Why skincare and makeup could be damaging young skin?

From skincare to makeup, beauty products are becoming an increasingly big part of young people's lives - with social media and influencers helping drive the trend.

It's thought that by 2028, more than 160 million children worldwide are expected to be using skincare products, according to data analysis company Statista.

Here at Newsround we wanted to find out why this is, and what impact this could have.

Nina went to investigate the potential dangers of children using beauty products not meant for them.

Nina spoke to lots of young people about whether they use makeup or skincare products.

While not everyone did, lots of you told us about the products you enjoy including mascara, lip gloss, facewash and more.

You also told us that you often see products online on TikTok and YouTube as part of trends like 'get ready with me' and 'day in the life'.

One of you said "I saw it around TikTok and YouTube and stuff, and I just thought 'why not try it?', thought it would be fun and it was."

Another of you said: "A lot of people post about it, like their morning routines."

We asked TikTok and YouTube what they're doing to protect young users from unsuitable beauty content.

As the sites are for those over the age of 13, they shared some advice for teens.

A TikTok representative told us:

"We recognise that special safeguards are required to protect teens online, which is why TikTok offers an experience for teens that is much more restrictive than the experience for adults on our platform including not allowing targeted advertising to U18s.

Many young people turn to TikTok to educate themselves on skincare in accessible, and peer-led ways including through a broad community of experts such as doctors sharing accurate facts about these topics on the platform."

YouTube said:

"We want people who use YouTube to feel good about themselves and about what they see - whether it's something for school or for fun.

YouTube is not for under 13s, and that is why we've created YouTube experiences that are only for kids, like YouTube Kids or Supervised Kid Accounts.

We work with experts to make sure the videos shown in these are right for their age. Ads about products related to personal care are prohibited for minors."

It's good to remember that makeup and skincare can be fun.

However, experts say it's important to know what you really need and not just follow every trend you see online.

Dr Emma Wedgeworth is a dermatologist, which is a doctor who specialises in skin, hair and nails.

She told Nina what sort of things can be safely used by young people.

She said "It is really important to remember that your skin is an organ. It is a living breathing organ a bit like your heart and your lungs so anything that you put on it, you want to be careful isn't damaging it."

Dr Emma says "When you are young your skin is quite sensitive which means that it can get damaged by harsh products.

These products include things like retinoids and harsh acids. Using products with these in can lead your skin to become dry, red, flaky or can lead to reactions."

If you are using skincare and make-up, Dr Emma advises:

One company wanting to do something to help children understand products better is Save Face.

They are a government approved list of trusted healthcare professionals in the beauty industry.

They are currently asking the government to put a new law in place around companies selling skincare products to children.

Nina spoke with Save Face director Ashton Collins to find out more.

Ashton told us: "We want clear labelling on these types of products so that parents and children know what is and what isn't suitable for children.

"And, for the government to utilise the Online Safety Act to make sure that children are not seeing harmful adverts and content promoted online."

Newsround approached the government about this to find out what it thinks.

Minister for Consumer Protection, Kate Dearden said:

"I can remember how exciting it was to try makeup and skincare products for the first time when I was growing up.

Those products have got to be safe though, which is why any cosmetics sold here have to follow the Government's rules.

I'd like to hear more about Save Face's campaign and would be happy to meet them to talk more about it."

Newsround also spoke to the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, which represents companies that make and sell cosmetics and promotes their safe use, to get their thoughts on this.

They told us:

"CTPA has always been clear that young skin does not need anti-ageing products or complex routines. Simple hygiene habits are enough, alongside sun protection when needed. We are very happy that a programme like Newsround will contribute to spreading sensible messaging and support families with navigating this concerning trend, which the cosmetics industry absolutely does not support. Parents and carers can consult the SkinCare Simplified guide for parents online, developed with dermatologists, for answers to the most frequently asked questions on this important topic."

But what did you guys think?

One Newsrounder told us "Maybe on some products they need to make it more clear that it's not for young people's skin."

Another said "There shouldn't be an expectation for people to constantly be doing skincare or wearing make-up."

We would love to hear more of your thoughts in the comments below.