As a mother of young children and a beauty professional, I understand the allure of makeup. It’s magical and transformative, and for many of us, it’s a fun and creative outlet. However, when it comes to our children, particularly our young children, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Children often see us applying makeup and want to copy us, but their delicate skin and developing bodies require special care. Since I have young children I was keen to understand the potential skin health risks associated them wearing makeup.
The Delicate Nature of Children’s Skin
We all are aware that children’s skin is significantly more sensitive than that of adults as it’s thinner, has less developed sebaceous glands, and is more prone to irritation and allergic reactions. When we, as adults apply makeup, we choose products that suit our skin type and any concerns we are aware of. Keep in mind, we would have become aware of those concerns over time. Children don’t have that luxury of time and experience and most makeup products on the market are formulated with adults in mind. While safe for adults, they may be problematic for young children.
It’s in the Formula
The following are some of the product formulas that have been identified as having the potential to be problematic for children’s skin:
- Fragrances and Preservatives can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation since a child’s skin is more permeable than an adult’s, making it easier for fragrances and preservatives to penetrate and cause harm.
- Parabens and Phthalates are chemicals used in some beauty products as preservatives. They are also used to enhance the texture of certain products. They can interfere with your child’s hormone functions. Given that children’s bodies are still developing, exposure to these chemicals can have long-term health implications, including potential damage to normal sexual development.
- Bright pigments in makeup products can contain trace amounts of heavy metals such as lead and mercury. These substances are toxic even in minuscule amounts (i.e. parts per million), particularly in the developing body of a young child.
- Formaldehyde releasers are found in some nail polishes and hair products. These chemicals can cause your child to have an allergic reaction and long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to the development of cancer.
Potential Skin Issues
From my research I have identified the wearing of makeup by a young child can lead to one or more of the following four skin issues.
- Contact Dermatitis is an allergic reaction characterized by redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin. I found that dermatitis can be triggered by many makeup ingredients but in particular by fragrances and preservatives.
- Acne is more common in teenagers but young children can also experience acne breakouts when their skin’s natural oils mix with makeup, leading to clogged pores and infections.
- Makeup in general can strip the child’s skin of its natural oils, since a child’s skin barrier is not fully developed. This can lead to dryness and irritation.
- Using adult makeup on a child in the eye area can increase the risk of eye infections,
Safe Alternatives and Precautions
My children regularly watch me applying makeup and want to copy me. If, like my children, your child is keen on experimenting with makeup, I have identified five tips to help you minimize the risks:
- Select makeup products specifically formulated for children as these products are generally free from harmful chemicals and are designed to be gentle on young skin.
- Patch test your child’s skin before applying any new product. Do this by applying a small amount of product on your child’s inner arm and then wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.
- Avoid full-face makeup and instead opt for gentle products like tinted lip balms or water-based face paints. Avoid the application of products near the eyes to prevent infections.
- Good hygiene is critical. Take time to teach your child about the importance of hygiene. Ensure they wash their face thoroughly to remove makeup and always use clean brushes and applicators.
- Occasional is the watchword. Makeup should be a treat rather than a daily routine as this helps reduce exposure to potential irritants and teaches our children that makeup is fun but not necessary for their everyday appearance.
Conclusion
As parents, we play a critical role in the education and the shaping of our children’s attitudes towards beauty, self-care, and makeup. Teaching our children by example is the best way to educate them on the healthy use of makeup. When I am working on my skincare and cleanliness I involve my children to show them that makeup can be fun, but taking care of their skin is even more important.
By understanding the potential risks and taking appropriate precautions, we can safely encourage our children to enjoy the magic of makeup while at the same time protecting their delicate skin.
I believe that focusing on gentle, safe, child-friendly products and educating our children about the importance of skincare are two of the best beauty gifts we as parents can give our children, enabling them to enjoy makeup without compromising their skin health. After all, their natural beauty is already perfect exactly as it is, and their health and well-being must always come first.
