Toddler Face Masks — Do Kids Really Need Skincare?

Recent controversy has arisen around a celebrity who is marketing a skincare/face mask line specifically for young kids — even as young as toddlers! It may seem innocent, but unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

The Skincare Trends

Most people have heard the term “Sephora Kid” before. This term was coined when social media trends showed pre-teens, often as young as 10 years old, becoming obsessed with expensive skincare and extensive routines. This caused arguments about the harm that this can cause both physically and mentally, not to mention the strain on your wallet!

Many of these young teens are influenced into buying anti-aging products, intense retinols and serums, and overly harsh exfoliators. At an age when a simple and clean three-step routine (like Girlyish Skincare’s Glowing Girly Routine!) is all that’s needed, these strong skincare products can actually cause a lot of harm.

Too Much Too Soon?

In a world where teens just want to fit in, it’s crucial to teach healthy habits that will set them up well for life. When we’re young, our skin is able to produce proper amounts of collagen and more effectively heal itself, meaning we don’t need as much outside help in the form of skincare products. If used too early, products with active ingredients and exfoliators can damage the skin barrier and limit the skin’s natural ability to heal. It’s best to save those extra products for later.

Masks or No?

If extensive skincare routines are unnecessary for pre-teens and teens, what does that mean for young kids and toddlers? Unfortunately, we are now seeing skincare lines marketed to parents with kids as young as 3 or 4. While the branding and concept are definitely cute and fun, it’s not worth the harm that can be done. At such a young age, that natural barrier we mentioned earlier is still developing, making your toddler’s skin even more prone to irritation. At most, all that is needed for toddlers is occasionally a gentle cleanse (if needed), a simple moisturizer for any dry spots, and SPF mineral sunscreen for when they are outside.

It may seem harmless, but pushing skincare too early can also cause psychological effects. Society and social media are already sending messages that make teens, especially girls, believe they need perfect skin in order to be worthwhile and beautiful. Unfortunately, this can lead to self-esteem issues, especially during the struggles that the teen years can bring for skin. Now imagine toddlers being exposed to that messaging, plus being handed masks and creams at an age when they don’t even know how to use them. Skincare and hygiene are extremely important — but when the time is right.

Make Skincare Simple

It is natural for young kids to be curious about skincare, especially if they see older siblings and parents using it. This is the perfect opportunity to teach healthy skincare habits and help them understand that there is a time and place for skincare. Teach them that their skin is perfect the way it is, and that we take care of our skin for our own health and well-being, not to make ourselves more beautiful or more worthy. A healthy skincare journey starts with choosing a simple, age-appropriate routine when the time is right.