Prof. Dr. Nilsel İlter warns: Cosmetic use among children as young as 10 is increasing skin diseases

Prof. Dr. Nilsel İlter, a faculty member at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, pointed out that cosmetic use among children has dropped to as young as 10 years old, stating, "The use of cosmetics at a young age leads to an increased susceptibility to eczema and various skin diseases, and causes allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis to become uncontrollable."

"IT IS INCREASING EVERY DAY"

İlter, who is also a member of the Acne Working Group of the Turkish Society of Dermatology, explained that they are encountering cosmetic use among child patients visiting their clinic more frequently every day.

"A TINY CHILD HAS A HUGE MAKEUP BAG"

Stating that the number of children brought to them with "acne" complaints has increased in recent years and that they ask children which products they use on their skin, İlter said, "We see that the use of cosmetic products among children has dropped to the age of 10." 

When I asked a child patient with acne what she applied to her face, she turned to her mother and said, 'Can you give me my makeup bag?' A tiny child had a huge makeup bag, and inside were many products ranging from concealer to blush, mascara, and lipstick. I was truly horrified," she said.

"COSMETIC USE CAUSES ALLERGIC REACTIONS ON YOUNG SKIN"

Expressing that some child patients of similar ages also ask her questions like, "When should I use my serums?", İlter shared the following information:

- "Using cosmetics at a young age leads to an increased predisposition to eczema and various skin diseases, and causes certain allergic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, to become uncontrollable."

"PUBERTAL ACNE HAS DROPPED TO AGE 8 DUE TO COSMETIC USE"

"Cosmetics should never be used by young children. Their skin is young, fresh, and has a structure that has not yet developed all its protective layers. When they use these products at a young age, the protective layers cannot fully develop, and the existing ones are stripped away."

The skin becomes sensitive to all kinds of external factors. Eczema increases, and for these reasons, the acne we typically see in adolescence is now appearing as early as age 10 or even age 8."

"IT LEADS TO ALLERGIC CONDITIONS BECOMING UNCONTROLLABLE"

Pointing out that children generally cannot clean off the cosmetics they use properly and that a large portion of the makeup materials they purchase are drugstore products, İlter emphasized that these factors further increase the risk of skin problems.

Prof. Dr. İlter stated, "Therefore, the use of cosmetic products at a young age causes an increased predisposition to eczema and various other skin diseases. For example, it leads to certain allergic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, which we are starting to see more frequently in childhood, becoming uncontrollable."

"A CALL TO MOTHERS: 'KEEP YOUR CHILDREN AWAY FROM COSMETICS'"

Emphasizing the importance of informing families on this issue, İlter made the following appeal:

"I especially want to appeal to mothers; all of our children are very precious, and please keep them away from these cosmetics. The only thing a skin at that age needs is a good face wash and a sunscreen to use when going out in the sun. Please choose these products from those sold in pharmacies."

Unless there is a specific medical condition, skin at that age does not need a moisturizer either."

"A DERMATOLOGY SPECIALIST MUST BE CONSULTED"

Prof. Dr. İlter underlined that no makeup products should be used around the age of 10, stating, "Even if it is not very possible to ensure this for young girls approaching 18, at least a light makeup consisting of blush and lip gloss can be preferred using good products."

However, I never recommend that they use products like concealer or foundation. Their beautiful, fresh skin needs to breathe. When they experience a skin problem, they must first consult a dermatology specialist," she said.

"SANCTIONS SHOULD BE APPLIED TO CONTENT FEATURING CHILDREN"

Pointing out that social media is the most important reason why children turn to cosmetic products at very young ages and that very misleading information is shared there, İlter stated that children should be kept away from these platforms.

Regarding the videos on social media where some mothers film themselves applying makeup to their children, Prof. Dr. İlter stated, "Sanctions must definitely be imposed on content that features children in this way. While this is essentially a field for child psychiatry, we also see that mothers are harming their children's skin just to film these videos." 

A mother sits her child down and applies makeup. Other children who see this want it too, and some families may find it very cute. Very serious sanctions could be applied regarding this," she assessed.

"EVEN THE TOY VERSIONS OF THESE PRODUCTS ARE HARMFUL"

Stating that the sale of toy makeup kits for children is also inappropriate, İlter said, "I am absolutely in favor of such products not being manufactured. Families should not buy these types of toys either."

"ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TATTOOS ALSO APPLY TO PERMANENT MAKEUP"

Noting that another area of concern is the "permanent makeup" procedures popular among adult and young women, İlter added the following:

"What is called permanent makeup is actually the same as a standard tattoo procedure. Procedures such as eyeliner, lip lining, and eyebrow shaping are performed by injecting pigments of various colors under the skin. Almost all the risks associated with tattoos are also present in permanent makeup applications." 

"AN ALLERGY TEST MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE THE PROCEDURE"

It is very difficult to remove a product injected under the skin once it causes an allergic reaction. For this reason, if people of advanced age are considering such a procedure, they must definitely have an allergy test beforehand and choose qualified professionals and clean facilities.

I also never recommend these types of procedures before a certain age."