Abstract
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION: The cosmetic market is booming all over the world with 25% annual growth in every year. By the year 2025, it is expected that the turn over from the industry will cross 20 billion dollars. After beauty contests that are conducted from various levels and after IT boom in India, the demand and urge for cosmetics has increased among the youngsters. In this context, we have planned to conduct a study on Impact and Effect of cosmetics upon female medical students. OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the various cosmetics used for skin, hair and nail either daily or periodically. 2. To assess the effect of cosmetics on skin. METHODS: Study population: Female medical students from 2(nd) year to CRMI were taken on comparing the usability of cosmetics. Sample size: Twenty-five students from each batches were included. Sampling procedures: A questionnaire on cosmetics usage was issued and the responses were collected. A examination of the skin, hair and nail was done at the end along with skin moisture content analysis. Analysis plan : Univariate analysis. RESULTS: Acne and scarring noticed among 42 students, atopic dermatitis, xerosis and ichthyosis among 22 students. Their cleansers were not addressed properly. Seborrhoeic dermatitis noticed among 8 students and brittle hair/dry scalp among 9 students whose hair cleansers, oil application practices and hair conditioning techniques were rectified. CONCLUSION: In this study, we identified that medical students are also not exceptional for getting obsessed with online marketing, peer influence and irrational cosmetic usage. The adequate knowledge on cosmetics lack in many of our students. This grey area has to be addressed properly among medical students while teaching them.