Zhihong Zuo, Ben Wang, Minxue Shen, Hongfu Xie, Ji Li, Xiang Chen, Yiya Zhang
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3442

The pathogenesis of rosacea remains unclear but has been reported to correlate with skin barrier function. The objective of this study was to elucidate the skincare habits of Chinese adolescents and determine the relationship between skincare habits and rosacea. A university-based cross-sectional investigation included 310 rosacea cases and 3,129 healthy controls who underwent health examinations and completed a questionnaire about daily skincare habits. Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV is a protective factor against rosacea (adjusted adds ratio (aOR) 0.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22–0.72). Long bath duration (≥ 11 min, aOR 2.60; 95% CI 1.01–6.72) and frequent use of facial cleansers (≥ 2 times/day, aOR 1.70; 95% CI 1.17–2.36) were positively associated with rosacea, but bath frequency (p = 0.22), water temperature (p = 0.53), and sun protection (p = 0.65) were not associated with rosacea. Inappropriate skincare habits, including extended bath durations and frequent use of facial cleansers, significantly increase the risk of rosacea in Chinese adolescents.

The association between skincare habits and rosacea in adolescents who rarely use skincare is not clear. In this university-based cross-sectional study, including 310 cases of rosacea and 3,129 healthy controls, long bath durations (≥ 11 min) and frequent use of facial cleansers (≥ 2 times/day) are risk factors for rosacea. Bath frequency and water temperature, as well as sun protection use do not affect rosacea occurrence. Adolescents should try to avoid the overuse of facial cleansers and limit the duration of bathing to reduce the risk of rosacea.