Should There Be Skincare Products for Kids? Professor Caitriona Ryan Speaks on Newstalk

Thank you to Andrea Gilligan and Newstalk for highlighting our growing concerns about skincare being marketed to young children, tweens and teenagers. It was a pleasure for Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist and Co-Founder of the Institute of Dermatologists, to join Andrea and a fantastic panel of guests, including psychotherapist and author Iseult White and Siobhan O’Neill White of Mams.ie, to discuss this important topic.

The recent backlash surrounding Shay Mitchell’s kids’ skincare line has sparked a much-needed conversation about how beauty ideals are being pushed onto children at an increasingly young age, in some cases, from as young as three years old. As Professor Ryan explained during the discussion, it’s crucial to redirect the focus away from perfection and back to education, age-appropriate skincare, and self-confidence.

Children and young teens do not need complex skincare routines or strong active ingredients. The priority should be gentle cleansing, adequate hydration, and daily sunscreen protection - simple steps that nurture healthy skin habits without risk of irritation or long-term damage.

“These conversations are an essential first step,” said Professor Ryan. “We must continue to engage, support parents, and advocate for better regulations and clearer messaging around skincare and cosmetic marketing aimed at young people.”

You can listen back to the full discussion here:
Should There Be Skincare Products for Kids? – Newstalk Lunchtime Live