Dermatologist reveals make-up ingredients to avoid to protect young skin

A dermatologist has issued advice to parents following the opening of Sephora’s first-ever Scottish store.

Excited customers had their first taste of the beauty retailer’s exclusive brands at the opening in St James Quarter on Thursday.

But with an influx of young people also picking up products, Dr Sidra Khan, a consultant dermatologist based in Glasgow, warns that some should be avoided.

“Skincare products that are created for adult skin typically will target things like anti-ageing, collagen loss, dyspigmentation, that sort of thing, problems that children just don’t have,” she said.

“When those products are used on young skin, those harsh ingredients and actives, they can strip the natural oils from your skin, which can leave your skin barrier quite vulnerable and predispose the skin to irritation
and inflammation.

“Specific ingredients or actives to avoid would be things like retinoids, exfoliating acids, and high concentrations of vitamin C.”

Dr Khan advises that when it comes to children’s skincare, it always helps to keep it simple.

“A gentle non-stripping cleanser, a light, barrier-supportive, ideally fragrance-free, moisturiser, and if your child’s outside and the weather is sunny, just make sure they’re wearing sunscreen.

“If you’re going out there trying to look for information, it can feel really overwhelming.

“What I always signpost both my patients and the public towards are two really good resources. They are the websites for the British Association of Dermatologists and the British Skin Foundation.

“They have a plethora of freely available, fantastic information leaflets and videos.”