How to Handle Your Child’s Request for Skin-Care Gifts During the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches and parents start shopping for gifts, there’s a noticeable trend among Gen Alpha (children born from 2010 onward) toward skincare products. This demographic, often termed “Sephora kids,” is increasingly interested in skincare routines popularized by social media. Tweens and teens are buying products from trendy brands like Drunk Elephant, Bubble, and Glow Recipe.

With children emerging as a significant market segment in the $164-billion global skincare industry, brands are responding by launching new products with bright and appealing packaging to attract this younger audience. While introducing kids to skincare can be beneficial, dermatologists urge parents to choose products carefully, especially when buying holiday gifts.

Dr. Jayden Galamgam, a pediatric dermatologist at UCLA Health, recommends sticking to basics: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. He advises against complicated routines, suggesting that three simple products should suffice.

Products containing potent ingredients like anti-wrinkle serums, exfoliants, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and retinol should be avoided, as they can irritate young skin. Social media can influence children to experiment with inappropriate cosmetics, so parents need to check ingredient labels diligently. Sam Cutler, founder of tween skincare brand Petite ’n Pretty, warns against products with playful packaging that might contain harsh ingredients unsuitable for young skin.

When children express interest in antiaging products, it’s essential to discuss potential harmful effects and the influence of online “skinfluencers,” who may promote products for monetary reasons. Dr. Carol Cheng, a pediatric dermatologist at UCLA, highlights the risks of teens using products improperly due to misinformation found on platforms like TikTok.

Efforts to protect kids from inappropriate skincare products include a legislative attempt in California; Assemblymember Alex Lee introduced a bill to ban the sale of antiaging products to children under 13. However, the bill did not pass in the California Legislature. Parents are advised to remain cautious and well-informed when choosing skincare products for their children.