#Japan #Skincare #Nationwide #FANCL #Elementary Students

FANCL's Insightful Survey on Children’s Skin Health

FANCL, a prominent skincare company, recently conducted a comprehensive survey exploring the skincare habits and challenges faced by elementary school students across Japan. Engaging 1,032 students from the fourth to sixth grades alongside their parents, this research sheds light on an alarming trend: approximately 50% of kids encounter skin problems while 20% regularly wear makeup!

Key Findings

The survey revealed a striking reality. With a significant number of children reporting issues such as dryness, acne, and redness, a considerable gap in skincare knowledge among parents has been identified. Many parents seem unaware of the correct methods and products suitable for their children's skin, a deficiency that could be harmful as skin issues are often amplified by inappropriate care.

The data indicates that a large majority of these children are using adult skincare products rather than child-appropriate items. Over 60% of them utilize adult sunscreen, raising concerns about the suitability of such products for younger skin. Notably, with a culture increasingly exposing children to cosmetics, 20% of elementary-school students reported daily makeup use, with an average onset age as early as 8.72 years.

Skin Issues on the Rise

Of the children who wear makeup, a startling 80% reported experiencing skin troubles, significantly higher than the overall average of 50%. The importance of proper moisture and UV protection becomes apparent as interactions between cosmetics and the skin can lead to increased dryness and irritation. Recognizing the rising trend of makeup use among young children, especially during summer months, urges a stronger focus on moisture retention and effective sun protection measures.

Parental Awareness and Knowledge Gap

Interestingly, when parents were asked about their awareness of their child's skin health, about 70% believed children's skin is more hydrated than an adult's, and around 50% felt that the skin is tougher than in infancy. This notable misunderstanding points to a critical need for accurate education on children’s skin physiology, as studies indicate that youngsters generally have less moisture in their stratum corneum compared to adults.

Moreover, a concerning 70% of parents admitted to lacking knowledge on proper sunscreen application for their children. This emphasizes the urgency for educational efforts directed towards parents to better equip them in safeguarding their child’s skin.

Expert Opinions and Future Initiatives

Dr. Kanako Munetada, who supervised this study, underscored the significance of equipping elementary school students with knowledge about appropriate skincare routines, such as consistent cleansing, moisturizing, and effective UV protection to avoid skin issues. FANCL is committed to disseminating useful information regarding optimal skincare practices and products tailored for children.

As the research results indicate a clear relationship between makeup use and skincare problems among school-aged children, it becomes increasingly crucial to advocate for tailored skincare education, ensuring that parents and children alike are informed about effective skincare routines and suitable products.

In conclusion, this survey by FANCL highlights pressing skincare concerns within a demographic that is increasingly engaged with beauty products. By boosting awareness and knowledge in skincare for children, we can potentially reduce the rising incidence of skin troubles that many face at such a tender age.