"Girls of 8 are already applying anti-wrinkle creams to their skin"

Children's skin is not suited to having a thick layer of skincare products applied to it every day. That is what dermatologist Ingrid Van Riet says, now that concern is growing that more and more children are obsessively preoccupied with skincare. There is even a word for it: dermorexia.

Dermorexia refers to an excessive focus on skincare and an obsessive pursuit of perfect skin. Teenagers and young adults are especially susceptible to it, partly due to the influence of social media and online beauty trends.

"But the problem is also spreading to very young children," says dermatologist Ingrid Van Riet on 'De afspraak'. "I'm talking about girls, sometimes even as young as 8, who are already using cosmetics and skincare products in abundance that are not meant for their skin, out of fear of wrinkles."

"The problem is that their skin is not yet suited to such strong products, which are really only intended for adults. It is only during puberty that the skin becomes a little thicker and oilier."

And so you actually do more harm than good, says Van Riet. "It can trigger an inflammatory reaction. The problems often arise in girls going through puberty with the onset of acne. Their skin overreacts and the inflammatory reaction worsens further. That is how you end up in a vicious circle."

Sunscreen against wrinkles

"Social media does not show a realistic picture," Ingrid Van Riet continues. "Influencers apply filters to their videos, so that they sometimes have skin that looks as smooth as a mirror. Such so-called 'glass skin' is something that young people apparently dream of, but it does not exist. Every skin develops pores, certainly during puberty."

The fear of getting wrinkles is apparently also very strong among people in their twenties and thirties, according to the dermatologist. "Our most important advice remains to use a sunscreen. That is still the very best, most efficient and at the same time cheapest way to prevent wrinkles."

Italy opens investigation into Sephora

In Italy, the Competition Authority recently opened an investigation into cosmetics chains Sephora and Benefit Cosmetics, because they encourage children and teenagers to use skincare products that are intended for adults.

This concerns, for example, serums and anti-wrinkle creams. The cosmetics chains are also said to use influencers who are far too young to advertise their products on social media.

The Italian regulator fears that this encourages children to become obsessively preoccupied with skincare at a very young age. The cosmetics brands also do not mention that their products are not tested or intended for minors, while regular use can be harmful.

Bron : VRT news - Wim De Maeseneer - TV-programma : De Afspraak