In the whirlwind of social media, children are becoming more and more interested in skin care. At the risk of damaging the epidermis. Here is a product that a dermatologist completely prohibits for young people.
The affair stirred up social networks. Just a few days ago, Canadian star Shay Mitchell, known for her role in the series Pretty Little Liars, launched a skincare brand for children aged 4 and up, called Rini. The pitch? Make skin care “fun, gentle and safe“. The range is mainly composed of fabric masks for the face. Unsurprisingly, the project is a real outcry. Internet users are unanimous: in addition to pushing harmful beauty standards on youth, children do not need such specific care. On the contrary, their skin being more fragile, but also much more absorbent, using too many products could risk damaging it.
In this context, the British newspaper The Independent asked a dermatologist what he would never put on the skin of little ones. In the list made by the health professional, certain elements seem obvious: alcohol-based cosmetics for example, perfume or anti-aging creams which can disrupt the balance of the skin barrier. But another product may surprise. Natural, it is used to treat minor everyday ailments (stomach aches, insect bites, acne and other inflammations, etc.). However, essential oils should be kept away from the skin of our offspring: “Lavender, tea tree, peppermint, and citrus oils are common causes of allergic contact dermatitis and other skin reactions“, explains Dr Matthew Knight, dermatologist, to the English media.
Once sensitized, the person will react to each future contact with the essential oil or its components. Worse still, some such as peppermint, eucalyptus globulus and eucalyptus radiata or even camphor, sage and thuja are neurotoxic for children under six years old.
The only way to use essential oil on the skin is to dilute it heavily in a carrier oil, and this precaution is obviously only valid for adults.
