Dermatologists warn parents about TikTok skincare trends as kids as young as 9 use retinol

A dermatologist warns anti-ageing skincare trends on TikTok are pushing children towards products their skin does not need.

A teenage girl placing soothing patches under her eyes as she applies facial products at home, all while gazing into the mirror.

Published: March 16, 2026 at 12:02 PM

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TikTok skincare routines may be hugely popular, but dermatologists are warning that some of the products trending online are not designed for children’s skin.

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New data from Pai Skincare suggests more than a quarter (25.7%) of the UK girls aged 9 to 12 they surveyed are using skincare products that contain strong active ingredients such as retinol and AHAs.

Experts say the rise appears to be closely linked to social media trends, where multi-step skincare routines and “glass skin” aesthetics are widely shared by influencers and celebrities. But according to dermatologists, young skin usually needs far less than these viral routines suggest.

Dermatologists warn children do not need anti-ageing ingredients

Dr. Conal Perrett, Consultant Dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, says he is increasingly seeing teenagers and even younger children using complex skincare routines inspired by social media.

We’re seeing a noticeable rise in teenagers, and even pre-teens, adopting complex skincare routines influenced by social media.

Dr. Conal Perrett, Consultant Dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic

“The truth is that most young skin does not need active ingredients such as retinol or exfoliating acids. What it does need is protection,” says Dr. Perrett.

According to the clinic, there has been a noticeable increase in skin problems linked to overusing strong skincare ingredients among younger patients.

“We’re concerned that children are being marketed adult skincare concerns. There is a psychological impact in telling a 12-year-old they need anti-wrinkle products,” Dr. Perrett explains.

“We have seen an increase in skin barrier damage, irritation from over-exfoliation, sensitivity caused by layering active ingredients, and a growing wave of anxiety around preventing ageing before it is biologically relevant.”

The TikTok skincare trend influencing tweens

Interest in skincare among younger audiences appears to be growing rapidly. Search interest in terms such as “teen skincare” has increased by 217% over the past month, while TikTok’s #skincare hashtag now includes more than 47 million posts.

For many tweens, influencers play a major role in shaping what they buy and apply to their skin. Research suggests 41% rely on influencer recommendations, while nearly half (48%) say they are aiming for “perfect” skin.

This often results in routines involving multiple products layered together. Some children are reportedly using up to six skincare products at once, despite experts warning this can overwhelm young skin.

What age should children start skincare?

According to dermatologists, the right time to introduce skincare has less to do with anti-ageing and more to do with maintaining healthy skin.

Dr. Perrett says routines should stay extremely simple during childhood.

Ages 0 to 11: keep skincare minimal

Children generally do not need elaborate skincare routines.

“Sun protection is the single most important skincare step at any age. UV damage in childhood significantly contributes to premature ageing and skin cancer risk later in life,” Dr. Perrett explains.

For most children, dermatologists recommend:

Ages 12 to 16: focus on skin health

Puberty often brings hormonal changes that can trigger oiliness and acne. At this stage, a simple routine may help support skin health.

Dermatologists typically recommend:

“This is not the age for anti-ageing serums,” Dr. Perrett advises. “Overuse of strong actives can damage the skin barrier and cause long-term sensitivity.”

Ages 17 to 25: prevention begins

Preventative skincare tends to become more relevant in the early twenties.

“Collagen production naturally begins to decline in the mid-twenties. That’s when preventative skincare becomes more relevant, not at 13,” Dr. Perrett adds.

At this stage, ingredients such as antioxidants including vitamin C may be introduced, and retinol may be used in low strengths under medical guidance.

Three skincare rules dermatologists want parents to know

With skincare products increasingly marketed towards younger audiences, Dr. Perrett encourages parents to focus on a few core principles rather than trends.

“The goal should not be to prevent ageing at 14,” Dr. Perrett says. “It should be to maintain healthy skin and protect it for the future. Skincare is not about stopping the clock in your teens, it is about building good habits that support long-term skin health.”

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With skin cancer rates continuing to rise in the UK and childhood UV exposure remaining one of the biggest risk factors later in life, experts say the most important skincare habit for children is also the simplest: daily sun protection.

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