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The US Sun
Eight-year-olds using anti-aging products and showing up at doctors’ offices with painful burns as they ‘fight wrinkles’
By Carsen Holaday,
7 days ago
KIDS are already trying to turn back the clock with anti-aging products – but the effects have been painful for some.
Girls as young as eight years old have suffered chemical burns and rashes after using skincare products that adults typically use.
Scarlett Goddard Strahan, 11, found blisters on her face after using anti-aging products AP Anti-aging products can contain retinol or chemical exfoliants, which aren’t meant to be used on sensitive skin Getty Anna Goddard said her daughter Scarlett ran into her room crying from the pain caused by retinol in products she had been using AP Scarlet still has bumps on her face from her skin’s reaction to the products AP
In an attempt to fight wrinkles and sagging skin, many preteen TikTok users started taking advice from influencers who suggested skincare products containing chemicals that can be inflammatory on young skin, like retinol.
The obsession with skincare even brought a trend to the social media platform #SephoraKids, where children are recorded going to the popular cosmetics store Sephora to buy makeup or beauty products.
Scarlett Goddard Strahan, now 11, told the Associated Press that she started learning about beauty routines from TikTok and YouTube before she turned 10.
She developed a routine with facial cleansers, toners, moisturizers, mists, and masks.
“I didn’t want to get wrinkles and look old,” Scarlett told the AP.
“If I had known my life would be so affected by this, I never would have put these things on my face.”
One night after using the products, Scarlett woke up with painful blisters across her face.
“It was late at night. She came running into my room crying. All of her cheeks had been burned,” said Anna Goddard, Scarlett’s mom.
Anna said she was shocked to find retinol in products that Scarlett had been using, including a face mask that appeared to be marketed to kids.
The preteen still has bumps on her face, and her cheeks become red when exposed to the sun.
Doctors revealed that girls as young as eight are experiencing allergic reactions to anti-aging serums and lotions that aren’t meant for kids’ sensitive skin.
Dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy said in a TikTok video in January that skincare is “Gen Alpha’s must-have trend.”
“Things we apply to the skin have consequences and can affect how it functions,” Dr. Jeffy said.
“Kids are storming Sephora to get products to fit in – not because they have any idea how they work or what can happen if things go wrong.”
She then issued some advice to parents on the platform.
Dr. Brooke Jeffy weighs in
“Skincare has become Gen Alpha’s must-have trend,” Dr. Jeffy said.
“It’s just not a toy, a piece of fashion, or a gaming system.
“The problem is that the skin is not just a wall you can throw anything at. It is an organ made of cells with a blood supply that participates in the immune system and communicates with other organs.
“Things we apply to the skin have consequences and can affect how it functions.
“Kids are storming Sephora to get products to fit in – not because they have any idea how they work or what can happen if things go wrong.
“Parents, you may not understand the intricacies of skin function, but at least steer your kids to brands made for kids that focus on maintaining healthy skin or addressing acne”
“Parents, you may not understand the intricacies of skin function, but at least steer your kids to brands made for kids that focus on maintaining healthy skin or addressing acne.”
Scarlett isn’t the only kid left with scars from harsh beauty products.
‘IT’S LIKE A TRANCE’
Mia Hall, 14, told the AP she loved watching influencers discuss their skincare routines.
“It’s like a trance. You can’t stop watching it,” Mia told the outlet.
“So when they tell me, ‘Go buy this product’ or, ‘I use this and it’s amazing,’ it feels very personal. Getting what they have makes me feel connected to them.”
All of her cheeks had been burned.”
Anna Goddard Scarlett Goddard Strahan's mom
However, Mia’s mom started noticing dark patches on her face and immediately threw out all of her Sephora products, which the preteen had saved up her allowance to buy.
Mia said her complexion has improved after only using face wash and moisturizer.
In multiple TikTok videos, Dr. Jeffy advised that kids should only use a gentle face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen, as sensitive skin should not be exposed to retinol or chemical exfoliants.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Sephora for comment.
Dermatologists say that kids only need to use face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen to take care of their skin Getty
I’m 57 and barely have wrinkles. step one: Never smoked. My face would get washed with the water as I took a shower. Nothing more, nothing less. It’s not that I look ageless, it’s just that I fared better than most because I didn’t wear makeup or put chemicals in my face.
ThtBxxtchSheri
5d ago
Okay so now we are gonna have to show IDs for these products or just show wrinkles 😂
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