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A dermatologist has revealed the popular anti-ageing skincare products that might be making you look worse.
Dr Emma Amoafo-Mensah, a consultant dermatologist based in London, has warned that a number of beauty products advertised as having anti-ageing properties are being misused by people under 25 – and may be causing more ‘harm’ than good.
More young people than ever are now turning to tonics, creams, and cleansers designed to reverse the signs of ageing, according to data obtained by Sky News last year.
Here to change that, Dr Emma has joined forces with the British beauty brand, [coat]s as part of a campaign to raise awareness about ‘confusion’ over what products people of different ages should be using.
The campaign, called ‘Jellyfish Sting Serum’, aims to counter the rise of ‘hype-driven products’.
Rather than improving signs of ageing, skincare designed to reverse the years, such as exfoliants and retinols, may be worsening symptoms, said the expert.
‘With everyone chasing the latest trend or hack’ young people are often encouraged to try products they don’t need, creating confusion and sometimes even harm.
‘There’s no need for anti-ageing skincare in people under 25, as signs of ageing simply haven’t appeared yet. Gen Z using anti-ageing products is ridiculous.’
Dr Emma Amoafo-Mensah, (pictured) a consultant dermatologist based in London, has warned that products advertised as having anti-ageing properties are being misused by people under 25 – and may be causing more ‘harm’ in the long run
This is because younger skin is more prone to sensitivity and can react to products containing high-strength ingredients.
When skin is repeatedly exposed to these products, it can actually increase the risk of dermatitis.
‘Many anti-ageing actives are simply unnecessary and potentially damaging for under-25s,’ the expert warned.
‘Viral active ingredients like retinol, other retinoids and high-strength chemical exfoliants including, AHAs like glycolic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid, can be too aggressive for young or developing skin.
‘These actives accelerate cell turnover but often lead to irritation, inflammation and disruption of the skin’s barrier – especially when used excessively or without proper support.
And data does show that the use of such products is on the rise in the West. Recent reports shared by Sky News have shown than Gen Alpha – those born after 2010 – was behind 49 per cent of the increase of skincare sales in the US.
Another study found a worrying surge in anxiety surrounding ageing in young people. In just the short space of a year, research showed a 23 per cent increase of 11-16-year-old girls saying they believed they had fine lines and wrinkles – as well as a further 10 per cent concerned about dark circles.
‘Additionally, over‑cleansing with stripping formulas and harsh scrubs can strip the skin of natural oils and weaken the barrier which can show up as dryness, sensitivity, redness, and even breakouts.’
Rather than improving signs of ageing, skincare products designed to reverse the years, such as exfoliants and retinols, may be worsening symptoms, said the expert (pictured)
She said their growing popularity creates ‘unnecessary pressure on young people to buy items that aren’t suitable for them.’
The expert said this is because social media cerates unrealistic beauty standards.
‘There’s also the constant influence of airbrushed or filtered images, which creates unrealistic standards of ‘perfect’ or ‘glass’ skin.
‘Many young people respond by experimenting with multiple products, hoping to reach these ideals – often at the expense of their skin’s health.’
Highlighting what Dr Emma views as ‘harmful’ and ‘ridiculous’ skincare trends, she has joined forces with [coats]s for their ‘Jelly Fish Sting Serum campaign’, a satirical product that aims to foster debate about ‘how beauty marketing is shaping young people’s choices.’
‘The Jellyfish Sting Serum campaign from [coat]s is a fun, engaging way to highlight how the skincare industry has gotten a bit out of hand,’ she said.
Instead of forking out hundreds of pounds for expensive and potentially harmful products, Dr Emma advised younger faces to stick to gentle skincare routines.
This could be as simple as just using a cleanser, toner and moisturiser. She encouraged them to use ingredients, such as those in [coat]s line, that contain skin-boosting ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
These ‘help maintain a strong, healthy skin barrier while keeping things simple and effective.’
The skincare buys to choose instead
A triple-hydrating moisturiser that’s clinically proven to protect the skin barrier and provide long lasting hydration for healthy, dewy skin that never feels greasy.
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A unique toner-meets-moisturiser that hydrates and protects as it exfoliates to help prevent breakouts. Clinically proven to help protect the skin barrier, for clear, plump, glowing skin that never feels tight.
Formulated with Mandelic Acid, an effective but gentle exfoliating acid that can be used daily without stripping the skin, along with Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides to deeply hydrate, and Vitamin E + C to help shield the skin from environmental aggressors.
A non-foaming, hydrating cleanser, that lifts impurities and makeup, whilst protecting the skin barrier for clear, bright, healthy skin that never feels tight or stripped.
Formulated with a clarifying blend of Niacinamide + Surfactants to lift makeup and impurities. H3 complex of Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid + Glycerin deeply hydrates the skin.
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