The age at which to introduce young people to makeup and skincare is a controversial topic.

Some don’t see it as a big deal for teens to use products, while others think it’s a bad idea.

A woman on Reddit has found herself in a tricky situation after buying her niece skincare – much to her sister’s distain.

She wrote on the forum: ‘So long story short I am a 27 year old woman with a niece who is now 13 years old (long story my sister is much older than me).

‘For her birthday I went to the Korean skincare store and got her a little care package with fun bubbling or animal face masks, night cream, mist, a little serum in a cool looking bottle, a cleanser and sunscreen.

‘My sister got mad and said I was pressuring her to conform to beauty standards. She said that the animal masks and cute bottles are fun but the inclusion of night cream and sunscreen could make her daughter already feel pressure not to age at 13.

‘I see it as a fun way of ensuring good skin habits at an early age, considering most start their routines way too young, and I see it as a cute girly gift that she might enjoy, but my sister says 13 years old is too young and she shouldn’t be worrying about aging.’

It’s started a family argument, and now the aunt is unsure of who is in the wrong.

In the comments, people were somewhat divided, but most felt she wasn’t in the wrong – though could do with having a chat with her niece about beauty standards.

One person wrote: ‘Skincare products are just cleanser and moisturiser – night cream is a moisturiser with a slightly different formula than day cream. The purpose is to keep the skin clean and toned and moisturised.

‘Not all skincare routines are based on anti-ageing and sunscreen is essential for everyone.

‘It’s not a bad idea for you and your sister to talk to 13yo about your different views of skincare, because it is important to encourage teenagers to avoid the pressure of false beauty standards.’

Another wrote: ‘Your sister overreacted to an innocently and good naturedly given gift. You weren’t shaming her into using age defying products.’

Someone else asked: ‘Did your niece want a skin care routine for her birthday?

‘I mean it is good to get in the habit of maintaining your skin health but if that’s not something she’s interested in I can see why your sister got huffy.’

Many rightly pointed out that wearing SPF is essential at any age, and isn’t the problem product here.

There isn’t a ‘right’ answer, but the key is to empower young people, be it through an age-appropriate skincare routine they want, or educating them on the vices of the beauty industry – or better yet, both.

Source:
courtesy of METRO

by Tanyel Mustafa

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