Australian mother reveals truth about teen skincare debate after popular product banned in Sweden

A major Swedish pharmacy chain has banned teenagers from buying anti-aging skincare products following a surge in sales driven by social media influencers. Should Australia consider a similar approach? Experts question whether this is the right measure.

Australian mum Belinda Kurtz, whose two pre-teen daughters already have skincare routines, revealed that certain products can be beneficial, particularly sunscreen, so parent education is key to ensuring that young people are well informed.

With 390 pharmacies across Sweden, Apotek Hjärtat has banned the sale of advanced skin care products containing HA Acid, BHA Acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Enzyme Peel to under 15 years old. The move follows the growing popularity of these products among teenagers across Europe and the potentially harmful effects on young skin if used regularly.

“Using advanced skin care that, for example, aims to reduce wrinkles and achieve a more even skin tone is not something a child needs,” said Annika Svedberg, chief pharmacist at Apotek Hjärtat, about this decision.

“In cases where a child is suffering from a skin condition, for example atopic eczema, certain products may also contribute to worsening or reactivating symptoms.”

Only people with skin conditions or parental permission will be allowed to purchase the products.

Should Australia ban products from children?

Isabella Loneragan, an Australian skincare expert dermatologist and founder of Ragan Skin, said a similar ban should be considered in Australia.

“Australian regulations need to be reassessed because the reality is that Australian children – as elsewhere in the world – are heavily influenced by social media trends, which originate from global sources,” she said. Yahoo Lifestyle.

“Children are not necessarily capable of deciphering the dangers of products. They usually want “what's hot”, but these products can actually be very harmful to their skin and, furthermore, potentially harmful to their mental and emotional health.

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Products containing active ingredients such as retinol, lactic acid, vitamin A, AHA and BHA acids on young and hormonal skin can impact the skin's barrier function. This can lead to a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes painful skin conditions, including rosacea, psoriasis, eczema and acne.

“Much like vapes, we need to make it more difficult for children to access products that are dangerous for them, explaining why, because even teenagers may not be mature enough to identify such dangers,” he said. she declared.

“I would not tolerate anyone under 20 using anything other than cleanser and moisturizer under sunscreen.”

The role parents play

Belinda Kurtz, an Australian mother of two pre-teen daughters, shares the view that certain products should be banned, but emphasizes the importance of parent education. Her daughters, aged 12 and 14, have followed a skincare routine since they were six and eight as part of their overall body care.

“Parents who have a limited understanding of skincare will tell their pre-teens that they can't use skincare products at all because they think ALL skincare products will cause damage, which is so far from the truth,” she said. Yahoo Lifestyle.

“It breaks my heart to hear about young people not being able to implement basic skin hygiene due to a lot of misinformation and scaremongering going around about a small collection of specific products.

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“Of course, young skin doesn't need the powerful active ingredients that adults need, so more education is needed on what products ARE suitable, including the importance of using sunscreen every day. days.”

Kurtz, who often talks about this topic on her TikTok page, said her daughters use cleanser, light moisturizer and sunscreen daily. She also lets her daughters try the viral products they see on social media, but only after researching the ingredients for hydrating, gentle, non-active options.

“They tried many viral TikTok products from Drunk Elephant and Glow Recipe with my permission and only after careful research of the ingredients,” she said. “Often, after using a sample, they find that the products are not suitable for their skin or are too heavy.”

She said her approach of discussing different product options not only educates her daughters on safe skin care practices, but also allows them to understand which products work best for their skin.

“I encourage them by providing them with suitable products in their bathroom, but also by satisfying their curiosity every time they come to me asking for the latest viral product,” she said.

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