If you scroll around on TikTok (not Douyin) or go down a rabbit hole on YouTube, you’ll notice that there seems to be a new trend catching fire, and Generation Alpha (born after 2010) kids are stepping into the limelight as the new beauty influencers. While you can still come across some on Douyin, this type of content is less prevalent in China than it is in the United States. Kids as young as 10 years old are surprisingly savvy about anti-aging skincare routines and makeup techniques, and these young creators are reshaping beauty standards and captivating audiences worldwide. But are they captivating their audiences for the right reasons or are their Gen Z and Millenial followers scoffing at their content like a bad reality TV show?

Gen Alpha’s TikTok beauty influencers are challenging norms and sparking conversations about skincare routines that were once considered exclusive to adults. Videos featuring mini skincare routines with expensive products, makeup tutorials, and product reviews have become viral sensations, with Gen Alpha influencers stealing the spotlight. But if you’re a Millennial, would you take anti-aging advice from a 10-year-old who’s barely hit puberty?

Our team at jingkids reached out to Dr. Peng Yang, a dermatologist at OASIS International Hospital, for his thoughts on this latest trend. Are these Gen Alpha beauty influencers simply riding the latest trend or are they, in turn, doing more damage to themselves by starting on anti-aging skincare at such a young age?

According to Dr. Peng: “For teenagers, using anti-aging products too early may not be beneficial for their skin. The skin of teenagers is usually still developing and does not have obvious signs of aging. Using anti-aging products at this time may cause unnecessary burden and stimulation to the skin, and may even lead to skin sensitivity, acne, and other problems.” For me, that translates to setting oneself up for acne in one’s teenage years, which may lead to even more use of skincare products.

Dr. Peng continues: “It should be emphasized that teenagers’ skin is still in the process of growth and development, and unnecessary skincare products should be avoided as much as possible. If there are specific skin problems or concerns, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized advice.”

He suggests that for a 10-year-old in Beijing’s dry winter environment, a simple and gentle skincare routine is recommended. The following are some suggestions:

1. Cleansing: Use a mild cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil from the skin.
2. Moisturizing: Apply a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
3. Sun protection: Apply sunscreen to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays.

Pro Tip: Is sun protection necessary in the winter, too? Yes. Although the sun’s intensity may be lower in the winter, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and reach the earth, causing damage to the skin.

UV rays can cause skin aging, pigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Even on cloudy or cold days, UV rays can still reach the skin and cause harm. Therefore, it is important to apply sunscreen with a suitable SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to protect the skin from UV rays, regardless of the season.

Dr. Peng is not alone in disadvising Gen Alpha getting ahead of the anti-aging train. Dr. Zhao Na from Beijing United Family Hospital has been a long-time member of Beijing United Family’s dermatology department. Before joining United Family, Dr. Zhao worked at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (协和), where she also received her medical degree. Needless to say, she’s a respected expert in her field and also shares the same sentiment as Dr. Peng on the matter.

“I do think using anti-aging products at a young age can harm a teen’s skin. When the damage will start to show varies. For some people, it can be immediate, and they will suffer from irritant dermatitis, but for others, it may take months or years, with the skin becoming very sensitive and flush,” says Dr. Zhao.

“For adolescents, I only suggest using face cream (because the weather in Beijing is very dry) and a suitable sunblock, especially if they stay outside for a long time. If pre-teens/teens start to have pimples and oily skin, they can use a face cleanser twice a day to avoid blockage of hair follicles. After a doctor’s consultation, they may need to use some tretinoin cream for the prevention and treatment of pimples as well.”

But what about here in Beijing? Are our Beijing Gen Alphas as obsessed with anti-aging as their counterparts overseas? One mom of a Gen Alpha shares that her daughter’s morning skincare routine is simply water, a kids’ hydrating face wash, and face cream. However, the evening one is a bit more complex. It involves a kids’ face mask once a week, shower, face wash, cucumber slices on eyes, cream, and oil massage by mama.

