Hygienic and cosmetic care habits in polish women during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic influences a lot of aspects of human life. Particularly, hygienic habits are affected.

Objectives: Changes in washing and cosmetic standards during the pandemic toward the past are in the focus of our interest.

Material and methods: The questionnaire study was conducted anonymously in 140 women. The examination concerned pre- and during-pandemic routine hygiene activities such as hands washing, hair washing, bathing, the use of disinfectants, and use of specific type of cosmetics.

Results and discussion: Compared were data before and during pandemic. Responders declared increased handwashing and taking shower after coming back home and after using local city transportation. We found also that increased use of disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic. In contrary to that, number of people washing their hair decreased slightly. Work documents that profile of used cosmetics was changed; increasing hand cream use and decreasing in makeup cosmetics. Nearly, half of the respondents declare that they will maintain new habits also after the pandemic has ended.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; cosmetics; disinfectants; handwashing; hygienic habits.