Impact of Social Media and Photo-Editing Practice on Seeking Cosmetic Dermatology Care

Abstract

Background The use of social media and photo-editing practice has grown enormously over the past decades. Photo editing can alter a person’s desire to look better in photographs posted on social media platforms. Objective To assess the cosmetic dermatology seeking behavior of social media users and those who edit photographs before posting them on social media platforms. Methods A validated self-administered structured questionnaire via Google form was sent to 550 social media users in Nepal. It included 5 sub-headings: use of social networking sites, photo-editing practices, awareness and motivation about cosmetic dermatology care, cosmetic dermatology care seeking behavior and self-esteem. Results Facebook and Instagram were the preferred social networking sites for posting photographs. One-fourth of the participants edited >40% of the total photos posted in social media. Hiding skin lesions was the most common reason (36.3%) for photograph editing. Fifty percent of the respondents felt the need to look better; repair skin damage; be able to look good without make up; look younger; feel happier and improve total quality of life as a “lot and top” motivation for using the cosmetic dermatological procedures. A majority preferred to seek cosmetic dermatology care from non-dermatologists because they felt dermatologist visit was not needed, the services were costly and they could not visit due to their busy schedule. On multivariate analysis, respondents who were aware of skin care favored seeking cosmetic dermatology care from dermatologists. Conclusion Higher investment in social media and photo-editing practices might be associated with increased non-dermatologist seeking behavior.

The Role of Social Media in Cosmetic Dermatology

“…The study observed that hiding skin lesions like, acne or acne scar, pigmentation, and dark circles were the most common reason for editing a photograph. Additionally, fifty percent of participants were dependent on appearance and had untagged themselves or removed a photo from social media when the photo was not digitally enhanced or edited to their liking [12].…”

“…In the modernized world, there have been so many photo editing applications launched which have allowed young people to enhance their effects. Out of all social media platforms, Facebook users account for about (86.4%) followed by YouTube (82%) and Instagram (81.1%) [12]. People have used social media in order to create awareness and motivation related to cosmetic dermatology care.…”

“…People have used social media in order to create awareness and motivation related to cosmetic dermatology care. Around 50% of participants declared the need for six motivational factors which motivate them for using cosmetic procedures they are as follows-to improve the quality of life, feel happy or between overall, look young or fresher, be able to look good without makeup, repair damage of the skin, to look between, prettier or more attractive to oneself [12].…”

Pelatihan Pengeditan Konten Produk Dengan Menggunakan Canva Bagi Pelaku Usaha Ekonomi Kreatif Desa Pengkok Kabupaten Gunungkidul

“…Dengan demikian pengguna juga dapat mengembangkan keterampilan mereka dalam menggunakan kamera dan juga meningkatkan permintaan pasar untuk produksi aplikasi seluler untuk pemrosesan foto digital [2]. Unggahan paling banyak ditemukan di media sosial, facebook dan instagram paling banyak dilakukan oleh pengguna smartphone untuk mengunggah hasil pengambilan gambarnya [3]. Selain itu, smartphone menyediakan aplikasi untuk editing foto yang jumlahnya lebih banyak dibandingan dengan kamera digital.…”

Direct and Indirect Roles of Men in Determining Women Decision to Use Laser Procedures for Skin Care

“…78 The rest of the studies reviewed indirectly express the role of men with the word beauty, such as have a clear looking or beautiful skin or looking young or fresher. 47,55,64 Other reasons are to look better, prettier, or more attractive to oneself. 55,64 Although the narrative is self-directed, the theory of sexual selection emphasizes that this is a sexual signal to the opposite sex.…”