Association of Social Media-Driven Cosmetic Consumption With Skin Barrier Damage, Delayed Medical Consultation, and Disease Severity in Acne Vulgaris: A Physician-Assessed Cross-Sectional Study
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol.25, no.7, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 25 Issue: 7
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1111/jocd.71020
- Journal Name: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: acne vulgaris, barrier damage, cosmetic polypharmacy, health literacy, patient behavior, social media
- Kayseri University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Objective: Social media content influences cosmetic consumption among acne patients; however, its clinical consequences remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association of social media-driven cosmetic consumption, information sources, and cosmetic awareness levels with clinical outcomes (barrier damage, acne severity, delayed medical consultation) in acne vulgaris patients. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in 408 acne patients presenting to a dermatology outpatient clinic. Social media usage habits, dermocosmetic term awareness, and product consumption behaviors were assessed using a structured data collection form, while acne severity, barrier damage, and cosmetic polypharmacy history were evaluated by an attending dermatologist. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman correlation, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The mean age of participants was 20.9 ± 5.1 years, and 77.5% were female. Barrier damage was significantly higher in patients who purchased products through social media (64.3% vs. 10.2%; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, social media-driven product purchase (OR = 3.25; p = 0.002) and delayed medical consultation (OR = 6.65; p < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for barrier damage. TikTok users exhibited greater delays in seeking medical care (66.7% vs. 49.0%; p = 0.028) and higher rates of severe acne compared with Instagram users. Paradoxically, a higher number of known dermocosmetic terms was associated with increased barrier damage risk and delayed consultation, a pattern that may reflect superficial rather than clinically applicable knowledge. Conversely, following dermatologist accounts emerged as an independent protective factor against barrier damage (OR = 0.28; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Social media-driven cosmetic consumption is strongly associated with barrier damage and worsening clinical disease severity in acne patients. Increasing evidence-based content production by dermatologists on social media platforms may positively contribute to the patient care process.