What's Behind the Tween Skincare Obsession
Ask students: Who are skincare products being marketed to by "skinfluencers"? What are the skincare products that Dr. Greenfield recommends young kids stay away from?
The tween skincare trend is on the rise with many young kids wanting every product their favorite skinfluencer uses. However, dermatologists warn that not all skincare products are meant for all ages and recommend starting slow.
Directions: Watch this video to hear Dr. Nava Greenfield's skincare recommendations. You can also watch the TikTok version here. Then, answer the questions below.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Key Terms
retinol — a form of vitamin A added to skin creams, lotions and serums. It has anti-aging effects and can help clear acne.
Warm-Up Questions
- Who are skincare products being marketed to by "skinfluencers"?
- What are the skincare products that Dr. Greenfield recommends young kids stay away from?
- What kind of doctor should someone visit to learn more about what skincare is right for them?
- When should someone consider starting to use treatments like retinol?
- Why is it important to focus on prevention when you're under the age of 20?
Focus Questions
- Dr. Greenfield recommends that young people without any major skin problems stick to a 3 step skincare routine: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. Why do you think it's important to keep it simple when it comes to skincare?
- Do you think influencers affect your or your friends' decisions to buy something?
Media literacy: Who else would you liked to have seen interviewed for this piece?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
For More
What students can do:
Hear from tweens about their experience with the skincare craze by watching this video below:
This post was written by Gianfranco Beran, a senior at Amherst College, and an intern with PBS NewsHour Classroom, and edited by NewsHour's Vic Pasquantonio.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
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