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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Social media is fueling a surge in tweens using adult skin care products — and dermatologists say it's doing more harm than good. Children's thinner, more permeable skin absorbs more of these ingredients, raising risks of dermatitis, skin barrier damage, and even hormonal disruption. The only product experts actually recommend for kids? Sunscreen.
Social media — TikTok in particular — is driving a wave of tweens as young as 8 or 9 adopting elaborate, expensive skin care routines packed with adult-formulated actives like retinols, glycolic acid, and fragranced products. Dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers warns that children's skin is fundamentally different: it's thinner, less oily, and more permeable than adult skin, meaning it absorbs a higher percentage of topical ingredients — making adverse reactions far more likely.
Beyond the physical risks, Rogers highlights a deeper concern: these routines are teaching children that their naturally healthy skin is flawed and needs fixing. This mindset, amplified by social media, can contribute to body dysmorphic disorder and long-term psychological harm. She notes that the trend disproportionately affects young girls, who are already more vulnerable to appearance-based social pressures.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: As the "Sephora kids" phenomenon grows, clinicians have a critical opportunity to counsel families — protecting both children's skin health and their mental well-being before lasting damage sets in.
