A California Assembly member recently introduced a bill that would prohibit shoppers under 18 from purchasing anti-aging products.
Courtesy of Pixel-Shot at Adobe Stock
A California Assembly member recently introduced a bill that would prohibit shoppers under 18 from purchasing anti-aging products. If passed, the law will require buyers in California to verify age and identity through driver’s license or state-issued ID to purchase these products.
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A California Assembly member recently introduced a bill that would prohibit shoppers under 18 from purchasing anti-aging products. If passed, the law will require buyers in California to verify age and identity through driver’s license or state-issued ID to purchase these products.
In 2023, a NielsenIQ report revealed that consumers under 14 drove 49% of drugstore skin sales, demonstrating young generations’ motive to delay wrinkles and signs of aging before they occur.
Anti-aging products: Designed for mature skin, causing irritation, sun sensitivity, long-term damage to young skinUsing anti-aging products on youthful skin can even increase the risk of sun sensitivity, and sun exposure increases premature aging.Courtesy of Andrii at Adobe Stock
Ewelina Aiossa, the founder of Topical Skin, says anti-aging products are designed for mature skin. Because young skin is more delicate, has a higher rate of cell turnover and is full of collagen, their skin is naturally equipped to maintain its vitality, making these products counterproductive.
“Anti-aging products are corrective in nature and often contain potent ingredients designed to address and reverse existing signs of aging, which are not appropriate for young, healthy skin,” Aiossa says. “These ingredients include retinoids, [causing] sun sensitivity in young skin, [as well as] AHAs/BHAs exfoliants.”
Many young people, who follow trends on social media, will mix popular products, unaware that using the wrong ingredients together can alter the skin’s pH level and result in irritation [1]. Some anti-aging products can even increase the risk of sun sensitivity, and sun exposure increases premature aging.
Believing that upscale products will leave them with everlasting youthfulness, young buyers are actually harming their skin more.
The psychological toll of anti-aging marketing: Fueling body image issues, anxiety, societal pressures due to unrealistic beauty standards
“The bill tackles the psychological impact of promoting anti-aging at a young age, which can contribute to body image issues and distorted perceptions of beauty,” Aiossa says. “It can also contribute to the feeling of anxiety and fear of the aging process.”
Aiossa adds that there is a societal obsession with youth in America that has created immense pressure to look perpetually young. This pressure is fueled by media, advertising and social media–known for promoting unrealistic beauty standards.
“As a result, young people are increasingly turning to anti-aging products in an attempt to prevent aging before it even begins,” Aiossa says.
Using anti-aging products at a young age can lead to long-term risks such as chronic skin sensitivity, disrupted barrier function and potentially accelerated aging, Aiossa says. She advises young people to care for their skin in other ways, embracing their natural beauty and maintaining their naturally occurring elasticity and collagen.
Aiossa’s advice for young consumers: Embrace simpler, gentle skincare routines, challenge societal pressures
Some younger beauty consumers say they’re acting on an informed approach to skin care, while others profess a fear of premature aging [2].
“Less is more at a young age,” Aiossa says.
Aiossa recommends young people take care of their skin by washing their face before bed, and focus on long-term skin health through gentle care and a healthy lifestyle. It's also important to challenge societal norms that promote unrealistic beauty standards and to celebrate aging as a natural part of life, she says.
“I believe the California bill is a crucial step in protecting young people from potential harm done to their still developing skin," Aiossa says. “This bill indirectly brings awareness to this issue and can help encourage healthier skincare habits among minors.”
Using anti-aging products on youthful skin can even increase the risk of sun sensitivity, and sun exposure increases premature aging.Courtesy of Andrii at Adobe Stock
Using anti-aging products on youthful skin can even increase the risk of sun sensitivity, and sun exposure increases premature aging.Courtesy of Andrii at Adobe Stock
