Sunscreen Use Among South Asian Women: A Survey

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the use of sunscreen in South Asian women and to understand the amount of knowledge they have about sunscreen usage, by means of an online survey. A total of 29 questions were part of the survey, including application of sunscreen, frequency of sunscreen usage, and improvements they would like in their sunscreen, among others. All around 131 responses were collected, out of which 53.8% (n=70) participants stated that they use sunscreen, and 46.2 (n=61) stated the opposite.  Most of the sunscreen users used SPF 30 or above, and also tended to wear it indoors. Unfortunately, 87.1% of the sunscreen users did not consider re-application necessary. Many women  were found to apply an unsatisfactory amount during regular use. When asked about improvements they would like, a majority of the participants expected cost effectiveness, lesser white-cast and lesser greasiness in their sunscreens. Additionally, it was found that other products used by the participants, such as moisturizers and make-up products majorly did not provide SPF protection. However, most of the women were satisfied with their sunscreen, with 68% of women finding sunscreen beneficia. A good lot also agreed that social media had helped eliminate their apprehension towards the product. Through this survey, we would like to steer attention towards the improved, positive outlook of South Asian women with regard to sunscreen, and their willingness to use sunscreen more proactively and efficiently, if more awareness were to be generated, and certain enhancements made by the cosmetic enterprises.