Use multiple products, get more spots, dermatologists tell teens

Teenagers who are using several skincare products at the same time are at serious risk of skin damage, according to research by Dutch dermatologists.

A survey conducted by dermatologists at the Alrijne hospital in Leiden among 168 of their peers across the country showed that over 90% had seen more young patients with skin problems related to using multiple products, including allergic reactions, acne and eczema.

The boom in sales of skin products aimed at young children is mainly fuelled by influencers on TikTok and Instagram, some of whom are seen to use as many as 10 products in succession.

Frequent use of high concentrations of retinoids, which are widely used to combat acne and wrinkles, can cause skin irritation, particularly in combination with other active ingredients, the dermatologists said.

The use of different types of exfoliating agents, such as AHAs and BHAs, has also led to skin problems. All respondents said patients had been misinformed about the effects of the products touted by influencers on social media.

Earlier reports have linked endocrine-disrupting chemicals in beauty products, such as BPA and phthalates, to precocious puberty.

The dermatologists said that there is a growing awareness around skin care and protection against the sun but that this does not extend to the risks of combining products.