Ever since videos of teens sweeping Sephoras across the country began dominating our “for you” pages, the discussion of skin care for teens has become one of the hottest debates in the beauty world. While some feel that the intense scrutiny on these young beauty consumers is doing more harm than good, many, including dermatologists, believe that anti-aging with authentic ingredients can cause skin damage in children. I am concerned that this may lead to
While there’s no harm in taking care of your skin from a young age, a major concern in the teen skin care debate is that young users may be overdosing their delicate skin with harsh active ingredients. It revolves around concerns. In response to this concern, the California Legislature introduced a bill that would prohibit children under the age of 13 from purchasing certain skin care products. The bill failed to advance after being introduced to the state House Appropriations Committee on Thursday, May 16th.
“While we are disappointed with today’s outcome, we remain committed to protecting children from the unnecessary harms of anti-aging products,” the bill’s author, Assemblyman Alex Lee, said in a statement.
California AB 2491: Teenager Skin Care Bill
Last month, the bill in question, California AB 2491, received approval from the state’s Environmental Safety and Toxic Substances Commission and now moves to the Appropriations Committee, indicating that the bill is moving closer to actual implementation. It means. But what does this bill propose? Essentially, the new law prohibits children under the age of 13 from purchasing skin care products that are advertised as anti-aging formulas, and prohibits teenagers from purchasing skin care products that are advertised as anti-aging formulas, such as vitamin A, retinol, retinoids, glycolic acid or citric acid. It would prohibit people from obtaining products containing AHA.
Lee previously explained the rationale for the bill in a statement from his office: These are readily available in retail stores, and she has posted videos on social media of her children, as young as seven years old, using the anti-aging serum. The industry itself has made statements that children do not need to use these powerful products. However, America’s multi-billion dollar beauty industry has not taken meaningful action to address this problem, and companies are allowing children to unknowingly buy and use products that are not meant for them. profit from the fact that Although children do not need anti-aging products, AB 2491 protects children and teens from potential harm from using products that can lead to short-term or long-term skin damage that would not otherwise occur. protect young people. ”
If passed, the bill would require retailers in the state to take “reasonable” steps to prevent children from purchasing these active-heavy products. This could include placing signs next to these products stating that they are not intended for use by teenagers. Customers may be required to provide proof of age before making a purchase, or customers may be required to use a non-prepaid credit card for payment.
Why didn’t the bill move forward?
One of the biggest hurdles this bill faced was the reaction from industry.
The Personal Care Products Council, a trade association representing the parent companies of Sephora, Ulta Beauty and about 600 other cosmetics and personal care products, issued a statement in April. They argued that the bill, while “well-intentioned,” was “unenforceable” and “falls short of addressing the real problem.”
Their statement notes that while anti-aging in children is a serious concern, the proposed bill could lead to overregulation of products such as sunscreen.
Is anti-aging skin care for children dangerous?
Some ingredients can irritate the sensitive skin of teens and children.
“Some teens come in with excessive exfoliation, sensitivity, or reactions from using too many products,” says Callie Papantoniou, a dermatologist in Melvine, New York. “I simplify their routines, focus on repairing the skin barrier, and take their routines back to basics.”
Dr. Farhad Riyaz, a dermatologist in Northville, Michigan, says preteens are too young to consume ingredients formulated for adults. “Children’s skin between the ages of 10 and 12 is still developing and more sensitive than adults’ skin. However, they are old enough to learn healthy habits. Parents are encouraged to learn beauty habits. Instead, focus on skin health. Many products marketed to a younger audience may contain ingredients that are too harsh for young skin. Stick to hypoallergenic products.
