Swedish pharmacy bans sale of anti-ageing skincare to children

Under-15s will need parental consent to buy products as, experts say, social media driving potentially harmful beauty boom A prominent chain of Swedish chemists has announced new age restrictions on the sale of anti-ageing skincare products, a move prompted by mounting concerns across Europe regarding the potential risks these products pose to children who use them prematurely. Apotek Hjärtat, which boasts approximately 390 pharmacies throughout Sweden, will no longer sell "advanced skin care" items (including AHA acid, BHA acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, and enzyme peeling) to customers under the age of 15 without parental consent or a specific skin condition warranting their use. This decision follows reports of a surge in skincare interest among Swedish children under the age of 13, largely driven by social media. According to one beauty chain interviewed by broadcaster SVT, 20-40% of its clientele fall into this age group. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a growing number of children across Europe, some as young as 10 in the UK, are also embracing expensive anti-ageing skincare products in a bid to achieve a more "youthful" appearance, often influenced by content on platforms like TikTok. Experts are concerned that this trend could have adverse physical effects on young skin and are also worried about the psychological impact of children becoming fixated on ageing. In response, the European Commission announced plans last year to limit the concentration of retinol in over-the-counter products starting in June. This move aims to reduce the risk of overexposure to vitamin A, which regulators have linked to skin disorders and weakened bones. Annika Svedberg, chief pharmacist at Apotek Hjärtat, remarked, "The use of advanced skincare products, such as those aimed at reducing wrinkles and achieving a more even skin tone, is unnecessary for children." She added, "In cases where a child has a skin condition, such as atopic eczema, certain products can actually worsen or reactivate symptoms." Implementing this age restriction will enable pharmacists to engage in conversations with children and their parents about establishing healthy skincare habits "based on needs, rather than ideals," Svedberg explained. Monika Magnusson, CEO of Apotek Hjärtat, stated, "We aim to stay ahead of the curve and take greater responsibility for not promoting unhealthy behaviors and ideals that many young people have adopted. is that we send you more information, do not hesitate to [contact us](mailto:healthy@email4.nutravitalitysource.com) Global [Unsubscribe]( Nutra Vitality Source 42 West Street Brooklyn, New York 11222 United States