Interview with Western Mass News: Kids & Makeup

Last week I was interviewed by a local station (ABC40) for a story about how makeup and skincare have become increasingly popular with young kids. I managed to squeeze in a few points, but I do wish more of what we talked about had been included:

• There’s nothing wrong with experimenting with makeup at any age, but I don’t agree that it’s appropriate for skincare companies to target market active-ingredient products (such as retinols, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, essential oils and other potential irritants) to young people who might buy and use them without a dermatologist’s supervision.
• I think social media can easily warp fun dress-up play into a desperate, keep-up-with-the-joneses consumerist race that no one wins (except for the companies selling products, and the influencers getting a kickback!)
• Kids who are concerned about their skin should focus on gentle daily face washing (and not sleeping in makeup), hydration (including gentle moisturizer as needed), sun protection (start SPF young for sure!), and not messing with their eyebrows too much (because most of my generation really regretted doing that!)
• Kids do not need to be spending money on expensive imported products just because they see “peers” (especially paid influencers) doing so, and they should be taught to question unnecessary consumer spending and undue social influence.

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