Quebec health experts warn that skincare routines can be harmful for teens
Posted November 27, 2024 4:08 pm.
Quebec’s order of chemists says its concerned about the skincare trends on social media since they can be harmful for teens.
According to the Order, the ads and online content target teenagers and pre-teens.
They claim that the promoted beauty routines include anti-aging and exfoliating molecules that are unsuitable for the skin of a younger person.
“In these molecules, there are some that have been tested of course on human skin, including adults, but which are not made for young skin, the chemistry of skin is different,” explained Order President Michel Alsayegh.
Exfoliants cleanse the skin through chemical abrasion, particularly alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). They aim to stimulate cellular regeneration, which decreases with age, but these products can irritate younger people’s skin which regenerates more quickly.
The Order also warns against labels that say “natural,” “organic,” and “vegan.”
“These words do not mean that it will be something without any risk, without danger. We must be very careful,” added Alsayegh.
Alsayegh advised young people and their parents to be extra careful when watching videos from influencers and to find out whether they are really qualified to give this advice.
He reminds that, when in doubt, it is better to ask a health professional if a product is suitable for their condition.
He also said that people in general should be careful about what they give young people at Christmas.
“You just have to have a listening ear, a listening eye on the choice that is offered,” he said.
– With information from Vicky Fragasso-Marquis in Montreal.
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The Canadian Press’ health content is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. Editorial choices are solely the responsibility of The Canadian Press.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
