Sun exposure and protection habits: Self-reported attitudes, knowledge and behaviours.

BACKGROUND: As exposure to UV radiation is the primary modifiable environmental risk factor associated with skin cancer, it remains the principal focus of most prevention strategies. Numerous sun protection campaigns have been implemented worldwide; however, their impact on the actual incidence and mortality rates of skin cancer seems to be limited. To create successful skin cancer prevention campaigns, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of individuals' attitudes and behaviours regarding sun protection. The aim of the current study was to determine and report on the prevalence of self-reported attitudes, knowledge and behaviours regarding two of the major sun protection recommendations-avoidance of sun exposure and use of sunscreens-in an international representative sample across five continents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 20 countries using a web-based online survey. FINDINGS: A total of 50,552 individuals, comprising 25,388 men (50.22%) and 25,164 women (49.78%), participated in the survey. Among them, 83.2% reported having been voluntarily exposed to the sun (for sun-basking reasons) at least once in the last 12 months, and 47.96% acknowledged being exposed to the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. The primary reason for non-adherence was that these hours were the most convenient times (32.28%). Only 24.05% reported applying sunscreen every 2 h when outdoors. Forgetfulness was the primary reason as provided by 27.79% of participants. Males and older age groups were less likely to adopt sun-protective behaviours around the world. Forgetfulness and the challenges posed by time constraints seem to be the biggest barriers to proper adherence. INTERPRETATION: These findings should prompt the collaboration with health authorities and the manufacturers to enhance adherence by setting reasonable sunscreen prices and creating formulations that make their application less burdensome.

Sensitive skin in Brazil and Russia: an epidemiological and comparative approach.

BACKGROUND: Sensitive skin is characterized by the occurrence of sensations of tingling, prickling, heat, burning, pain or itching and, on occasion, erythema, in response to multiple physical, chemical or hormonal factors that do not have irritant properties by themselves. OBJECTIVE: We chose here to evaluate sensitive skin in two countries with very different populations, climates and lifestyles: Russia and Brazil. METHOD: Representative nationwide samples of the Russian and Brazilian populations aged 15 and over were selected. The same methodology was used: the individuals were questioned by telephone and selected as per the quotas method (sex, age, householder profession, rural/urban location and region). RESULTS: In the Brazilian population, 22.3% versus 45.7%, in favour of women, reported having a "sensitive" skin. Significant differences were only observed by geographic residence. In the Russian population, 25.4% versus 50.1%, in favour of women, reported having a "sensitive" skin. Significant differences were observed in skin sensitivity according to social-professional categories, region of residence and subject age. The same results were found in both populations for sensitivity to cosmetics and food intake. CONCLUSION: Respondents with rather sensitive or very sensitive skin are 2 or 3 times more reactive to climatic, environmental factors, cosmetics and food intake.

Sensitive skin evaluation in the Japanese population.

Sensitive skin syndrome was first described in 1977; however, no robust study has been carried out to evaluate its prevalence in Japan. A national representative sample of the Japanese population over the age of 18 years was taken. Individuals were questioned by telephone and selected according to the quota method. When asked "Do you have a sensitive skin?", 52.84% of men and 55.98% of women answered "rather sensitive" or "very sensitive". There was no significant difference (P = 0.22) between the two sexes. The non-response rate among respondents was zero, suggesting that the term "sensitive skin" held a meaning for the majority of the population. Concerning questions about the onset of a rash, tingling or irritation in the presence of various factors, such as emotional issues, cold, heat, sun, dry air, air-conditioning, water, air pollution and temperature variations, respondents with rather sensitive or very sensitive skin responded "yes" more often than others: approximately three-times more often for water (18.97%/6.15%), air pollution (39.29%/12.45%) and warm climatic conditions (29.74%/9.8%). To our knowledge, this epidemiological study is the first to focus on sensitive skin among Japanese people of this century. It is of particular interest for two reasons: (i) it was conducted on a representative sample of the Japanese population; and (ii) the methodology used was identical to that used for sensitive skin assessment studies conducted in Europe and the USA, making it possible to draw certain comparisons.

CosmeceutiQoL: a tool for assessing dermo-cosmetic products' impact on quality of life.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of assessing "quality of life" is to take better consideration of the patients' perception of their own state of health by developing specific measurement tools. Paradoxically, there is no questionnaire evaluating the impact of such treatment on women's quality of life. There was, therefore, a need for the creation of the CosmeceutiQoL. METHOD: The questionnaire was developed using methodology in accordance with international standards in terms of quality of life. RESULTS: The score of the CosmeceutiQoL was correlated to age. The more sensitive the skin is, the lower is the quality of life. For women who declared that their facial skin had started to sag, the quality of life was significantly lower. Deterioration of quality of life was also significantly observed in women who declared that they had age spots on the skin of their face and in women who said that their facial skin was dehydrated. We observed an altered CosmeceutiQoL score in women who declared that they had wrinkles, sagging skin or dark or brown spot. DISCUSSION: The CosmeceutiQoL scale which is essentially based on the women's point of view, is a valid, pertinent, and well accepted tool enabling the assessment of quality of life perceived through the skin. The more CosmeceutiQoL is altered, the more intense the signs of aging on the face, wrinkles, skin sagging, or dark or brown spots are observed, irrespective of the age.