Now let’s talk about makeup. Whether they’re here in Beijing or overseas, Gen Alpha is introduced to makeup a lot younger than their Millenial parents were. Sephora has become a playground for Gen Alpha’s beauty exploration, and videos capturing the excitement of these young influencers shopping for high-end skincare and makeup products have garnered millions of views.

Gen Alpha’s obsession with makeup is evident in the vibrant and playful looks showcased on social media. From experimenting with bold eyeshadows to mastering contouring techniques, these young influencers are turning makeup application into an art form. Their creativity is not only captivating, but it also challenges stereotypes about age-appropriate beauty practices. While I’m not against kids expressing themselves through makeup – after all, it’s just another form of artistic expression – I am concerned about what they deem age-appropriate vs what Gen Z and Millenials deem age-appropriate for Gen Alpha.

Gen Alpha’s beauty influencers are redefining beauty standards, encouraging self-expression, and challenging the traditional boundaries of skincare and makeup. As they embrace anti-aging routines and navigate the aisles of Sephora, this generation is leaving an indelible mark on the beauty industry, setting the stage for a new era where beauty knows no age. The beauty revolution led by Gen Alpha on social media is a testament to the evolving landscape of self-care and the transformative power of youthful creativity. So, I ask you this: Are you for or against Gen Alpha’s beauty and skincare trends?

Images: OASIS International Hospital, Pexels

Previously, I recommended my kid’s favorite skincare products to beat the Beijing dryness and my own personal skincare picks to help combat my skin issues.

In the final installment of my skincare articles, I’ll share with you the professional beauty treatments that Beijingers readily invest in for their face.

A little background first, ever since adolescence, I seemed targeted by the skin witch doctor and always suffered from sensitive, oily, pimply skin. The moment I could afford it, which was around my early twenties, I poured plenty of my part-time earnings into getting regular facials. After almost two decades of experimenting – where I tried almost everything from getting sprayed in the face with salt water or oxygen fumes, to having microscopic needles prick my eye bags (although I’ve drawn the line at actual injections like Botox) – I tend to steer clear of the “latest and greatest” inventive treatments and opt for classic facials instead.

In my nearly three years of living in Beijing, I’ve frequented four different commercial spa facilities to test their facial treatments and visited dermatologists in two different medical institutes to tackle my host of skin problems. The results? I may have finally discovered the cost of maintaining youthful, beautiful skin in the capital city.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of some facial treatments that everyone who cares enough gets done on a regular basis.

小气泡 (Xiǎo qìpào) literally “small bubbles” – This is the most basic cleansing facial where the therapist will use either hot or cold mist to coax open your pores and extract the dirt, blackheads, and whiteheads. A staple for all people, but especially for those with oily skin.

Here in Beijing, depending on what level of spa you are in, they may perform the extraction the traditional way using A blackhead extractor, also known as a comedone extractor, which bloody hurts in my opinion. You usually have the option to top-up for the small suction vacuum which hurts way less.

In more recent years, there has even been an option to use a small but powerful water jet to remove these impurities. It can be a shocking sensation, but it apparently cleans better without the pain.

水光 (Shuǐ guāng) literally “water light” – This hydrating facial is a big fave in Beijing for obvious reasons. The words “补水” (Bǔshuǐ) or “hydration” are the most common in skincare here, and I’ve been offered this facial more times than I can count.

The most common method I’ve experienced is a light spray of pure oxygenated water on your face after the usual cleansing process, but sometimes the therapist may simply apply a deeply hydrating serum and use a pulsing machine to improve absorption into your skin. An average price for this treatment runs between RMB350 – RMB800.

V Lift Shaping Facial – This might be the newest addition to the list as this trend started around 2020. According to a South China Morning Post (SCMP) article, “The Koreans have popularised the V-shape and made it part of their standards of beauty. Consequently, many aesthetic treatments work towards achieving that ideal of facial symmetry and perpetual youth,” observes Dr. Kevin Chua, co-founder of Dr. Kevin Chua Medical & Aesthetics Clinic in Singapore.”

