Ann Dermatol.  2017 Apr;29(2):180-186. 10.5021/ad.2017.29.2.180.

Knowledge and Behavior Regarding Cosmetics in Koreans Visiting Dermatology Clinics

• Cho S
• Oh S
• Kim NI
• Ro YS
• Kim JS
• Park YM
• Park CW
• Lee WJ
• Kim DK
• Lee DW
• Lee SJ

• KMID: 2394841
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2017.29.2.180

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Cosmetics can affect the skin condition profoundly, and yet no survey has been performed in Koreans visiting dermatology clinics.
OBJECTIVE
To assess knowledge and consumer behavior regarding cosmetics in Koreans visiting dermatology clinics.
METHODS
A questionnaire consisting of 43 questions concerning demographics and use/knowledge/selection/purchase of cosmetics was given to patients and accompanying persons who visited dermatologic clinics in university and private clinic settings.
RESULTS
In total 1,015 subjects (73.2% females, mean age 32.5 years) completed the survey. Education level was college or higher in 72.8%. Thirty-one percent had been diagnosed with a skin disorder, atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis being the most frequent diagnoses (33.7% and 16.8%, respectively). The frequency of makeup/sunscreen/functional cosmetics use, amount of sunscreen use, recognition of functional cosmetics, and knowledge of shelf life were significantly correlated with level of education. Among "functional cosmetics," whitening products were used most frequently (29.2%). Regardless of education level, 79.2% purchased cosmetics without checking ingredients, and 85.7% were unaware of the all-ingredient-labelling regulations, and yet subjects considered ingredient the most important factor when purchasing a product.
CONCLUSION
Outpatient subjects in their twenties and thirties are the most knowledgeable about cosmetics in Korea.

Keyword

Active; Cosmetics; Skin care; Sunscreen

MeSH Terms

Consumer Behavior
Demography
Dermatitis, Atopic
Dermatitis, Seborrheic
Dermatology*
Diagnosis
Education
Female
Humans
Korea
Outpatients
Skin
Skin Care
Social Control, Formal

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The frequency of skin care product use in Koreans visiting dermatology clinics.

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  Fig. 2 The frequency of makeup product use in Koreans visiting dermatology clinics.

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  Fig. 3 The frequency of wearing a sunscreen differed between men and women, with women wearing it significantly more frequently (p<0.001).

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  Fig. 4 The frequency of initial cleansing method in each gender shows a different pattern between genders.

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  Fig. 5 Differing pattern of shaving method in each age group. The younger the subject, the more frequent was the use of disposable razor.

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  Fig. 6 Period-after-opening symbol signifying a shelf life of 12 months after opening.

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