Makeup use among children drops to age 7, expert warns parents

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TÜRKİYE

BCN Parent Academy Director and Clinical Psychologist Meryem Karayaşar Ertan has warned that the age at which children begin using makeup has dropped to as young as seven, urging families to be cautious about digital influences.

Experts say the growing interest in cosmetic products at an early age should not be dismissed as a harmless phase, as it may signal deeper concerns related to children’s body image and self-worth development.

Makeup use begins at increasingly younger ages

Ertan stated that children aged seven to eight are now frequently seen engaging with cosmetic products in shopping malls, parks and school environments. She emphasized that this trend should be carefully evaluated in terms of children’s developmental needs.

According to Ertan, early exposure to makeup may lead children to associate personal value with physical appearance rather than emotional and cognitive growth.

The role of digital content

Ertan highlighted the powerful influence of social media and digital platforms on children’s behavior, pointing in particular to popular “get ready with me” style videos frequently watched by young audiences.

“These types of content can normalize makeup use at an early age,” Ertan said, adding:
“When a child applies foundation, they may feel as if they are not only covering imperfections on their skin, but also fixing cracks in their self-confidence.”

Warning against “early adultification”

Describing the phenomenon as “early adultification,” Ertan noted that introducing concepts such as flawless skin and aesthetic perfection too early may conflict with a child’s natural developmental stage.

She warned that premature exposure to appearance-based concerns could negatively affect imagination, curiosity and emotional resilience in later years.

Guidance over indulgence

Ertan stressed that parents should not interpret children’s interest in cosmetics solely as curiosity or enthusiasm. She underlined the importance of parental guidance rather than unrestricted permission.

“Allowing everything a child wants does not equate to freedom,” she said. “True support means setting age-appropriate boundaries and offering guidance.”

Age-appropriate boundaries and unconditional acceptance

According to Ertan, healthy adulthood is built on a sense of security developed during childhood. Families who emphasize unconditional acceptance rather than appearance-focused messages play a crucial role in strengthening children’s psychological resilience.

Experts agree that children must feel valued for who they are, not how they look, in order to develop a stable sense of self-worth.

Background

Specialists note that early interest in cosmetic products is closely linked to body image, self-esteem and peer influence. Digital media and social trends are among the key factors increasing appearance-focused anxiety in children. Experts emphasize that parental guidance and age-appropriate boundaries remain essential for healthy child development.

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