A quick internet search reveals plenty of DIY devices almost resembling those head-enveloping braces of the 80s that promise to help lift and contour your face shape to that definitive V.

In the spa, the use of radio frequencies (RF) is most commonly used to achieve this effect. I have tried it before, and while you may enjoy rather dramatic results after just one treatment, the truth is that it goes almost as quickly as it comes and within three weeks you’re back to your V-less face shape. If you think RMB1,000+ / session is worth it, then go ahead and splurge!

Acid / chemical peel 刷酸 (Shuā suān)– I’ve saved the best for last, as this is the one treatment that I have now committed to doing in Beijing at a medical dermatologist.

The worst part of my acne has always been the scars that remain, even up to a year, after the horrid skin bumps have popped their death. Finally sick of having to cover up those damning reminders, I first tried a chemical peel two months ago. I started with a low grade of salicylic acid, just 20%, and moved up to 35% the last time. This number can go as high as 70% at a medical facility, whereas spas tend to keep below 50%. The results have been quite visible – with my scars lightening, smaller pores, and smoother skin overall. However, the price tag for this treatment is not cheap, at RMB1,300 / session at the doctor. At spas, you would pay maybe RMB300 – RMB500 less.

KEEP READING: Best Facial Fixes for Beijing’s Dry Winters

Images: Unsplash, Pexels, Amazon, Clarins

Last week, I talked about a skincare routine for kids to fight dry skin in Beijing’s arid climate. But as an adult, I myself have suffered all sorts of skin maladies since arriving here almost three years ago. Without turning you off your breakfast, just a few of the skin issues I’ve faced included, from top to bottom, a flaky scalp, acne and scarring, cracked lips, and mild hives.

After going to dermatologists at hospitals and taking medication, as well as trying various facial and body treatments at spas and medical institutes, I’m here to share the skincare routine that is, at least for now, working to keep most of my previous skin problems at bay.

Right off the bat, let me recommend this awesome free app I found to log your skincare routine as well as analyze your skin health and compare daily selfies so you can track how your skin changes over time. It even lets you record the products you use and reminds you when they are about to expire.

Face Wash (Winter) and Makeup Remover: Sober Beauty Blue Moon Cleansing Balm 

This one is great for the colder, drier season when you don’t want to strip your skin of its natural oils. This solid cleansing balm keeps skin plump and moist as it removes dirt and makeup!

Shop Sober Beauty at 10 percent off storewide through this exclusive QR code and follow their WeChat account:

Face Wash (Summer): Vedic Life Pure Clean Foam

The only locally made face wash I’ve found here with prebiotics, naturally formulated by Irina from Vedic Life, who is rebranding her skincare line as Tesori d’Amore Perfume and Cosmetics.

Add Irina on WeChat by scanning the QR code below:

Slow Living Juicy Peach Toner

Audrey Tournier founded Slow Living in China to create skincare that takes the best from nature and science in order to help people reconnect to the rejuvenating wisdom of nature. The Juicy Peach Toner smells good enough to eat and keeps my face hydrated with a few spritzes after a wash!

You can shop online at www.slowliving.life or scan the QR code below. Use discount code CLEANBEAUTY10% for 10 percent off storewide, valid until May 22 at 9pm.

Slow Living Rise & Shine Moisturizer 

A light day moisturizer that isn’t sticky. Perfect for summer!

Scan the QR code to add Audrey – Slow Living on WeChat.

RG Cosmetics Facial Serum Trio

We’re always hearing about serums that should contain the magic ingredient of retinol, hyaluronic acid, or Vitamin C, but why choose between them when you can have them all in this serum trio set from RG Cosmetics? Even my husband likes these because they are super light and have no scent, except for the Vitamin C one.

RG Cosmetics is giving a 10 percent discount on non-promotional items when you quote jingkids with your purchase through WeChat by scanning the QR code below.

