If your kid wants skin-care gifts for the holidays, here are some risks to consider
As parents rush into malls for the final days of Christmas shopping, many will be armed with wishlists full of beauty products for their children.Skin care is a fast-growing phenomenon among Gen Alpha, typically defined as those born from 2010 and on.Dubbed “Sephora kids,” the tweens and teens have been buying up products from buzzy brands including Drunk Elephant, Bubble and Glow Recipe and diligently following multistep, antiaging skin-care routines popularized on social media.With kids becoming a powerful segment of the booming $164-billion global skin-care industry, brands have been catering to them with new products packaged in colorful, eye-catching bottles and jars.
Business The obsession with skin care among Gen Alpha is leading to a windfall of unexpected business for the booming $164-billion global skin-care industry, which historically has targeted women, not girlsDermatologists say getting children into the habit of taking care of their skin is a good thing, but they’re urging parents to exercise caution as they splurge on holiday gifts.“For pediatric dermatology, we always say to be very mindful and wary of active ingredients that are in products,” said Dr.Jayden Galamgam, a pediatric dermatologist at UCLA Health.
“A lot of the time, simple is better.”A gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer and a good sunscreen are recommended and appropriate for any age.“You don’t need to be using all these products; you don’t need a 10-step routine,” Galamgam said.“Use three products.
Most don’t need anything more than that.”Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher; it should be worn daily and reapplied every couple of hours.Anti-wrinkle serums, exfoliants and peels are not appropriate for children.
Avoid products containing potent alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and retinol, Galamgam said.“I would definitely try to stay away from those, because they can cause a lot of irritation for kids,” he said.
...