Children as young as nine are damaging their skin using “really dangerous” anti-ageing skin serums. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Dermatology Professor Catriona Ryan said that the trend is being pushed by content on social media.

“It's something that we've seen really over the last two-years now – and there's no sign of it going away either,” she said.

“It's TikTok and YouTube and all of these social media channels that are highly, highly influencing these kids and ‘tweens’ between nine and 12.”

A girl reviewing make-up as part of a skincare routine, 1-2-18. Image: Dmytro Zinkevych / Alamy

Prof Ryan said that many of these regimens are not suitable for children this young.

“What we’re seeing is them adopting complex and harsh skincare routines – regimens that are usually targeted at people like me, who are in their mid 40’s,” she said.

“They're not suitable for the skin of children.

“So, they're using anti-aging serums, exfoliants, retinoids, things that they don't need – and it can often do more damage than benefit.”

Cost of products

Popular products used are often very expensive, which can put huge pressure on parents, according to Prof Ryan.

“Each different part of the regimen is €30 to €50,” she said.

“So, when you put all of that together, [it’s] absolutely bonkers.

“It's just so mainstream now – it's very, very tough for parents.”

Education

Prof Ryan said that parents and schools should make more of an effort to educate children on age-appropriate self-care routines.

"If they're thinking this way and putting 10 layers on their skin, morning and evening, when they're nine, they have no hope as teenagers," she said.

"It's a really, really dangerous thing to begin at this age, this focus on beauty."

Most children only need to cleanse their face in the morning and evening, and wear sunscreen to maintain healthy skin, according to Prof Ryan.