Women's skin care behaviors: How to influence sunscreen use.

Abstract

Background: It is well known that women have been plagued by various skin problems. However, research on the characteristics of women's skin at different ages is still inadequate. In addition, there is a lack of research on the extent of women's skincare habits and skin care awareness.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey on skin was carried out in Shanghai, China, which was conducted by means of a questionnaire. 3678 women, aged 18-59 years, participated in the study. The information collected focused on the importance they place on their skin, the skin problems they have, and their use and perception of skin care products.

Results: Before the age of 25, the most common skin problems that women face are dryness and oiliness, while after the age of 30, skin-ageing issues begin to appear and worsen with age. In addition, the higher the level of education, the higher the frequency of and compliance with sunscreen use, and the economy also affects women's use of sunscreen. Importantly, the importance women place on their skin and the level of sunscreen awareness affects women's use of sunscreen.

Conclusions: This study was conducted to understand the skin characteristics of women of different age groups as well as to determine the factors that influence the use of sunscreens, which will not only promote women's skin care practices and product development, but also provide important clues for future activities on sunscreen use and health promotion.