“Trying to educate her at eight years old about what skincare should be like is really difficult when you’ve got influencers who she believes more than anyone else,” Lucy says.
“She’s my youngest child and I didn’t think I’d have to worry about her doing skincare and policing skincare at this age.
“It feels like her childhood has now been taken away.”
Paediatric dermatologist Dr Tess McPherson says it is important children receive “information, not misinformation” about skincare.
“[A lot of] these are anti-ageing products,” she tells BBC News.
“They may be suitable for older skin – they are not suitable for children.
“They can cause irritation to skin whatever age you are – but clearly for younger skin, they can be potentially dangerous or problematic.
“For a child with eczema or sensitive skin, they could cause significant problems.
“And a lot of them will be highly fragrant and they could get contact allergies to some of those products.”
Dr McPherson, who represents the British Association of Dermatologists, also worries about the “suggestive packaging”, often bright and colourful and therefore attractive to children.
“These products are sold as empowerment but [it] is playing on vulnerabilities,” she says.
Parents wanting to address their children’s skin concerns should speak to a doctor or dermatologist to “get effective treatments”, Dr McPherson adds.
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