In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Molly Hales discuss the growing trend of young children using anti-aging skincare products, influenced by social media and influencers. Dr. Hales highlights the concerns about the rise in young patients with skin reactions to these products. These young users often apply multiple products with potentially irritating ingredients (and often multiple active ingredients or multiple products with the same active ingredient). Dr. Hales also emphasizes the need for basic skincare routines for young users, with a focus on sunscreen, and calls for better education and regulation to protect these children. 

 

 Key Takeaways:

• Girls as young as 9 are increasingly using antiaging creams geared to older women. These products contain ingredients and are designed for more mature skin rather than youthful skin. 

• Sunscreen is the number one recommended product for people of all ages (except babies under 6 months). This is also not the most commonly used product among social media influencers with their viral skincare routines. 

• There are three main risks associated with using improper skincare products, with the main risk being irritation (irritant contact dermatitis). 

• Brands get more attention and recognition by sending free products to influencers for videos, reaching a wider (and younger) audience than they might otherwise. 

"It seems like, as more younger and younger people are putting more and more products on their skin, that there is more and more skin allergy that's happening and that's going to follow kids around for the rest of their lives." —  Dr. Molly Hales

 

Episode References: 

• Pediatric Skin Care Regimens on TikTok - Molly Hales, MD, PhD - https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/156/1/e2024070309/202103/Pediatric-Skin-Care-Regimens-on-TikTok 

 

Connect with Dr. Molly Hales:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-hales-987b6410/  

 

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Threads: @critically_speaking

Email: [email protected]

 

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