As a 90s teenager, I was influenced to buy Vaseline. Now, our toddlers are being told they need skincare regimens. Actress Shay Mitchell recently released a skincare line targeted at children, sparking controversy. From magazines to Instagram, kids today are encouraged to buy as much as possible. But here's where it gets interesting: the skincare industry has evolved, and now children are being sold products that were once reserved for adults. From Vaseline to multiple-step skincare routines, the beauty industry has changed dramatically. The author reflects on the contrast between the past, when magazines taught them to make do with what they had, and the present, where kids are bombarded with advertisements and encouraged to buy multiple products. The author questions the ethics of targeting children with skincare products, wondering if it's normal for young skin to be covered in heavy products. Shay Mitchell's skincare brand, Rini, promotes gentle self-care for kids, but the author argues that it's gross and exploitative, preying on insecurities and promoting single-use packaging. The author concludes that skincare peaked with Vaseline and that it's a great time to be a dermatologist.
