Dermatologists fully support social media ban for under-15s

The Turkish Society of Dermatology has welcomed the social media ban for those under 15, which will come into effect on November 1, highlighting the rise in the number of child patients visiting dermatology clinics due to unconscious cosmetic use and beauty crazes on social media.

At the 34th National Dermatology Congress of the Turkish Society of Dermatology, experts stated that even kindergarten-aged children are turning to adult cosmetic products under the influence of "KidFluencer" trends and social media influencers. Experts emphasized that this situation has turned into a sector that threatens children's health.

Board Member Prof. Dr. Özlem Su Küçük warned that parabens and heavy chemicals in cosmetic products can enter the bloodstream and increase the risk of skin cancer in the long term. The President of the Association, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aslan Yürekli, stated that the number of children coming to clinics with complaints of allergic eczema, weeping sores, and swollen lymph nodes has increased.

Experts noted that children exert emotional pressure on their families to buy makeup materials due to the pressure of a "flawless appearance" coming from social media. Dr. İlkay Can reiterated that they absolutely do not recommend a skincare routine for children, except in cases of illness.