24/06/2026
It’s Wellbeing Wednesday, and today I want to highlight a growing trend called Cosmeticorexia.
Children as young as 8, 9 and 10 are following complex skincare routines, using products designed for ageing skin and becoming increasingly focused on perceived flaws.
Many are using ingredients such as retinol, exfoliating acids and anti-wrinkle products despite having healthy, young skin that simply doesn’t need them.
The concern isn’t just skin damage.
It’s the message that children receive: that they need to fix, perfect or prevent ageing before they’ve even reached their teenage years.
Research suggests that social media, influencer culture and beauty marketing are contributing to appearance anxiety at increasingly younger ages.
Skincare should support skin health, not create stress, obsession or fear.
As parents, grandparents, educators and role models, we need to encourage children to see skincare as a form of health and self-care—not self-criticism.
I’ve written a new blog exploring what Cosmeticorexia is, why experts are concerned and what we can do about it.
Read the full article via the link in my bio.
Have you noticed this trend among the young people in your life?
