Lina M. Bernier Colón
Krytsia A. Negrón Lugo
Kiara M. Cardona Jordan
Beatriz A. Morales Grimany
Claudia B. Cruzado Cordero
Dra. Eneida De La Torre
Universidad Central del Caribe
Introduction
Skin health awareness is crucial in tropical climates such as Puerto Rico, where prolonged sun exposure is common. Social media has emerged as a key source of health-related information, including dermatological care. This study aims to evaluate the influence of social media on skin awareness and preventive skincare practices among adults aged 21 to 60 in Puerto Rico. Additionally, it seeks to identify the primary sources of skin health information in this population. We hypothesize that social media positively impacts preventive skincare routines and overall skin health awareness.
Methods
A cross-sectional study will be conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed to a convenience sample of 300 participants. The survey will assess sociodemographic data, skincare habits, sun exposure behaviors, and sources of dermatological information. Statistical analyses, including Student’s t-test and two-way ANOVA, will be used to evaluate associations between social media exposure and skin awareness levels.
Results
Preliminary data suggests that a significant proportion of participants rely on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for skincare information. Trends indicate that individuals who frequently engage with social media-based dermatological content report higher levels of skin awareness and adherence to preventive skincare practices, such as sunscreen use and dermatological consultations.
Conclusion
Social media plays a pivotal role in shaping skin health awareness and preventive skincare behaviors among Puerto Rican adults. These findings highlight the potential of digital platforms as tools for dermatological education and public health promotion. Future studies should explore the credibility of online skincare information and its long-term impact on health behaviors.
Keywords
Social media, skin health awareness, preventive skincare
IRB Approval Number
2025-13
