Sydney specialist dermatologist, Dr Ritu Gupta, was featured in The Nightly for her expert views on the growing market in skincare aimed at children and teenagers. The investigation examined how social media and brand marketing are shaping the spending habits of Australian girls, some still in primary school.
Dr Ritu told the publication she has seen patients as young as 12 arriving with elaborate, multi-step routines. Many were already using alpha hydroxy acids, and asking about buzzword ingredients such as green tea and liquorice extract.
She described seeing patients with skin rashes caused by the inappropriate use of anti-ageing ingredients on young skin, including retinols, alpha hydroxy acids and glycolic acids. These ingredients have their place in adult dermatology, she said, but they are not formulated for children.
The consequences range from mild to lasting. At best, Dr Ritu said, young people are wasting money on products that do nothing for them. At worst, they damage the skin barrier and set off a cycle of irritation, or develop a facial rash that becomes infected and leaves scarring.
Much of the demand, she explained, is driven by the pursuit of “glass skin”, a Korean beauty ideal of poreless, luminous, flawless skin. Dr Ritu was direct about this: normal skin has pores and texture, and teenage skin will have the occasional pimple. The look being sold online is filtered rather than achievable.
She noted that dispelling these myths now takes up a substantial part of a routine acne consultation. It has become standard practice for her to ask teenage patients what they have picked up from social media, including whether they are applying beef tallow to their faces or taking protein supplements.
Dr Ritu is not opposed to children learning good habits. Her advice for a 10-year-old with no specific skin concerns is a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and a basic moisturiser if one is needed. Nothing further is required.
The feature also drew on research from Griffith University into the psychological effects of appearance-focused social media on young people.
Read the full article here: Glowing Pains: The Business of Tween Beauty – The Nightly
Find out more about Dr Ritu’s recent features on The Australian, 7’s Sunrise and ABC Radio, where she also shares her thoughts on cosmeticorexia.
To consult with Dr Ritu, please book online, WhatsApp at 0493 766 096, or call (02) 8014 6500.
