Wrinkles, brown spots, and cancer: Relationship between appearance- and health-based knowledge and sunscreen use

Awareness and knowledge of sun exposure and use of sunscreen among adults in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia

Background

Excessive sun exposure and inadequate sunscreen use can lead to skin cancer and other harmful effects on the skin, eyes, and immune system.

Purpose

This observational cross-sectional study aimed to assess awareness and knowledge of sun exposure and sunscreen use among adults in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. This study also focused on evaluating the risks of skin cancer and participants' sun-protective attitudes and practices.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a questionnaire from November 2022 to January 2023 that assessed participants' knowledge, practices, and beliefs regarding sun exposure and sunscreen use. A total of 400 participants were selected for the study. Approval for the study was granted by the Local Research Ethics Committee of the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

Results

The results revealed that (59.8 %) of the participants were female, while (40.3 %) were male. Regarding age, the majority fell within the 26-35 age range (37.5 %), with (16.0 %) of participants using sunscreen regularly, with a total of (74.0 %) of participants using sunscreen. Men exhibited a higher prevalence of negative attitudes towards sun protection, while women demonstrated more favourable sun protection practices. In addition, (1.25 %) of the participants had skin cancer in the past; (81.0 %) of participants agreed that skin cancer could cause death, while (19.0 %) were unsure of the effects of skin cancer. Moreover, the results indicated that sun exposure had a significant positive effect on awareness levels (p < 0.05), indicating that increased sun exposure was associated with higher awareness of the harmful effects of the sun. Additionally, awareness level significantly positively affected sunscreen use (p < 0.01), suggesting that individuals with higher awareness were more likely to use sunscreen.

Conclusion

There was an average awareness of sun exposure and its detrimental effects. In addition, a significant portion of the population demonstrates proactive measures to minimize sunlight exposure. However, sunscreen usage among Saudi adults was low despite having knowledge and awareness. Future research must enhance sun protection practices and reduce sun-related skin damage in the Aseer region.

Facial analysis technologies do not appear to increase sunscreen use

Patients’ use of sunscreen improves with knowledge that sun exposure is associated with skin cancer and photoageing. Our objective was to determine whether or not showing patients their facial characteristics using a validated artificial intelligence application would increase their use of sunscreen. In our study, self-reported sunscreen usage decreased after study completion, while usage of skincare products did not change.

Use of facial care products and frontal fibrosing alopecia: Coincidence or true association?

The increasing incidence of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) suggests that environmental factors may be related to the pathogenesis. Recent studies reported potential association between the use of facial care products and FFA. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between the use of facial care products and FFA in Asian females. A total of 250 females (50 FFA patients, 100 pattern hair loss [PHL] patients, and 100 normal controls) were recruited and completed a questionnaire to obtain information approximately facial care products and various environmental factors. Our study revealed the use of moisturizer to be significantly higher in the FFA group compared to normal controls (p < 0.001), and sunscreen use was significantly higher in the PHL group than in the control group (adjusted p < 0.001). Subjects with FFA or PHL reported significantly higher use of both sunscreen and moisturizer compared to normal controls (p < 0.001). This study focused on Asian populations. Our results revealed a high frequency of moisturizer and sunscreen use in both FFA and PHL among Asian females. Therefore, the use of facial care products appears not to be linked to the true disease mechanism of FFA, but rather to appearance-related concerns of patients.