RG Cosmetics Pink Clay Mask 

I’ve heard so much about the skincare miracle that is pink clay in recent years, and truly it does clear my skin up! One user even commented that her skin-analyzing device reported increased levels in her skin elasticity and moisture levels, while oil levels went down.

Vedic Life Foaming Body Scrub

Another shoutout to Irina from Vedic Life as I absolutely love this foaming body scrub from Tesori d’Amore, which is the first of its kind I’ve found that foams! So often a scrub sticks to you in the shower and you can still find bits of it afterwards in unmentionable places, but this foaming body scrub just glides off your skin, leaving you smelling like freshly-made caramel!

Just for jingkids readers, Irina is extending a special price for body scrubs – RMB100 instead of RMB150, valid until the end of June! Contact her on WeChat to order yours today!

In my next related article, I’ll reveal the skincare treatment that every well-kept Beijing woman treats herself to regularly, so stay tuned!

KEEP READING: A Skincare Routine For Kids To Fight Dry Beijing Skin

Images: Unsplash, courtesy of the vendors

My son and I have never lived in a climate quite like Beijing’s. Heck, we’ve never even lived in a place with four seasons, much less a city that endures bouts of air pollution, dust storms, catkins and other weather phenomenon that wreck havoc with our bodies. When we first got here, I suffered from dry itchy skin and scalp, mild hives, and acne that still scars me to this day (another post on this at a later time). My child, who sadly inherited my share of skin concerns even at his tender age, similarly suffers from dry skin, bordering on mild eczema.

Thankfully, we’ve been able to find some products and home remedies to help with my kid’s dry, itchy skin here in Beijing.

Hair care:

Soapnut Republic PURETONIQUE Nurturing Shampoo, Nourishing Conditioner 

Soapnut Republic is a Shanghai-based expat-owned business that specialises in safe, effective, environmentally-responsible products for personal care and home cleaning. Their PURETONIQUE personal care brand is allergen-free, and practically odorless and colorless, so there are no overpowering smells to offend any kid’s olfactory senses. While their popular Body Wash is currently out of stock, the good news is that the remaining two products are on sale at 35% off so one bottle of shampoo (300ml) is RMB 70 and conditioner is RMB 77.

Scan the QR code below to find them on WeChat:

Body lotion: 

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion

Every night before bed, we’ve fallen into a routine where I give the kid a five-minute massage beginning with his feet, arms, and back. I use Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion which is readily available on the 盒马 Hema shopping app that promises 30 minute deliveries. Keeping skin moisturized (external) and hydrated (from within) is key to keeping eczema flare-ups in check. Recently with the implementation of online learning, we’ve started face massages too, especially around the brow and jawline. Just be gentle and use only your fingertips.

Face wash: 

Milk Baobab Facial Foam

In all honesty, I never even considered using face wash for my child since I myself didn’t use face wash until I was a teen. That said, this brand comes highly recommended by a local friend whose 5-year-old loves this foaming wash because “it’s bubbly and he loves the smell”. You can use the picture search function to find this on TaoBao readily.

Look out for my follow-up article on my own skincare regimen to help deal with breakouts and other skin problems. Plus, I reveal a life-changing skincare procedure available here in Beijing!

KEEP READING: The Winter Essentials In Skincare Entrepreneur La-Toya’s Backpack

Images: Unsplash, Soapnut Republic, 盒马, Qi Shu

Before moving to China I had never seen sheet masks, but dropping into Watsons and Miniso got me thinking I might need to try this treatment. Asian women seem to have great skin and I think sheet masks contribute to this. One of my mother friends told me her Asian friend puts a sheet mask on every night and keeps her face young and fresh-looking. Now I have tried some, and I must say the convenience and the no-mess mask is such a plus for a working mother. I watch my Netflix and chill with a sheet mask.

I have been investigating the options and Innisfree, Miniso and Watsons have a great selection to start with.

