Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Facial Skincare Routines and Cosmetic Products in Undergraduates of Universities and Higher Educational Institutes in Western Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Maintaining the skin's structural and functional integrity is largely dependent on proper skincare. Numerous dermatological problems can be caused by insufficient skincare techniques and inadequate information. For this reason, following an appropriate skincare routine is essential to preserving the health of the skin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate undergraduates in universities and other higher education institutions in the Western province of Sri Lanka regarding their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding facial skincare practices. A structured questionnaire (N=255) was used in descriptive cross-sectional research of undergraduates in the Western province who were between the ages of 18 and 30. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee at CINEC Campus. There were 21.18% male participants and 78.82% female participants in the study, which included 145 undergraduates from state universities and 110 from non-state Higher Educational Institutes. The results showed that while buying face skincare products, students consider into thought several aspects, such as brand (66.27%), price (69.02%), ingredients (74.50%), expiration date (65.10%), skincare benefits (73.72%), smell (31.37%), and container (25.10%). Merely 9.42% of respondents preferred synthetic components in cosmetic products, compared to a sizable majority (90.58%) who preferred natural ones. When it came to applying sunscreen, 33.33% did it five minutes before exposure to sunlight, and 56.08% did it thirty minutes beforehand. While 34.11% of respondents knew that an optimal sunscreen in Sri Lanka should have a UV protection factor of between 30 and 50, 43.92% did not. The primary reasons given for using skincare products were to enhance appearance and texture (62.74%), prevent sunburns (54.90%), and improve skin health (76.08%). Notably, the most often used skincare items were moisturizer (48.23%) and face cleanser (82.53%). Furthermore, (67.06%) of undergraduate students chose skincare products for their faces according to their skin type; (27.45%) did it infrequently, and (5.10%) never gave it any thought. The study revealed that some undergraduates lack accurate awareness about skincare routines, indicating a need for additional knowledge in this area.