Stepmum from Glasgow creates new skincare line after tween stepdaughter's bad reaction

A Glasgow stepmum has created a new skincare line for tweens after her ten-year-old stepdaughter had a bad reaction to products designed for adults.

Ten-year-old Leah felt encouraged to try products that ended up irritating her skin after seeing trends on social media.

She suffered breakouts after being gifted products for Christmas last year.

“[I was watching] get ready with me videos, come with me to Sephora and I was like, I want to try this,” Leah told STV News.

“So at Christmas I got a big box of skincare, I got serums, and cleansers and moisturisers – I didn’t know how to use it one bit. I would always get breakouts, but I didn’t know I was getting breakouts. At the time I didn’t know my skin was getting sensitive.”

It was then that stepmum Laura Porter started to notice a difference in her stepdaughter’s skin.

“She would get break-outs, she would get tears in the skin, she would have an irritation and an itch on the skin, very common for anyone with a fragile skin barrier to be using that kind of product,” Ms Porter said.

As a skincare brand owner, Ms Porter started experimenting with different ingredients with Leah and came up with a cleanser, moisturiser and lip balm they say is suitable for ten to 15-year-olds.

“If they want to try skincare, this is what we would suggest but that doesn’t always mean they have to try it,” she said.

“It’s really important that we get this point across that if you have a skin concern going on, these products will be gentle enough for you to use them. If you do not have a skin concern, think about the reasons you want to use them and make sure that you’re using it safely.”

For Leah, she says she’s seen a noticeable difference in her skin since swapping out harsh products.

Scotland

New guidance for parents over child skincare trend

Parents have been advised to focus on gentle cleansing, light-weight moisturising, and sun protection for children and tweens.

It comes as the UK Cosmetics Industry body (CTPA) launched new guidance on Tuesday for parents over a growing skincare trend for children.

The voice of the UK cosmetics and personal care industry said it does not support young people using anti-ageing products or complex and unnecessary routines.

Dermatologists are warning not only about the potential physical damage these products can cause to young skin, but also the psychological impact of setting unrealistic beauty standards at an early age.

There are also concerns that brands are capitalising on this growing market.

Last month, Canadian actress Shay Mitchell launched a range of skincare products aimed at children aged three and above. The launch of the products, including animal-themed face masks, prompted backlash.

“We need to let kids be kids, we need to let them do children’s activities and not call skincare a hobby,” dermatologist Amy Perkins said.

“Skincare is something that adults develop as they get older, but now the skincare industry are targeting parents and labelling it as ‘self-care’, and that’s unfortunately really damaging and ultimately damaging kids self-esteem in the longer term.”