Maybe your child is pestering you for a pet but you just don’t have the energy to take care of another creature. Now you can disguise yourself while nourishing your skin. It’s also a great mask to scare your husband. Find it here.

Innisfree is one of my go-to to brands in Beijing. The stores have lovely products, and English is used on the packaging so it’s an easy store to maneuver around. If you don’t want to step out in the heat you can get this mask delivered to your front door here.

In case you ever dreamed about being part of nature, turn yourself in the beautiful tree you deserve to be. There are leaves to put on problem spots while you do your yoga tree pose. Find these here.

Always a winner is a fruit salad on your face; start with orange and add some banana to your diet. Mask sheets are a sign of good taste, but you should not eat this one. Buy your juicy mask here.

Make your skin shiny like a pearl. Instead of getting a string of real pearls, try this cheap mask to make sure your face is silky fresh. Buy it here.

Photos:  www.watsons,higoumall.com, www.baopals.com, www.taobao.com

With so many makers and sellers in Beijing, we’re dedicated to bringing you all the news of the markets and fairs. The creative souls around this town deserve some attention in this summer heat. If you have any breaking news to add, please contact us.

Chocolate Tea is here

We all need a fresh new cold drink to get through this summer heat, so make way for chocolate ice tea, a refreshing cold tea which smells like chocolate. You read it right, chocolate! I usually like to eat chocolate but with my recent health stint I have been refraining from it. So this tea took care of some of my chocolate cravings, and my daughter loved it too. Find this chocolate tea from COCODEER usually to be found at the Farms to Neighbors market. Or add cocodeers on WeChat for more information.

Natura Siberica 

Natura Siberica is an imported all-natural skin care brand from Siberia. This brand has kids’ and adult skin care products. We tried and tested some of the creams and soaps and are hooked! The kids’ soap has our kids washing their hands without any problems. Natura Siberica was founded in 2007, and the products contain Siberian herbs and plants. The containers are colorful and make us happy just looking at them. There is a easy way to find these products in Beijing, add AldySha on WeChat for more information.

Rumble in the Jumble First Birthday

Mark your calendars – Rumble in the Jumble is turning one, and it won’t go past without a party. August 26 is the date for the birthday bash market, and later in the evening there’s a party with music from Rebel 5, a raffle, face painting and more birthday cheer. Watch this space for more information.

Pictures: pixabay, courtesy of the vendors

Before Ella Chen, mom and cofounder of exquisite earth elements (e3), settled in Beijing, she went to university in Canada at Lambton College. While there she met a woman from the Homalco tribe who told Ella about the powerful properties of Canadian glacial oceanic clay. The ancestors of the Homalco and other Canadian tribes had been using the clay as medicine for a plethora of ailments. “At that time, I didn’t think about making it into a skincare product,” Chen says. But the clay and its properties stuck in the back of her mind. She later transferred to Central Michigan, where she would give birth to her son and became friends with her future US partners.

One day, as a mutual airline attendant friend of theirs started to complain about how greasy her skin got after wearing makeup for hours for her job, Ella was struck with the idea of turning the mud into a skincare product. “I said, ‘I know something that can help!’ and that’s basically how we came up with this idea.”

Their main headquarters is in Atlanta, likely due to the ease of setting up there, but Chen and her husband head up the company here in Beijing. Currently the mask is sold only in the US and in China, but the product remains the same regardless of which country the mask is purchased in, unlike other luxury masks which have been rumored to include paraben in their non-US products.

What makes the e3 mineral mask so special is the glacial oceanic clay, which is considered a Canadian treasure and the extraction of which has strict Canadian government regulations. Researchers at the University of British Columbia, including professor-emeritus Julian Davies, found in a bona fide study that this clay’s microbial properties even combated dangerous superbugs (known as ESKAPE pathogens). The study was published in the science journal American Society for Microbiology, and Radio Canada International interviewed Professor Davies about the clay.*

There are 50 finely ground minerals in the clay in its natural state, and e3 adds pomegranate and willow bark extract, and cedar wood, rosemary, and bergamot oil for additional skin-promoting benefits. There are no artificial perfumes or colors, and no parabens or binding agents in this mask. The clay acts in an ionic way to pull out impurities and oil in skin.

