Whakatāne skincare clinic The Skin Code is taking action after a growing number of parents have reported children - some as young as seven - are following influencer skincare trends online, often with harmful results.

“We just had so many clients and mothers saying to us, ‘My daughter’s following this influencer on social media, she went and bought retinol from a department store, and it’s burnt her skin. She’s really obsessed with doing a whole routine. Is that safe for her at her age?” said Jess Carey, founder of The Skin Code clinic.

In response, Ms Carey and her colleagues Kara Temperley and Shaylah Boonen have launched a new series of youth skin education workshops, aiming to provide accurate, age-appropriate information in a fun and empowering environment.

The idea is to fill the education gap left by social media and marketing trends that target young audiences.

“Kids walk into shops, and all the bottles are colourful and fun - packaging designed to grab the attention of kids. But that doesn’t mean those products are safe for young skin,” Said Ms Boonen.

The workshops are designed for children aged seven and older, combining hands-on learning with scientific education in a kid-friendly format.

“We want to educate them that at that age they don’t need to put X, Y, and Z on their skin. You can look at more natural and organic options that aren’t going to be detrimental to their skin,” Ms Carey said.

Children learn by drawing diagrams of the skin, understanding how cells work, and discovering what glands become active during puberty - and why that matters when choosing skincare.

“If you're putting something like salicylic acid on skin that doesn’t have oil yet, it’s going to dry it out or potentially burn it, because that ingredient is attracted to oil and it’s just not there yet. So instead of just saying ‘don’t use that,’ we actually teach them why.”

The program also includes discussions about how acne forms, what foods can support skin health, and how influencer advice - no matter how convincing - might not be right for everyone.

“We explain how influencers are there to sell something - and they don’t know you. They don’t know if you’ve had eczema as a child. Their advice isn’t always effective or safe,” said Ms Temperley.

Students receive a workbook, take part in brainstorming sessions, and learn about the importance of nutrition for the skin. They’re served a probiotic drink and enjoy a raw treat while discussing how food affects skin health.

“We don’t talk about bad foods - that’s not our philosophy,” Ms Carey said. “We talk about foods we eat in abundance to help the skin thrive, and others we have in moderation.”

All three facilitators hold high-level industry qualifications and continue to upskill through advanced education.

Ms Carey has a diploma in beauty therapy and is a certified health and lifestyle coach, is also studying nutrition and was previously named runner-up therapist of the year through the NZ beauty association. Ms Boonen is a Level 6 Laser Technician, and Ms Temperley also holds a diploma in beauty therapy.

The first workshop, held on 13 September, was fully booked. The next workshops are scheduled for October 18 at 10.30am and 12.00pm.

The workshops are held at the team’s newly opened clinic in central Whakatāne, now located at 38D Landing Road - a milestone that also marks The Skin Code clinic’s 10th year in business.

Each participant receives a skincare kit to take home, complete with a toiletry bag, gentle facecloth and pink headband, reinforcing the message that looking after your skin can be both fun and empowering - without the need for harmful trends.

To find out more, follow the clinic TheSkinCode on Facebook or call to book your space.