Cosmeceuticals for children: should you care?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pediatric Dermatology
• Cosmeceutical Science

Background:

• Cosmeceuticals are widely used for antiaging, offering alternatives to invasive procedures.
• Limited research exists on cosmeceutical safety and efficacy in pediatric populations.
• The US Food and Drug Administration does not recognize cosmeceuticals as a distinct category, lacking specific regulatory oversight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of cosmeceutical use in children.
• To highlight the lack of pediatric-specific safety and efficacy data for cosmeceuticals.
• To inform healthcare providers about the growing use of cosmeceuticals by adolescents for preventive antiaging.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on cosmeceutical mechanisms and applications.
• Analysis of existing research focusing on skin aging and cosmeceutical ingredients.
• Examination of cosmeceutical product types commonly accessible to children and adolescents.

Main Results:

• Scientific basis for cosmeceuticals involves understanding skin aging mechanisms (e.g., oxidative stress, hormonal changes, UV radiation).
• Commonly used cosmeceuticals include retinoids, botanicals, moisturizers, and sunscreens.
• Moisturizers and sunscreens are most prevalent among younger children, while teenagers may use a wider range for prevention.

Conclusions:

• Pediatricians need to be informed about cosmeceuticals, particularly broad-spectrum sunscreens.
• Increased exposure to cosmeceuticals in children may lead to adverse effects like contact dermatitis and irritation.
• Further research is essential to establish safety and efficacy profiles for pediatric cosmeceutical use.