The topic of whether 13 year old girls should wear makeup is one that elicits strong opinions from both sides. Those in favor argue that makeup can help boost self-esteem and allow for self-expression. Critics contend that makeup sexualizes young girls and promotes focus on physical appearance at an age when they should just be “kids.” Here we will examine the evidence behind the debate.
Quick Answers
Should 13 year olds wear makeup?
There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this issue. Some key considerations are the maturity level of the individual child, what parents are comfortable with, and ensuring makeup is not used to mask insecurities. Light, age-appropriate makeup application can be permissible, but the emphasis should remain on inner confidence and well-being vs. physical appearance.
What are the potential benefits of 13 year olds wearing makeup?
Potential benefits include:
– Allows for creative self-expression and exploration of identity
– Can be a bonding experience with friends or family members
– May help boost self-confidence
– Helps teach proper application techniques to avoid overuse later
– Promotes feelings of maturity
What are the potential risks of 13 year olds wearing makeup?
Potential risks include:
– May sexualize young girls before they are emotionally ready
– Places focus on physical appearance vs. inner qualities
– Makeup can mask skin issues that need treatment
– May lead to overuse or improper application techniques
– Expense of buying beauty products
– Sets unrealistic expectations for future beauty routines
What factors should parents consider when deciding about makeup for their 13 year old?
Parents should consider:
– Child’s level of maturity and responsibility
– Quality of the child’s self-esteem
– Child’s skin type and risk of acne/reactions
– What is culturally appropriate
– Child’s interest level in makeup
– Establishing rules and limits for use
– Ongoing communication about beauty standards
History of Makeup Use Through the Ages
Humans have used makeup in some form for thousands of years, often for ceremonial purposes but also intertwined with cultural beauty standards. Some key historical notes:
– Ancient Egypt: Both men and women used black kohl eye makeup, believed to have health benefits but also aesthetic purposes. Women also colored lips and cheeks.
– Ancient Greece: Pale skin was seen as elegant, so lead-based makeup lightened complexions. Blush and lip color also grew popular.
– 1700s Europe: Heavy white lead-based face powders continued. Bright rouges and lip colors balanced paleness.
– Victorian Era: Purity and a natural look was ideal, so visible makeup reduced. Still used whitening powders though.
– Early 1900s: Modest use of makeup, influenced by growing film industry and glamorous stars.
– 1920s: Bold lipsticks and eye makeup popularized. Going out in public with makeup was now acceptable.
– 1950s: Glam, polished looks with sharp winged eyeliner and red lips.
– 1970s: Free-spirited, natural glowy looks gained ground in counterculture movement.
– 1980s – 2000s: Dramatic looks. Makeup became more mainstream for all ages.
Cultural Considerations
Views on wearing makeup are also impacted by cultural or religious values. Factors like:
– Modesty standards in some cultures limit visible makeup.
– Rites of passage may indicate when makeup use changes. For example, the Quinceanera at age 15.
– Makeup for ceremonies (weddings, coming-of-age rituals) may begin earlier.
– Religious values (Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish faiths) influence when makeup is deemed age-appropriate.
– Geographic location changes cultural beauty norms that guide acceptable makeup usage.
– Generational perspectives on appropriateness of early makeup use.
Makeup Use Statistics For Teens and Tweens
13 year olds:
– 17% of 13 year old girls reported wearing makeup daily.
– 55% have used makeup at least a few times.
Tweens ages 8 to 12:
– 75% have used makeup before age 10.
– 39% own lip gloss.
– 36% own lipstick.
Teens ages 13 to 19:
– 91% of teen girls use makeup.
– Body and face makeup are used regularly by 73%.
– 23% own more than 10 makeup products.
Potential Benefits of Age-Appropriate Makeup Use
Self-Expression and Creativity
– Makeup allows young girls to explore their personal tastes and style. Light makeup can be a harmless form of self-expression.
– Choosing flattering colors and application techniques allows for creativity.
– Can be a fun way to bond with friends doing makeovers or shopping for cosmetics.
Confidence Boost
– When applied properly, makeup can help girls feel polished and put together.
