It is an age of technology where everybody has gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc. Children in this era know well about internet usage and social media platforms. Kids/ teens religiously follow influencers, you-tubers, and bloggers.
The lifestyle, the glam, and style statements are all about beauty and fancy products. Even if you look closely at the marketers, they have a model presenting their product beautifully. This beauty and glam inspire our young generation a lot.
The world of cosmetics is so colorful that no one can resist the shiny lip-glosses, glittery eyes, and gorgeous eyeshadows. Our children are exposed to this fancy little makeup world.
So, here we are discussing whether to provide our children with what they presume is absolute perfection for them. Or should we be more careful about what they see and perceive? Read along, and you will have your answers.
Parents Perspective
It is challenging to decide the right age for kids to introduce to makeup or allow them to wear some. As a parent, it is confusing to figure out the right time. Every parent has their perspective about what they want to do or how to keep things aligned.
You might not be wrong with your logic and understanding of what you think is right based on your culture, religion, norms, and beliefs. So, we are here with some aspects about parents’ perspectives on the right age to let your child have those fancy makeup things.
Positive
Some parents have a positive perspective about their child’s makeup routine because they think it can boost their child’s self-confidence. If you allow your kid to wear makeup, there should be boundaries set for how much and which type of makeup they should wear.
In such cases, don’t be judgmental about how your child responds to makeup usage. Talk to them about why they need to wear makeup. Do they feel insecure regarding their appearance? Or does this make them happy to have a presentable appearance? If so, what makes them think they are not perfect to be presentable?
Now, discuss with them how makeup requires a proper hygiene routine. Children need to wash their faces properly before going to bed. Also, they will clean their makeup brushes and beauty blenders to prevent acne.
Make them aware of choosing the right makeup products for themselves by identifying their skin type. Patch test any makeup product and check for any allergic reaction.
Also, check the ingredients before applying anything to a baby’s textured skin. Avoid those products which contain talc, kohl, Butylated Hydroxy Anisole (BHA), sulfates, urea, and phthalates. These chemicals in the product can cause irritation and itchiness, and there might be chances of skin cancer.
Allow them to use makeup and talk to them about how makeup is unimportant, but makeup is as vital as they are. The real is all that matters to everybody around them.
Neutral
There is also a category of neutral perspective where parents don’t agree to allow their child to wear makeup, but they feel to let them do what their child demands. In such cases, all you need to do are the following things:
- Discussion is the first step, where you set boundaries for the makeup you are allowing them and what is strictly prohibited. For example, you can add that you approve or disapprove of the look before your child leaves the house. If you tell them that they are wearing too much makeup, like the eye shadow and lip color, both are too dark for them, and they need to remove either eye shadow or lip color, then your child will do that. And assure them that the parents always make a good choice, so they fear not.
- Tell them which looks are mature, and they cannot carry them. And the appropriate look that a teen/kid/ child needs at such an age.
- For example, tinted moisturizers, lip tints of neutral shades, and lightly shaded lip gloss. As this makeup gives a natural look, and kids get happy that they are using makeup.
- Skip heavy foundations, bronzers, and lipsticks. It gives a bolder look which you don’t want to look like.
- If your kid is 12-14 years of age, then you can allow them more makeup products, like mascara, highlighter, powder, eye shadows, and eyeliner.
Negative
You need to develop some understanding first before negating anything. Be friendly with it and talk to your child about what you think about wearing makeup at an early age. Your child might be the one who feels pressured by peers, the lifestyle of school, etc.
Tell them focusing on your appearance doesn’t make you strong and friendly, but the fact is what matters most is the inside. Build skills through healthy activities, participate in ongoing competitions, and pursue the passion they have always discussed.
When your child tries a problematic task or completes a task, appreciate them with all your heart. Even at your home, whenever your kid decides on their own (if it is choosing a shirt from their cupboard), you need to praise them by saying positive words about their personality and how good their choice is.
Remember, never criticize your kid in front of anyone, even before other siblings. It will hear your negative words and your negative body image, and not the words that you were saying.
Build a positive image of their personality by saying, “your smile is the best because it makes my day every time you look at me and smile.”
Kids’ Perspective
Girls’ Attitude
A baby girl is given a barbie doll to play with most of the time. They like how pretty the doll look and how well-dressed she is. They usually idealize the little beauty, and somewhere in their mind, they want to be like one.
