Make-up improves the quality of life of acne patients without aggravating acne eruptions during treatments

Eur J Dermatol. 2005 Jul-Aug;15(4):284-7.

Abstract

Boehncke et al. suggested that decorative cosmetics can improve the quality of life (QOL) of skin diseases. But dermatologists sometimes discourage female acne patients from applying make-up since decorative cosmetics are considered one of the aggravating factors for acne eruptions. The purpose of this study is to assess whether make-up application interferes with acne treatments and how QOL changes when the make-up items are designed for acne patients and used in order to disguise acne eruptions. Eighteen female acne patients were trained by a make-up artist and advised to apply acne-designed basic and decorative cosmetics for 2 to 4 weeks while their acne was appropriately treated. The acne-severity and QOL of patients were assessed before and after the study. The results revealed that the number of acne eruptions decreased even though patients were applying make-up. The QOL scores of Skindex-16, GHQ30 and anxiety state index greatly improved. Our results suggest that dermatologists should encourage acne patients to utilize appropriate make-up to improve their QOL.

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / pathology
  • Acne Vulgaris / psychology*
  • Acne Vulgaris / therapy*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cosmetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Quality of Life*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Cosmetics