Sydney specialist dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta was featured on ABC Radio for her professional take on cosmeticorexia, a medical term for a dangerous obsession with skincare. Cosmeticorexia is becoming alarming nowadays as more young people, children as young as 8 years old, are already using multiple skincare products.
Dr Ritu exclaimed that she has experienced first-hand how young children aged 8, 10, and 15 are consulting at her Ultimo clinic for conditions brought about by excessive use of skincare products, makeup, and even anti-ageing treatments.
These children are using all kinds of products, including those containing anti-ageing serums, snake venom, snail mucin, bird’s nest, and other untested and potentially harmful ingredients, ruining perfectly healthy skin, as they are now coming in with skin issues and infections.
Dr Ritu expressed her concerns about the ethics of marketing to children, citing examples of skincare products with colourful, attractive labels. Children may also ask their parents to buy these products for them for fear of being left out. But instead of giving in, Dr Ritu recommended that parents ask their child about what they are trying to achieve with skin care products.
In reality, the only skincare children need is a combination of a light cleanser, oil-free moisturiser, and sunscreen. This way, parents are not stopping them, but helping them instil good habits. Dr Ritu said if kids wear sunscreen, they don’t need additional products. Skin care for children should be oil-free, non-comedogenic, and must not have too much fragrance.
Dr Ritu also answered text and phone-in questions about various skin issues, such as beard rash, wearing moisturisers, microneedling, using aloe vera for burns, teen acne on the face and back, and the causes of breakouts.
Aside from ABC Radio, Dr Ritu was also recently featured on The Australian discussing cosmeticorexia and K-beauty trends. To consult with Dr Ritu, please book online, WhatsApp at 0493 766 096, or call (02) 8014 6500.