So, when they grow up and go to school, they like how their teacher is so pretty wearing all that makeup. Social media influences and pressures teen girls, even girls’ children, who want the perfection they see everywhere. And they can do this through makeup products.
When a girls demand to wear makeup, then she wants her parents to allow her. It is what she wants to wear. All her friends are wearing mascara, tints, etc. then why not her? It is a question she wants her parents to understand her situation. She wants to be the one who everyone admires. She wants to be liked by every person.
So, she thinks looking beautiful will help her this way. Body image, either negative or positive, both ways makeup can save her, and she will be confident to look in a certain way.
Boys’ Attitude
Usually, girls are the ones that are associated with makeup and not boys. What if a male child expresses his interest in makeup? It is pretty standard if your boy asks for it. Because this will be much like a painting to them, instead of painting on the canvas, they will be painting the faces, and that’s it, no need to worry about anything. Children love to mimic those cartoons and fairy tales they have been listening to since now, so why not act for one character they like a lot? Boys do like to dress up and wear makeup just like their favorite character has done.
Expert’s Perspective
Recently a study conducted in the US conducted by a marketing agency states that 80% of the 9 to 11 years of age group wears makeup (in some form). In contrast, 12 to 14 years old use mascara, eyeliner, and eyebrow pencils daily, while others use foundation and concealer. This research shows the aggressive use of makeup products by teens now. Let’s see experts’ opinions on whether it is good or not to wear makeup early.
Supportive and How?
Peer and lifestyle pressure is something we all need to understand. It is a new era where prohibiting a thing can be a disaster later, whether in behavior or brought up. If your child insists on doing makeup, there are some rules and conditions. But telling them a ‘NO’ will not solve any problem.
It is usual for kids to copy their elders and look pretty like their mother, elder sister, aunt, or grandma. Sometimes, it might be the demand of school rules or dress code to dress up like some character, then why ruin the fun?
Just allow your child to have some makeup, or you can help them to wear nice makeup. Your child will get some help, enhancing your bond with them.
- It creates a learning process of art, handling things, and hygiene factors. Cleaning up the makeup is a proper hygiene routine, so it is a good gesture.
- Self-confidence and self-grooming are enhanced.
- Parents should buy their children those products which are safer to apply to their skin.
- Let them start with less makeup. Restrict some boundaries.
- Teach them a healthy skincare routine, which will benefit them later on.
- Moisturizing, wearing sunscreen, and cleansing are needed now or then, so familiarize your child with them.
- It will build a strong bond between mother and daughter if you sort out this makeup thing nicely.
- Your child will be more expressive next time they want to discuss anything with you or wish to seek any permission.
Opposed and Why?
Makeup can be dangerous for this age, and many experts don’t support children wearing makeup at any cost. It is challenging for parents to control their children. But health comes first.
Makeup products keep women’s skin types in mind when made. Children’s skin is different. Therefore it can be harmful to them to apply effects as there are chemicals in them.
- A study showed that children’s skin could absorb 10 percent faster than any adult skin could. Toxic material of makeup can affect your children’s skin any many ways.
- Children’s skin tends to be thinner than adults; therefore, they have lower barrier function. If any toxic material irritates the skin, it will be less likely that it can defend itself.
- Using makeup products daily can cause dryness, itchiness, and redness, which harm the skin’s structure and texture.
- There happens to be teenage acne later on when you allow your child to wear makeup early.
- If a child doesn’t remove makeup well, it can clog the pores and breed bacteria.
Skin Care Tips for Kids
Allowing makeup will require these steps. So, let’s see what the skin care tips for kids are:
Find the Right Products
Avoid harsh chemical products which will ruin skin texture and structure
Wash Your Face with Lukewarm Water
Ensure your child is washing their face with lukewarm water and not so hot or cold. It will remove any excess oil and makeup leftover away.
Clean Your Face Every Night
Cleaning your face before bed removes dirt, bacteria, and germs.
Keep Face Moisturized
Moisturization is the key. Keep the face hydrated so it will not get dry or itchy later.
Be Aware of the Seasons
Wear sunblock in summer, and moisturize during winter because these are the extreme seasons you need to be more careful.
Physical Sun Protection
It is also known as mineral sunscreen. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure to avoid sunburns and sun damage. Physical sunscreen creates a barrier between the sun and you. At the same time, chemical sunscreen does not block UV rays. Instead, they absorb them and damage the skin.
Conclusion
Wearing makeup is not wrong for your kid, but restricting things by setting some boundaries can also help your kid, as it will benefit you in various ways.