– Covering minor imperfections can reduce self-consciousness at a self-conscious age.
– The sense of maturity makeup confers can improve self-assurance.
Important Beauty Skills
– Starting to use cosmetics at a young age teaches girls proper application skills.
– They learn appropriate makeup hygiene to avoid infections.
– It helps them become savvy, smart cosmetics consumers earlier.
– Prevents or reduces the risk of overuse later in life.
Potential Risks of Early Makeup Use
Sexualization Concerns
– Heavy, mature makeup styles on young girls can sexualize them before they are ready.
– This attracts unhealthy attention based solely on appearance.
– Can place pressure on girls to appear sexually appealing.
Emphasis on Physical vs. Inner Self
– An emphasis on makeup distracts focus from a girl’s inner qualities and talents.
– Values appearance and “looking pretty” over who a girl truly is.
Psychological Impact
– Makeup can become a psychological crutch and mask for insecurities vs. building real self-esteem.
– Young girls may become dependent on makeup for feeling confident.
– Obsession with beauty standards can develop.
Health Risks
– Makeup can irritate young sensitive skin or fail to properly treat skin conditions like acne.
– Sharing cosmetics spreads bacteria, eye infections, and skin irritations.
– Toxic ingredients in cheap kids makeup can cause damaging health effects.
Parental Guidelines for Makeup and 13 Year Olds
Most experts agree that wearing makeup should be an individual choice based on a girl’s maturity level and family values. Here are some suggested parental guidelines.
Set Family Rules
– Discuss your family’s standards and rules for makeup use. Consider tying privileges to demonstrated responsibility.
– Emphasize that makeup should enhance natural beauty, not hide it.
– Ensure priorities stay focused on inner character, not just appearance.
Start Slowly
Let makeup usage increase gradually as your daughter proves she can handle the responsibility. Begin with light lip gloss or nail polish.
Discuss Appropriate Situations
– Reserve makeup for special events, not everyday school.
– Set guidelines for appropriate makeup styles for school, parties, weekends, etc.
– Make sure your child understands that makeup applications change for day vs. night situations.
Good Makeup Hygiene
– Educate about infection risks from sharing makeup.
– Provide individual makeup tools and brushes for application.
– Explain proper storage and disposal of old makeup.
Prioritize Skin Health
– Good skincare comes before makeup use.
– Help establish a simple daily skincare regimen.
– Avoid irritating ingredients that can damage young skin.
Monitor for Overuse
– Watch for reliance on heavy makeup looks that signal insecurity or unhappiness.
– Ensure makeup remains light and appropriate, not masking problems.
– Remind your daughter of her natural beauty that needs no mask.
The Bottom Line: Makeup in Moderation
Overall, most experts agree early makeup use is acceptable in moderation if done responsibly. The following tips can help keep everything in balance:
– Focus on skincare first before cosmetics.
– Start with light, natural makeup applications like tinted moisturizer and lip balm.
– Reserve full makeup applications for special events, not daily wear.
– Watch for overuse as a self-esteem crutch.
– Set age-appropriate guidelines for types of makeup permitted.
– Lead by example and model smart makeup choices yourself.
– Remember inner beauty and self-care exceed outer appearance.
With the right balance, makeup can be an innocent form of self-expression without placing undue focus on physical looks before teens are mature enough to handle that pressure. As with all parenting decisions regarding maturity, each child needs to be considered individually within the framework of family values and societal norms. There are reasonable cases on both sides, so parents must use careful wisdom and guidance around this issue.
Conclusion
The issue of whether 13 year old girls should start wearing makeup sparks intense debate among parents, pre-teens, and healthcare experts. But the takeaway is that there are equally compelling arguments on both sides of this issue. Appropriate, light makeup use aligned with a girl’s maturity level and family values can be harmless. Yet overuse driven by self-esteem issues is concerning and risks sexualizing girls too early. Careful wisdom is needed around guidelines for makeup use among 13 year olds. Open parent-child dialogue and an emphasis on balance is key. With proper oversight and smart usage limits, makeup can be an innocent avenue of self-expression, not an unhealthy fixation on appearance.