Skin care is already part of the routine of the vast majority of teenagers. According to a survey commissioned by the Women’s Research Center, of the Boticário Group, 99% of girls already use some skincare product. However, the study brings a warning point: 22% of them have used or use anti-aging productsthat is, indicated for the care of aging skin.
According to the survey, 37% of teenagers who use it were driven by curiosity, while 44% say they want to “take care of their skin from an early age”. In general, social networks had a strong influence on the decision to take care of your skin early against aging.
The study was carried out by the consultancy On The Go and interviewed girls aged 8 to 14 across Brazil between August 25th and September 1st. The research demonstrated that the , daily (for 53% of them) and in high volume. At all ages, care is motivated by social media: 7 out of 10 girls follow beauty influencers, with 80% being influenced to consume after watching digital content.
According to the survey, girls who follow influencers start using inappropriate products earlier and more frequently: among those who have already used anti-aging products, 62% were influenced by social media content or advertisements.
Another warning point demonstrated by the study is the lack of information: 74% of those interviewed do not know what the components of the products they apply to their skin are, trusting completely the instructions they receive, increasing the risk of inappropriate use and exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Furthermore, practicing early skincare can impact self-image: 7 in 10 say they worry about the opinion of others and a quarter of teenagers have stopped carrying out some activity because of their appearance.
After all, can teenagers do skincare?
Children and , especially in relation to sun protection and hydration. However, the beginning of this routine must be gradual and adapted to the specific needs of each age group, according to dermatologist Michele Kreuz.
Also dermatologist Ana Carolina Sumam emphasizes special attention to children who have more specific conditions, such as a chronic and inflammatory disease that comes from dry skin and is characterized by intense itching, and the appearance of rashes and crusts.
According to professionals, for very young children, the focus should only be on sun protection and a soap for sensitive skin. From ages 10 to 12, when hormonal changes begin to emerge, a more structured skincare routine can be introduced, including gentle cleansing, hydration and sun protection.
The use of acids, such as retinoic acid, is contraindicated for adolescents. In the long term, excessive use of these ingredients can damage the skin barrier, causing sensitization and other skin complications.
“It is crucial that any skincare routine for children and teenagers is simple, safe and guided by a dermatologist, to ensure that the products and practices chosen are appropriate for their age and individual skin needs,” says Michele.
Campaign for responsible skincare
Given the results of the study, Grupo Boticário launched the “Responsible Skincare Pact” campaign on Sunday (26) as an invitation to reflection and action by caregivers, digital influencers and social actors. The initiative is materialized through commitments made by the company and presented by influencers who talk and can disseminate messages and actions to different audiences, indicating which products are safe for all ages and which are exclusive to adult skin (+18).
Among the proposals are the promotion of education for responsible skincare, with safe information and guidance provided by experts and a portfolio of products 100% free of substances proven to be classified as endocrine disruptors.
Furthermore, according to the company, from November 2025, all social media content featuring the group’s products, which have skincare assets and benefits ideal for adult skin (+18), will carry the indicative sign: “recommended for adult skin”.
“It is our responsibility to educate new generations in a scenario in which young people increasingly have access to content that encourages the early use of skincare”, says Renata Gomide, the company’s VP of Marketing, in a press release. “As a mother of two girls, I personally experience these challenges. The ‘Pact’ is the materialization of our commitment to supporting families so that we can, together, protect the self-esteem and well-being of this generation”, she concludes.
*With information from Nicoly Bastos, from CNN Brasil
