Influence of social media on usage of skincare products among medical students- An observational study

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Original Article

Author Details : Manasa Madugula*, Ruchita Bajaj, Swetha Chowdary Atluri, Haritha Samanthula

Volume : 10, Issue : 3, Year : 2024

Article Page : 287-290

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijced.2024.051

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Abstract

Background: Skin care supports the skin integrity and enhances its appearance. Increased desire to make oneself more presentable have led to increase in usage of skin care products. This is an era of social media and artificial intelligence where the information is few fingertips away. Social media has undoubtedly helped millions of people, but there is a possibility that the users might be in danger if they follow trends that are popular. Limited knowledge regarding the product may cause skin damage.
Materials and Methods: This was a single centered questionnaire based cross-sectional study among medical students. Data was entered in MS Excel and descriptive statistics were done.
Results: 314 undergraduate medical students made up the study group. In this study 64 (20.4%) students were using sunscreen, 75 (23.9%) were using moisturiser, 12 (3.8%) were using facewash, 14 (4.5%) were using serums, 56 (17.8%) were using 2 or more products and 93 (23.6%) were not using any products. 105 (33.4%) purchased skin care products on advise of family / friends / colleagues, followed by social media 72 (22.9%), while 65 (20.7%) obtained information from TV advertisements, 64 (20.4%) from dermatologists and 8 (2.5%) from pharmacists.
Conclusion: There is significant influence of social media among medical students. Medical students play an important role in dispersing information and hence they should have appropriate knowledge about healthy skin care practices.
 

Keywords: Social media, Medical students, Skin care products

How to cite : Madugula M, Bajaj R, Atluri S C, Samanthula H, Influence of social media on usage of skincare products among medical students- An observational study. IP Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol 2024;10(3):287-290

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