservatives

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Formaldehyde

Propylene glycol

Essential Oils

Chemical sunscreens

Note that organic and natural products are not necessarily safer for kids in terms of allergic reactions because these plant-derived products often contain many allergens. One example is chamomile.

The best choice of skincare for kids with eczema of highly allergic are products that are:

paraben free

sulfate free

phthalate free

fragrance free

Bright Girl is a dermatologist-developed skincare line free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates and allergens. This skincare line was designed specifically for teens and tweens.

Increased Absorption

Children have a higher ratio of surface area to body mass compared to adults, meaning they have a larger skin surface area relative to their overall body size. This characteristic makes them more susceptible to absorbing chemicals through their skin and into their bloodstream. The smaller the child, the greater the potential for absorption relative to their body size. This is a critical consideration for the application of products on children’s skin, particularly when it comes to chemicals and toxic ingredients. For example, the ingredients in chemical sunscreens can be absorbed more readily by the delicate and more permeable skin of babies and toddlers, posing potential risks. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to avoid the use of chemical sunscreens in very young children and opt for safer alternatives, such as physical (mineral) sunscreens that sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, providing protection without the same level of absorption into the skin.

Some ingredients can also increase absorption such as hyaluronic acid.

Using a face product will result in less absorption than when it is used on the body, so absorption is less of an issue with face products and rinse off products like a body wash.

The bottom line is- always read the label of any skincare product you apply to a large area of skin on your children, and avoid dangerous ingredients in body products. The smaller your child is – the more cautious you need to be.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation removes part of the top layer of skin making it slightly thinner and possibly more susceptible to sun damage. Although we really do not know how much, it has been postulated that it lowers your skin’s natural sun protection by an SPF of 3. Not all exfoliants have been studied but we do know that some studies have shown that glycolic acid can increase the risk of sunburn. (9,10) For this reason the CIR suggested that anyone using an alpha hydroxyacid should use a daily SPF to protect the skin from sun damage. (11)

My advice to my patients is this: “Always use a SPF every day. If you exfoliate- be even more diligent about everyday SPF use!”

Children who exfoliate are not at a greater risk than adults, but they are less likely to be consistent with SPF usage. If your teen uses an exfoliant – make sure they wear a daily sunscreen as well!

Note that retinol is an exfoliant. It is only safe for teens and tweens to use retinol if they are using a daily SPF.

Skin Sensitivity

Children are at an increased risk of developing sensitive skin and inflammation if they use products that are not right for their skin type. The same is true of adults. Kids are not at an increased risk of developing inflammation as compared to adults. All ages need to match their skincare routine to their skin concerns.

The skin type quiz that I developed has been validated in ages 13+ to help kids find the best skincare for their skin type.

Kid’s Skincare Products

The best way to find good skincare for kids is to see your dermatologist. If you do not have one – the next best thing is a skincare line developed by dermatologists for kids. Check out the video below for details on dermatology for children and teens!

Dermatologist Dr. Angela Casey talks about safe skincare for kids and the skincare products she developed for specifically for girls.

Most Important Skincare for Children

There are 3 main aspects of skincare that children should focus on:

Cleansing

Moisturizing

Sun Protection

Cleansers remove different kinds of debris and oils accumulated throughout the day, keeping your kids’ skin less prone to acne or infections. It is important to not use a cleanser that is too harsh, as that can cause irritation and redness on sensitive skin.

Moisturizers help keep the skin barrier healthy, preventing flaky or chapped skin. Chapped skin can be painful, especially on or around the lips for children.

Sun protective products are crucial for preventing long term sun damage that can one day result in the accelerated development of wrinkles. SPF is also simply important for preventing sunburns, which are both uncomfortable for children, and less than optimal for their long term health.

Sunscreen for Children

The most important skincare product for children is a daily sunscreen. I recommend a mineral sunscreen so that children are not exposed to unnecessary chemicals. Getting every child to wear SPF on their face every day would dramatically lower the incidence of facial aging and skin cancer on the face.

Cleansers for Children

The second most important product for children to use on their face is a cleanser that matches their skin type. Oily skin needs a foaming cleanser while dry types need a creamy or nonfoaming cleanser. Most kids under 11 have drier skin on the face until their hormones change in puberty. These are cleansers that work for most children.

Moisturizers for Children

Kids can get dry skin just like adults can, so having an appropriate moisturizer can be important. For example, my nephew used to get awful chapped lips when his parents brought the family to Wyoming, a much drier place than their home in Miami. If my nephew had access to a gentle lip balm or moisturizer, he would have been less uncomfortable.

It is also important to make sure your kids are using a safe moisturizer with clean ingredients that won’t affect their hormones or damage sensitive skin.

This moisturizer from bright girl is specifically designed for the needs of pre-adolescent skin, formulated to provide clean moisturization to young faces.

Conclusion

The right skin care products can make a big difference in your child’s skin health. Keeping kids safe from clogged pores, sunburns, chapped skin, and irritation is as important to us as it is to you; that’s why we believe incorporating a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF product in your child’s skin care is critical.

If you’re looking for advice for your own skin and specific concerns, be sure to take the Baumann Skin Type Quiz for free today by clicking the button below!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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