Local expert says Internet may drive skin care trends among youth
TEXARKANA, Texas — Teens and kids alike are spending time in cosmetics stores more frequently than in years past, and it has started quite a dialogue on social media.
Broadly coined by folks on the internet as “Sephora Kids,” the fledgling makeup and skin care gurus are marked by an interest in colorful and aesthetically pleasing brands like Rare Beauty, Drunk Elephant and Laneige.
Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Garrett Camp of Dermatology Associates of Texarkana said he thinks adolescents are becoming more interested in skin care routines due to social media exposure.
“In my own practice, I see and speak with teens daily, and many of the products they are using are things they found on Tiktok or other social media platforms,” Camp said.
Tracy Woodle, parent of two teenage daughters, said they have been very into skin care for the past two to three years.
When Woodle was asked if her daughters stick to basics such as sunscreen or face wash or pursue more advanced skin care options such as chemical peels, she said her daughters are on the more relaxed side of the skin care trend.
“Oh no, they just use masks, scrubs and creams,” Woodle said.
Camp said the benefit of the skin care movement is that creating skin care routines early in life can be beneficial for the future of a person’s overall skin health.
“The cons of the movement is that there is a potential to use products that may not be beneficial or could even be harmful,” Camp said. “Every individual’s skin care needs are not the same.”
Camp said it is important for parents and kids to understand that products are being marketed to youngsters and that the products may not be good for their skin.
“The best way for parents to ensure their child is using the best products for their individual skin is to consult a dermatology provider,” Camp said.
Camp advised that sunscreen should be in each person’s skin care repertoire, as well as a gentle cleanser that is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.
“The skin care world is a jungle of products with differing claims and marketing strategies that can be difficult to navigate,” Camp said. “There are always new trends and products that make huge promises without scientific evidence to support them.”