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The Global Story

The Global Story

The kid-fluencers selling younger looking skin

24 June 2026

Available for over a year

Growing concerns over young people using anti-aging products, have prompted industry regulators in Italy to investigate claims that some brands are using young influencers to promote skincare products to other children.

Investigators say that the practice is linked to the broader issue of ‘cosmeticorexia’ - a new term coined by some healthcare professionals to describe an obsession with skincare.

Asma speaks to the BBC’s health and wellbeing reporter Ruth Clegg, about how harmful skincare is for the social media generation.

Producer: Sam Chantarasak

Sound engineer: Travis Evans

Digital producer: Tom Bage

Senior news editor: China Collins

(Photo: Young content creator Ellie-May. Credit: Sophie/BBC)