International Journal of Women''s Dermatology最新文献

Background: The cosmetics industry has grown significantly, driven by beauty standards and media influence. While cosmetics enhance appearance, many contain chemicals that may cause adverse effects. Understanding usage patterns and associated risks is essential for consumer safety.

Objective: This study assessed cosmetic usage patterns and side effects among Saudi women, focusing on commonly used products, purchasing behaviors, and awareness.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April 2024 to March 2025, involving 1,149 Saudi women. Data were collected via structured questionnaires on product usage, side effects, and purchasing habits. Statistical analysis examined associations between age and usage patterns.

Results: The most used cosmetics were face creams (73.4%), makeup (70.2%), and hair care products (59.1%). Reported side effects included acne (76.1%), skin redness (74.3%), and hair loss (56.3%). Most participants (54.6%) bought cosmetics from supermarkets, and 72% did not read product leaflets. Younger participants (18-22 years) prioritized brand reputation and discontinued products upon experiencing side effects.

Limitations: Self report, urban bias, and cross sectional design limit validity.

Conclusion: The current study highlights age-related differences in cosmetic use and awareness, emphasizing the need for consumer education and stricter regulations to ensure product safety.

Background: Latine and underserved populations experience worse skin cancer outcomes and limited access to dermatologic care. Linguistically tailored interventions are essential for improving sun protection behaviors and skin self-examinations. Few studies have evaluated community-based interventions and skin cancer beliefs tailored to underserved Spanish- and Punjabi-speaking populations in the United States.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based skin cancer educational intervention in underserved Latine Spanish-speaking and Asian Punjabi-speaking communities.

Methods: We implemented a 3-part, in-person intervention between April and August 2024 at University of California, Davis-affiliated student-run clinics. Participants completed pre- and postintervention surveys assessing demographics, skin cancer knowledge, beliefs, and self-examination confidence. The intervention used American Academy of Dermatology materials, delivered in English, Spanish, and Punjabi, supported by trained bilingual medical and undergraduate student volunteers.

Results: Thirty-two adults (56% Latine, 44% Asian; 81% women, 84% aged ≥40 years) participated. Significant improvements were observed in skin cancer knowledge, including understanding of the ABCDE rule (6-90%, P < .001), and self-examination confidence (19-63%, P < .001). However, changes in beliefs, particularly regarding biopsies and skin cancer misconceptions, were limited. Key structural barriers identified included high costs, lack of insurance, and referral access, disproportionately affecting Latine participants.

Limitations: This study is limited by variability in educational delivery and a small, older sample population, limiting generalizability.

Conclusion: An in-person, linguistically tailored, community-based education can significantly improve skin cancer awareness and self-examination confidence among underserved Spanish- and Punjabi-speaking populations. Shifting deeper health beliefs may require more sustained and targeted interventions. Future efforts should expand community-driven, language-concordant interventions and explore long-term impacts on behavior and beliefs.

Background: Hair growth cosmeceuticals (HGCs) for women have become increasingly popular.

Objective: We sought to analyze the ingredients of HGCs and their potential environmental hazards.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a Google Boolean search to identify the top 10 nonsponsored articles on HGCs. After applying exclusion criteria, 58 unique HGCs marketed as either unisex or female products were analyzed. Ingredients were documented from product websites, and HGCs were categorized based on specific ingredients with potential environmental concerns.

Results: The study found that phenoxyethanol (32.8%) and synthetic fragrances (25.9%) were the most common ingredients with potential environmental implications, with trisodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, isobutane, butane, n-butane, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and benzophenone-4 also found. Ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, and microbeads were, however, not found in any of the products evaluated.

Limitations: The study was limited by potential reporting and sampling bias.

Conclusion: Significant environmental hazards, particularly to aquatic habitats, have been associated with specific ingredients commonly found in HGCs.