The COVID‐19 pandemic: Psychological and behavioral responses to the shutdown of the beauty industry

Abstract

Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia implemented widespread closure of beauty and cosmetic services to control the virus spread. The effect of these restrictions is unknown, given that beauty services are widely used for stress relief or to enhance confidence. The current study explored the relationship between engagement in appearance-focused behaviors and distress regarding beauty service closure. Participants with high and low levels of dysmorphic concern were compared to determine whether COVID-19 restrictions may affect these groups differently. Method: An online survey was completed by 216 participants living in Australia. Questions addressed engagement in appearance-focused behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and attitudes toward beauty service closure. The Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) was used to group participants by low and high dysmorphic concern. Results: Appearance-focused behaviors decreased in the low DCQ group (n = 163) during the COVID-19 pandemic, while such behaviors in the high DCQ group (n = 53) remained unchanged. Individuals who were living alone, younger, reported higher dysmorphic concern and greater distress over beauty service closure engaged in more frequent appearance-focused behaviors (R 2 = .57, p < .001). The high DCQ group reported greater distress over beauty service closure and increased desire to obtain future beauty treatments. Discussion: While COVID-19 restrictions may have provided a break from societal appearance pressure for those with low dysmorphic concern, appearance-focused behaviors persisted in individuals with high dysmorphic concern. A greater understanding of the long-term impacts on appearance-related distress is needed to determine mental health priorities emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public interest in dermatologic symptoms, conditions, treatments, and procedures during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Insights from Google Trends

“…First of all, the extended duration of lockdown and stay‐at‐home policies might have caused visible and frequent facial lesions such as acne, rosacea, comedones, and melasma to draw greater attention. Accordingly, a recent report showed an increase in appearance‐focused behaviors (eg, mirror checking, appearance comparisons) in patients with higher dysmorphic concern during the COVID‐19 pandemic due to the closure of beauty services 33 . Moreover, another study reported an association between COVID‐19‐related stress negative body image in adults 34 .…”

“…13 Another finding of this study was the initially decreased interest in "comedones, acne, melasma, rosacea, Botox, Dermaroller, peeling, showed an increase in appearance-focused behaviors (eg, mirror checking, appearance comparisons) in patients with higher dysmorphic concern during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the closure of beauty services. 33 Moreover, another study reported an association between COVID-19-related stress negative body image in adults. 34 The subsequent increase of interest in cosmetic procedures such as botulinum toxin injections, dermaroller, and chemical peeling may also be explained by these findings.…”

Recognition and the development potential of mobile shopping of customized cosmetic on untact coronavirus disease 2019 period: Focused on 40's to 60's women in Seoul, Republic of Korea

“…COVID-19 high-speed radio waves must be used to observe individual and social health problems that may cause them to stay home at social distances. [21][22][23] These issues have a direct impact on consumer behavior in online shopping. 24 The recent spread of AR and VR applications that utilize smartphone technology has increased with the universalization of smartphone adoption.…”

Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on population level interest in Skincare: Evidence from a google trends-based Infodemiology study

“…This increment in Chile could be happened due to the lockdown (150 days) restriction which had seen to cause the sleeping problem, screen exposure, and disruption in behavioral appearance. 1,2 Of all Americas countries, the USA was hit hard by most COVID-19 cases and deaths (WHO). This surge of cases caused a huge impact on the healthcare system in the USA such as in diabetics to care, substantial racial and ethnic disparities, and cognitive heart failure, etc.…”

“…1 People of dysmorphic concern usually went to Beaty Service for improving their behavioral appearance through engagement and practice are now having higher dysmorphic concern for “Stay Home” order. 2 In addition, dermatitis patients who have skin problems like hair and scalp diseases usually needed to take treatment from hospitals now also suffering from this situation. 3…”