When young girls hit puberty looking beautiful becomes an important and sometimes unhealthy obsession. Girls care about how they look and are interested in attracting boys. It’s a reality that some would say has ‘plagued’ women from the beginning of time. The media reinforces stereotypes and instills comparisons to unhealthy levels. Marketers of anti aging beauty products spend enormous amounts of money on TV commercials and magazine ads claiming youth and timeless beauty. With an endless bombardment it’s no surprise that young girls believe that getting a head-start by using anti aging products now could be a preventative to getting fine lines and wrinkles later.
But how many people are stopping to ask the question – is it safe for teenagers to be using anti aging products? There are many products which claim to be anti aging but are really good for anyone and everyone regardless of their age. But there are also some pretty extreme products which can do harm and teenage girls need to be aware of what they really need. It would be nice to think the ‘beauty myth’ message was getting through to young girls but the reality is most will cave to peer pressure and their own internal desires to be accepted. Many girls will try and continue to use a variety of beauty products regardless of what science or a caring adult says. So the best course of action is acceptance with influence through education. We can introduce our kids to safe beauty products which can enhance their health and longevity will directing them away from products which are designed for older skin.
How young is too young to begin worrying about getting old? Many young women are caught up in the anti aging trend and believe the earlier they begin to treat their skin against aging the better. Younger women just need to stop worrying about getting old because it is in fact bad for their skin and complexion.
That is according to a group of dermatologists from Great Britain who are worried that young people are damaging their skin due to needless use of anti aging products meant for an older clientele. These anti aging products as a rule are designed for a different variety of skin other than that of the vibrant and youthful consumers whose sensitive skin will suffer from using anti aging products.
Here’s a quick list of things you may want to discourage your young daughter from trying:
- Anti-wrinkle creams
- Anti aging Serum
- Facial Peels
- Anti Aging Beauty Products which are clearly marked as being made for mature skin.
There are basic anti aging facial products that can be used throughout life which naturally promote youthful appearance and in so doing become anti aging over time. Starting young girls and boys on a daily skin care skin care program when they reach puberty will help minimize some of the more awkward stages of growing up – acne and blemishes – while developing a habit which protects their skin through out life. Everyone needs to cleanse, tone, moisturize, and apply protection and a specific treatment cream, when needed, every day. In youth the treatment typically involves a cream to deal with acne and other blemishes. It is also important that the moisturizer contain a high quality sun protectant with a minimum SPF 30. Getting in this habit now is an anti aging preventative measure in itself. The SPF prevents the sun rays from harming your child’s skin. Most adults are disciplined due to a fear of skin cancer but kids need to know they are at risk too.
The bottom line is to create a self aware and product aware teenager. Teaching them the pros and cons of using anti aging products when they are young will help them make wise choice as they get older.