All skin care is not the same and it certainly should not be used on children unless it is specifically formulated for younger skin. Skin care designed for older skin with anti-ageing ingredients is the last type of product a parent should be putting on a child’s skin. The consequences of putting anti-ageing skin cream on a child go well beyond potential allergic reactions. Products designed for older skin can cause significant long-term damage to a child’s skin.
Using anti-ageing skin care products on children’s skin can be dangerous for a number of reasons. There is a good reason why children below the age of 15 have been banned from buying anti-ageing skin cream in Sweden. Those under the age of 15 will now need a parent to buy products which include exfoliating ingredients.
Potent active ingredients
Anti-ageing products often contain powerful active ingredients such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), peptides and antioxidants. These ingredients are formulated to penetrate deeply and stimulate cell turnover, which can be too harsh for children’s delicate and sensitive skin, leading to irritation, redness, peeling and even burns and severe reactions that can have a life-long impact on the skin.
Sensitivity and irritation
Children’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. The strong ingredients in anti-ageing products can cause adverse reactions such as contact dermatitis, allergic reactions and increased skin sensitivity. Children’s skin lacks the resilience to handle these potent compounds safely.
Hormonal disruptors
Some anti-ageing products contain ingredients that act as endocrine disruptors; for example certain preservatives such as parabens and chemicals including phthalates. These substances can interfere with hormone function and potentially disrupt the natural hormonal development of children. While this may sound extreme, the sad reality is that many mass produced commercial grade skin care products contain chemicals that should not even be used on adult skin let alone children’s skin.
Fragrances and preservatives
Anti-ageing skincare often includes synthetic fragrances and preservatives that can cause allergic reactions, rashes or dermatitis in children. Since children’s skin barrier is not fully developed, it is more prone to react negatively to these additives.
pH imbalance
Children’s skin has a different pH balance compared to adult skin. Anti-ageing products are formulated for adult skin pH levels and can disrupt the natural pH balance of children’s skin, causing dryness, irritation and other dermatological issues.
Unnecessary exposure to chemicals
The primary function of anti-ageing products is to address signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and age spots, which are irrelevant to children. Applying these products to children exposes them to unnecessary chemicals that offer no benefit and could potentially cause harm.
Long term health risks
The long-term effects of using anti-ageing products on children’s skin are not well studied. Prolonged exposure to these potent ingredients could lead to unforeseen health issues or skin problems as the child grows older. Products manufactured overseas in countries with less regulated safety environments are particularly problematic. Some even contain harmful ingredients like ‘bleach’.
Inappropriate use
Anti-ageing products are specifically designed for adult skin concerns. Using them on children is not only unnecessary but also inappropriate, as children require skincare products that cater to their unique needs, which are generally milder and free from harsh chemicals. Children’s skin requires gentle and appropriate care that suits its delicate nature. It is crucial to use products formulated specifically for children to ensure their skin remains healthy and protected from potential harm.
Renovatio Bioscience was founded by Dr Vincent in 2016 following his breakthrough discovery while undertaking antioxidant research at the University of Newcastle. He developed a laboratory technique to extract the world’s most potent antioxidants ‘activated phenolics’ from Australian apples and other produce using only water. His innovative work solved an issue, which had been perplexing scientists all over the world for nearly 80 years.
www.renovatio.com.au