By Michaela Gordoni
Shay Mitchell and Esther Song just launched a new line of skin care for kids, to dermatologists’ dismay.
The brand, called Rini, launched on Nov. 6. It includes face masks in the shape of a puppy, unicorn or panda; a hydrating hydrogel facial mask; and an after-sun hydrogel facial mask. They have ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin B12 and aloe vera.
Dermatologist Dr. Fatima Fahs told TODAY.com, “Kids don’t really need to be using any of these ingredients.”
“If we’re already potentially pushing the agenda that kids’ skin needs to be fixed, then we’re potentially highlighting imperfections for kids at a really young age…It’s kind of blurring the lines of self-care and promoting this idea that their skin is not already perfect,” Fahs said.
But children’s skin is balanced on its own and unproblematic, she explained.
Kids’ skin “needs very basic things,” and their skin is “already very healthy and resilient,” she added.
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Fahs says parents can consider introducing a skincare routine once kids show signs of puberty.
During puberty, kids may experience oily skin or “little bumps on the skin toward the end of the day.”
“Introducing a gentle cleanser, a gentle moisturizer and a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen is a great routine to encourage,” Fahs said. “If I see patients in the office starting to have these changes, the very first thing I’ll try to get them into the habit of doing is just washing their face with a gentle cleanser daily. Sometimes that’s all they need.”
She says using products to early can be harmful.
“Children don’t need these seven step routines, or these complicated products,” Fahs said. “If you’re really looking to do some healthy habit building for your kids, the number one thing should just be encouraging them to wear a daily sunscreen before going outside to play.”
She added, “A lot of this is being disguised in this idea of self-care, but I find that self-care for children is encouraging them to go outside and play or be with their friends, and it’s not standing in front of the mirror or putting on a sheet mask.”
Rini has experienced a lot of backlash since its launch.
“I’m deeply disappointed. Why are we projecting beauty standards onto children now,” one person commented.
Another said, “I’m genuinely concerned by this. kids don’t need hydrogel masks or actives. their skin barrier is already healthy and still developing. this kind of ‘early skincare’ marketing really blurs the line between care and consumerism. do better.”
The Independent consulted dermatologists to understand products that children should always avoid. These are products like serums with peptides, anti-aging creams, alcohol-based toners, exfoliators, fragrances with phthalates, scented glitter products and essential oils.
Consultant dermatologist Dr. Emma Wedgeworth said children are naturally not self-conscious, so focus should not be put on their skin.
“We don’t want to encourage them to focus on appearance or create anxiety about how their skin looks…Exposing them to multiple unnecessary chemicals increases the risk of irritation and sensitization later on,” she said.
So, if you were thinking about putting face masks and lotions in your kids’ stockings this year, maybe think twice.
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