Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Skin Care in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional, Survey-Based Study

Cureus. 2022 Dec 13;14(12):e32490. doi: 10.7759/cureus.32490. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Skin care is the maintenance of the hygienic state of the skin toward optimal conditions of cleanliness and comfort and includes skin cleansing, skin product use, and photoprotection.

Aim: This study aimed to assess skincare knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Saudi populations.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from February to April 2022. Data were collected using a survey distributed through social media to participants of both genders aged 12 years and above.

Results: A total of 710 subjects participated in this study. More than half were aged between 18 and 30 years (54.8%), had a bachelor's degree (56.2%), had no income (55.8%), and resided in the Western region (58.0%). Females represented most respondents (77.3%). Skin disease was prevalent among 19.9% of the population. The combined skin type was most frequently reported for the face (52.1%), while for the body, the dry skin type predominated (42.8%). Using skincare products was significantly associated with the female gender (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The knowledge and practices concerning of skin care are acceptable within the Saudi population. Being a female and having oily facial skin influenced skincare behavior the most among the Saudi population.

Keywords: attitudes; behaviors; knowledge; practices; saudi arabia; skin care; skincare.