Daily SPF Use Lags Among Youth: Survey

Interest in facial skincare is growing among children and adolescents, new findings suggest.

Researchers evaluated a 3-product regimen consisting of a hydrating cream cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and daily mineral SPF 40 through pediatric safety-in-use studies, comedogenic and acnegenic assessments, and an adult Human Repeat Insult Patch Test. A separate cross-sectional survey examined skincare behaviors and attitudes among participants aged 8 to 17, 18 to 29, and 30 to 45 years.

Skincare Habits Evolve With Age, but SPF Gaps Remain

The regimen demonstrated low irritation and sensitization potential and noncomedogenic performance. The authors reported no product-related adverse events. Pediatric safety-in-use studies showed no clinically meaningful increases in erythema, dryness, or edema.

Among 855 eligible survey respondents, skincare product use, routine complexity, and exposure to specialty products increased with age. Daily SPF use, however, was not optimal among respondents aged 8 to 17 years.

Participants placed high value on products described as “tested on sensitive skin,” “clinically tested,” and “fragrance-free.” Dermatologists and other medical professionals ranked as the most trusted sources of skincare information.

“A skincare regimen developed with dermatologists demonstrated favorable safety in controlled and real-world conditions across a large age demographic,” the authors wrote. “Multigenerational survey findings highlight early engagement, persistent gaps in photoprotection, and broad reliance on medically oriented guidance, supporting the need for simple, evidence-based, age-appropriate skincare recommendations and greater engagement from the dermatologic community.”

Source

Smith R, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2026;25(9):807.