The number of Korean teenagers wearing makeup has more than doubled over the last four years, according to the Health and Welfare Committee.

(Yonhap)

Citing a report released by a local cosmetics firm, the committee said, the number of teen subscribers came to 200,000 as of September, up from 90,000 in 2012.

Lawmaker Yang Seung-jo said, “The data mirrors the tendency of many students to imitate celebrities of their age,” adding that, “The local cosmetics industry is taking advantage of this tendency.”

The long-time use of color cosmetics, including eyeliner or mascara, can cause side effects such as dry eyes or inflammation of the cornea. Teenagers are more vulnerable to the problem.

Experts said as color cosmetics were only designed for adults, they might be bad for teenagers’ skin and health.

“Commercials featuring teen models or encouraging young shoppers to buy cosmetics should be regulated,” he added.

By Shin Ji-hye (shinjh@heraldcorp.com)