By: Annie Oeth, UMMC Office of Communications and Marketing
The skin care advice of social media influencers and beauty bloggers may leave pre-teens and young teenagers with rashes and breakouts, University of Mississippi Medical Center experts say.
"Having a good skin care routine is part of good skin health,” said Dr. Thy Huynh, assistant professor of dermatology and the only certified pediatric dermatologist in the state. “Simple is probably best.”
The trends of slugging, or using heavy moisturizers on skin, and “glass skin,” which requires as many as six or more different products can result in red skin and bumps of allergic contact dermatitis or acne because of clogged pores.
“Pre-teens’ skin is much thinner and more sensitive, making it more susceptible to rashes,” Huynh said. “Products designed for adults may irritate their delicate skin.”
Their immature sebaceous glands, which produce oil, may be irritated by exfoliants and heavy moisturizers and serums.
One of the dangers of skin care regimens from TikTok, Instagram and beauty blogs is their complexity, Huynh said. “Multi-step routines can include products that cancel each other out or combine to cause irritation, clogged pores or dryness.”
The ingredient lists of many skin care products can include glycolic acid, salicylic acid or retinoids, which can be too harsh for preteen skin.
Fragrances are another issue, Huynh said.
“I am a fan of fragrance-free skin care products,” she said. “If you sniff a cleanser or moisturizer and think that it smells great, that’s a sign that it could be irritating to young skin or skin at any age.”
Teens and pre-teens can also have skin challenges from hormonal fluctuations, stress and diet, leading to a perfect storm for acne breakouts.
For these reasons, a simple skin care routine is best, Huynh said. Start with a gentle, fragrance-free cleaner. Moisturizers should be lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning that they won’t clog pores.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential for preventing sun damage. Steer clear from exfoliating, which can damage young skin.
The good news for parents is that these simple skin care products are available at any discount retailer or pharmacy.
Even with products that are generally considered safe for preteens, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area of the skin and monitor for any signs of irritation or allergic reaction before using it more broadly.
To see a pediatric dermatologist at Children’s of Mississippi, call 601- 815-3374 or make an appointment online.