Do you think anti-aging skincare should be banned for children?

Dermatologists say a rise in children using adult skincare is dangerous, as some ingredients are potentially harmful to young skin.

Last week, a chain of pharmacies in Sweden banned the sale of anti-aging products to customers under 15.

Abby Robbins, whose 11-year-old daughter became interested in skincare products after she heard about them in the playground, joined Nuala McGovern on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour to discuss the impact of this trend.

She said that a range of products, including those containing hyaluronic acid, were recommended to her daughter, despite her age.

Dr Tess McPherson, from the British Association of Dermatologists told us: ‘Most of the ingredients banned by the Swedish pharmacy have some evidence of anti-aging. However, they are not needed or helpful for younger skin and can cause irritation, particularly in eczema prone skin.

‘As well as AHA acid, BHA acid, vitamin A, vitamin C and enzyme peeling, parents should look out for retinoids, which may be advisable for acne if suggested by a healthcare professional, but are not necessary unless you have skincare condition.’

You can listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds– it’s the Woman’s Hour episode from 26 March.

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