For a child, it’s completely normal to be curious about the things they see their parents or older siblings doing. That curiosity naturally extends to activities like skincare, makeup or self-care routines. Many people can probably relate to sneaking into a parent’s closet, trying on outfits or experimenting with makeup to create a “perfect look.” Curiosity is part of being a kid, but at what point does it become concerning?

In today’s increasingly digital world, the answer can be complicated. Short-form videos like “get ready with me” or “step-by-step routines for clear skin” are omnipresent on platforms like TikTok, where increasingly younger children have access to smartphones and the internet. Kids are naturally inclined to imitate what they see; but without guidance, this early exposure can quickly become harmful. Kids may try products or techniques that are not age-appropriate, using harsh cleansers, strong acids or multiple treatments at once. Rather than helping, this can damage their delicate skin and create long-term problems. Encouraging children to care for their skin in a healthy, kid-friendly way is crucial.

Shay Mitchell, a well-known actress, recently launched a children’s skincare brand called “Rini.” Most everything advertised and targeted toward children is a cash-grab-—and ends up causing some very concerning prolonged effects—but Rini seems to actually put emphasis on the care part of skincare. 

Conversations surrounding this topic need a lot of nuance. Kids don’t need to be doing skincare, but they want to, and Rini offers a safe way for them to do that. According to the official Rini website, they claim to use “safer” ingredients that are suitable for children and prioritize simple routines. That’s fantastic and a great way to include inquisitive children. However, while this all sounds very nice, my issue resides with the fact that pushing skincare routines, albeit “safe” for children, is still very wrong. Introducing skincare at such a young age can still make children overly concerned with appearance rather than enjoying activities suitable for their age.

I understand they want to follow trends and be included, but kids need to focus more on the kid aspect of their lives. A large part of this issue is due to the fact that there is no “tween” stage. Along with that, there aren’t many tween-specific clothing brands, magazines or pop stars. There is not much media out there for that transitional period, and it’s harmful for a child to suddenly graduate from backyard mud facials to retinol—a jump that is detrimental both physically and psychologically. 

In an environment saturated with online trends and adult-focused beauty standards, moderation and education are key to helping children navigate self-care in a safe and positive way. Ultimately, skincare is something kids can wait a few more years before hopping on the trend.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Areeba Mahbub at [email protected].