The risks of makeup for kids


Posted on April 2nd, by The Skiny in Expert Tips, Makeup, Skincare. No Comments

The risks of makeup for kids

Makeup for kids: innocent fun or potential danger?

Guest Written by Kelsey McGillis

Kids love to play pretend, there’s no denying it. From mini purses and credit cards to tiny heels for toddlers, little girls want to be just like mommy. This seems like harmless fun, right? Except sometimes being “just like mommy” comes with its own set of risks.

Recently, a mom’s Facebook post gone-viral served as a warning; that playing pretend doesn’t only have pretend consequences. Mom Kylie Craven posted on Facebook about the extreme adverse reaction her 3-year-old daughter Lydia had to a children’s makeup kit she purchased. Global News caught up with skincare expert Dr. Lisa Kellett to get her take on the story.

To sum it up, “When it comes to makeup, it is not a good idea for kids to be applying makeup to their skin. This is because their skin may be more sensitive to such products”, says Dr. Kellett.

Although mom Kylie Craven explains that the makeup kit she purchased from a local dollar store was marketed specifically for children, her daughter’s reaction was enough to send her to the hospital. Unfortunately, her daughter Lydia happened to be allergic to one of the chemicals in the makeup kit, causing her to develop a rash all over her body, her eyes to swell and her lips to blister.

Dr. Kellett explains the risk of reaction present in many different makeup products, whether for children or adults, “…using cosmetics does come with the possibility of risks for anyone of any age, because cosmetics contain multiple agents in which different people may react differently to.” In terms of reaction, Lydia’s symptoms are far from rare, “Some of the common things you get from makeup can be either allergic contact dermatitis or an irritant contact dermatitis, among other things like infection, for example.”

It’s always crucial for us to be aware of our own skins sensitivities and preferences, but especially important for us to be aware of our children’s skin. For example, “…children who are more prone or have a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema, may be more susceptible to reactions”, Kellett explains.

What may seem like a fun activity, or a cute photo-op can turn devastating very quickly.  Let this mom’s experience serve as a lesson and always be aware of what products you let come in contact with your kid’s skin.

For Kylie and her daughter Lydia’s full story please click here





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