Tweens Might Be Banned From Anti-Aging Products

TOP OF MIND

Rebecca, you're 10, you don't have wrinkles!
We've told you previously that Sephora is becoming a hot spot for tweens aged 6 to 12. In fact, some young girls are hosting their birthday party at their local Sephora.

In 2023 U.S. families with tweens aged 6 to 12 purchased 27.2% more skincare, while families with teens aged 13 to 17 purchased 28.6% more.

On the surface that might sound harmless, but young girls are becoming increasingly obsessed with anti-aging products—some of which can actually lead to premature aging and even permanent scarring.

This is why California is trying to ban teens under the age of 18 from buying anti-aging products.

The important bits
Alex Lee, a California assembly member, introduced a bill this week to protect kids under the age of 18 from anti-aging products.

The bill would prevent young children from purchasing retinol and retinoid products, as well as any products containing AHAs such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin c.

Some doctors have treated girls as young as 8-years-old for allergic reactions, rashes, and irritant dermatitis due to anti-aging products.

"These are products that can be great for a different age range. But for younger kids, they actually can wreak havoc on their skin," Dr. Vaidya told the NY Times.

What's it all mean?
Don't let your 9-year-old convince you they have wrinkles. Maybe even cry and tell them that's offensive. Or don't. That's up to you. And if your kid still really wants to take a trip to Sephora, here are some safe products to buy them.

DID YOU HEAR

🍽️ Don't blame the dishwasher!
According to the experts, fights over dishes contribute to 97% of failed marriages. Okay, we made that up, but it feels like it could be true. The invention of the dishwasher has helped a lot, but even then, problems bubble up. Like, why are the dishes still coming out dirty? Well, it's probably because you (or your partner) are loading them incorrectly. Here's how to properly load a dishwasher.

📱 23% of parents lie about their kids' screen time
A recent study revealed that 23% of parents admit to lying to other parents about how much time they allow their children to spend on screens. The same study found that 40% of parents admit to judging other families on their screen time rules, so that explains why some parents are lying.

🤳🏽 Speaking of screen time
According to a new report by Common Sense Media, 40% of toddlers have their own tablet device by the time they're 2-years-old. Also of note, more and more children are watching short form videos on algorithm-driven platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. This has some worried about "Tik Tok Brain Rot," but at least one neuroscientist has a slightly optimistic take on it.

💊 Childhood ADHD linked to over-the-counter medicine
New research has found a potential link between Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ADHD in children. Even though it's considered "safe" to take the medicine while pregnant, research has found mothers whose blood had acetaminophen plasma biomarkers in their second trimester were 3.15 times more likely to have a child with ADHD. More info here. Though we should note, the results aren't conclusive.

🍩 This toddler called 911 for "emergency donuts"
And they delivered.

DOSE OF GOOD

@wgibson91

Wait why is this sound perfect 😂 #vet #dog #puppy #alphie #labradoodle #funny #furbaby

BITES WITH KIYAH

A mom at a recent feeding class asked: "Is there a best time of day to introduce new foods to kids? Morning, when they’re rested? Lunch, when they’re hungry?"

I loved the question, but honestly wasn't sure, so I decided to do a little research myself.

The answer isn’t as simple as you’d think—but there are strategies that make new foods easier to accept.

Number one on the list? Offer new foods when your little one is calm, alert and receptive.

Get all the tips and tricks here.

HERE’S A QUESTION

Last week, we asked you what was the longest you've gone without your phone, and the results were mixed! Around 36% of you said "A couple days" while "24 hours" and "one week" came in a tie for second. Only one brave soul answered, "one month or more."

RECALLS

Cybex Car Seats
The NHTSA has announced a voluntary recall of several Cybex car seats and travel system products.

The problem with the car seats come from the fact that, according to the recall statement, “harness hip anchorage retention hooks may bend, causing the anchor pin to loosen, and the harness strap to detach.”

Loose straps on a car seat can cause whiplash or other serious neck injuries in young children.

No injuries have been reported yet, and hopefully it stays that way. See the full list of impacted products.