WITH the rise in what has been termed "Sephora Kids", it's safe to say that preteens today are more conscious of their appearance and the need to maintain it.
While most parents would disapprove of make-up on girls that age, skincare is a whole different thing.
Caring for the skin needs to begin early and teaching children the right way of cleansing and hydrating skin and what they should or shouldn't be doing is important to ensure good skin health as they grow.
Founder of the family skincare line, Evereden, Kimberley Ho, says we have to accept the fact that children today have lifestyles which are very different from their peers in the past.
They lead very active daily lives. Children have swimming and other sports classes and gymnastics. They are exposed to sun and sweat more frequently due to their active lifestyles so there is a need to get them started early on skin cleansing, caring and protection, she explains.
It's not about vanity but more about cultivating healthy skin habits from young, adds Ho.
"What we shouldn't encourage is the trend of young girls using anti-ageing products, especially those containing retinol or other ingredients which can be harsh and harmful on young, delicate skin."
Children's skin is thinner and more delicate so products need to be crafted with safety in mind.
Their skin may react badly to harsh ingredients, fragrances or preservatives commonly used in skincare products targeted at adults so sharing mummy's products should not be an option.
The Evereden children's range keeps this in mind with formulations that take a gentle, soothing and nourishing approach and with ingredients known to be safe on delicate skin.
Its Kids Multi-Vitamin Face Wash for example, removes oil, dirt and impurities while supporting the skin's natural barrier and contains organic coconut water. The face cream for children has been formulated to hydrate, balance and soothe skin while a lip oil made of gentle plant-based oils is also part of the range to address cracked or dry lips on children.