At RMB 399, we admit that the whole mask is pricey, but one day’s mask takes just a small bit of clay from the 80-gram jar, which is glam and paired with a quality brush applicator. We also tried out a free sample of the mask and noticed it dries quickly, the smell is pleasant, not strong, and it washes off easily.

Its a balmy Friday, and although fall is around the corner, the mozzies are still out there biting! We spoke to Dr. Pauline Tan Ngo of Vista Medical Center at the Kerry Center Shopping Mall. Originally from the Philippines, Dr. Ngo has lived in Beijing for the past 12 years, with over nine years at Vista Medical Center.

What are the most common types of insect bites?
Insect bites noted on exposed areas of the skin are due to winged insects like mosquitoes, flies, bees and wasps while those noted under clothing might be due to non-winged ones like fleas and bedbugs. The type of place where the bite occurred might also give a clue to what kind of insect bite it was. For example mosquitoes abound in areas where there are stagnant pools of water, and they are attracted to sweat and scents. Bees are prolific around flowery shrubs, and ants are found on lawns and in meadows.

What are some of the side effects of bites and stings?
Reactions may vary from mild red bumps to a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis. Some insects can be carrier of diseases as well acting as vector. The  mosquito is a carrier for malaria, dengue, and Japanese B encephalitis among other diseases.

What is the best way to treat a bee or wasp sting?
When one is stung by a bee or wasp, clean the area well with soap and water, and apply ice if available to reduce the swelling. Remove the stinger using a gauze or scrape with your fingernail over the area. Do not scratch nor squeeze the area and do not use a tweezer.

What is the best way to treat mosquito bites?
Mosquito bites cause mild to severe itchiness. Wash area with water and apply calamine or an antihistamine cream to help sooth the itch. Other home remedies include applying an ice pack or a dab of tea tree oil or baking soda mixed with a bit of water to form a paste. If you have an aloe plant, cut off a leaf and dab on the itchy area. A cooled tea bag can also help to soothe the bitten area. If the red area becomes larger or more severe looking, consult your doctor.

What stings and bites can trigger allergic reactions?
Some people reacts strongly to the anticoagulant substance in the saliva of mosquitoes. This can result in a huge wheal which may necessitate the use of an oral antihistamine. Make sure not to scratch. Dirty fingers can introduce bacterial infection and may sometimes cause cellulitis. Bee stings can also cause severe allergic reactions, and even anaphylaxis. In this case, the person should always carry an epipen (epinephrine pen) with them at all times.

What is the best way to prevent bites and stings?
Wear light colored, loose clothing with long sleeves and trousers. Avoid using perfumed soap, shampoos, and deodorant. Be calm and stay still when a single flying stinging insect is near to avoid aggravating it. However if there are several in a swarm run away as a single sting from a bee will release a chemical that will attract other bees. If a bee flew inside your vehicle, slowly pull the vehicle to a stop and open all windows.

Is it safe to use mosquito repellant on babies? If so, which ones are safe?
Always read the label of the insect repellant. The active ingredients DEET and picaridin are conventional chemical repellents. DEET can be used on children 2 months and above. Oil of lemon eucalyptus, oil of citronella, and IR3535 are natural insect repellents are made from natural materials such as plants, bacteria, and other minerals. Oil of lemon eucalyptus can only be used on children more than three years old. When applying repellents to children, avoid the eye area, their hands, and cut or irritated skin. Apply only on exposed skin. Always apply first on your hands before applying on your child. Use repellents sparingly and make sure to wash off upon arriving home. There are also insect repellants in the form of stickers or bracelets. Bug screens for the strollers would be protective as well as a mosquito net at bedtime when you are vacationing in tropical countries.

Photos: Courtesy of Wikimedia and Dr. Pauline Tan Ngo