The current skincare craze sweeping social media has reached 'crisis point', with children as young as eight now obsessed with the products, a dermatologist has warned.
Dr Tess McPherson, from the British Association of Dermatologists, told Sky News that the tween and teen - or Gen Alpha - fixation on anti-ageing creams and retinols could cause irreversible damage that is 'life long'.
Retinol, which has become a skin staple in recent years, works by increasing the rate at which skin cells are produced and die, which in turn exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores. It also increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
British TikToker Layla Eleni, 13, is just one of many super famous child influencers taking the platform by storm with their get-ready-with-me style videos and beauty advice.
A recent video showed her getting ready in Dubai, where she lathered a plethora of creams on her face while 'getting ready'; meanwhile, other videos reveal her personal and daily skincare routines.
According to a Kantar study of the last two years, there's been a 21 per cent rise in Leyla's age group - 11 to 16-year-olds - using anti-ageing moisturisers, while Dr McPherson has admitted treating girls as young as eight who've been adversely affected by the products.
'[These products] can not just cause irritation, but can actually develop contact allergies which can be life-long,' she told Sky News.
She also revealed that such products weren't created for young skin, and coupled with the fact that children may be unaware they have 'eczema-prone skin', it was highly likely they would later end up with facial eczema.
The expert also warned that the creams were too costly for youngsters and feared the mental impact continuous use would have on them.
She said to Sky News: 'It doesn't make you happier. We know it can lead to mental health issues. We know it can lead to significant appearance-related concerns, and you might then be more likely to go for cosmetic surgery at a younger and younger age - spending money with risks to both your skin, your health, and your mental health.'
Earlier this year Dr Emma Wedgeworth sent a similar warning - saying that some 10-year-olds were using skin creams designed for older women.
The British Cosmetic Dermatology Group expert said children as young as 10 are using anti-ageing creams because of social media pressure.
Pre-teens are begging parents for moisturisers costing around £50 a jar as they adopt complicated skincare regimes, according to dermatologists.
Ingredients like retinol, which is a form of vitamin A, are popular but -- while helpful for ageing skin -- can cause redness, flaking and rashes on children's faces.
Older teenagers risk worsening their acne by using unnecessary and expensive products.
She said: 'There are children with extensive skincare routines, who wash their face before using a serum, then a mist, and next a toner, followed by an expensive moisturiser.'
'This is completely unnecessary as children only need to wash their face with a gentle fragrance-free cleanser and use a light moisturiser, and sunscreen during the summer months.'
'But social media is making children very aware of their appearance and skin as they compare themselves to influencers, and that is also worrying for their mental health.'
Parents are being pestered to buy expensive face creams for their children because the youngsters see them being used on social media.
However some of these products can irritate the skin of pre-pubescent children and can block the pores of teenagers with more oily skin, making acne worse.
Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist at Self London, said: 'I'm aware that at present there is a social media trend for teenagers showcasing their luxury skincare routines (often with many steps), especially on platforms such as TikTok.'
Dr McPherson also warned that the creams were too costly for youngsters and feared the mental impact continuous use would have on them.
She added: 'As a consultant dermatologist, I feel it is essential to emphasise that a 13-year-old's skincare routine should prioritise basic hygiene, rather than unnecessary complexity.'
She added: 'Teenagers are sometimes overly concerned about premature ageing.'
'I recently saw a 14-year-old in clinic who was concerned about crow's feet.'
'She had undoubtedly been influenced by social media and influencers.'
Dermatologists say teenagers are following online trends when they should seek medical help for problems such as acne.
Dr Wedgeworth said: 'I see my own 12 year old daughter wanting to spend significant time on her skincare routine before and after school.'
'I think much of this focus is coming from relatable "girl-next-door" influencers on social media.'
'And as a result, many young children are scrutinising their skin, looking out for imperfections and blemishes, far more than is necessary at this age.'