Acne vulgaris is one of the most common global skin conditions, affecting around 85% of individuals aged 12–25. It results from chronic inflammation in the pilosebaceous units and is influenced by various internal and external factors such as hormones, stress, diet, and hygiene. Blocked pores from oil, dirt, and sweat can aggravate acne, making facial hygiene an essential preventive measure. This study investigated whether the frequency of facial cleansing impacts acne prevalence among first-year medical students at Ahmad Dahlan University.
Condensed Methods
A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was conducted using questionnaires and facial examinations among 80 medical students (out of an initial 94). Participants with hormonal disorders or heavy cosmetic use were excluded. The frequency of facial washing was categorized as either positive or negative behavior. Data were analyzed using univariate statistics for descriptive data and chi-square tests for identifying relationships between facial washing frequency and acne occurrence.
Key Findings
- Prevalence: 47.5% of the 80 students had visible signs of acne vulgaris.
- Facial Washing Habits: 50% of participants practiced positive facial hygiene; 50% practiced negative hygiene.
- Gender Distribution: 72.5% of participants were female. Among acne-positive cases, 32 were female and 6 were male.
- Negative Hygiene Correlation: 75% (30 of 40) of those with negative washing habits had acne.
- Positive Hygiene Correlation: Only 20% (8 of 40) of those with positive hygiene habits showed acne signs.
- Statistical Significance: A strong association was found between infrequent facial washing and acne occurrence (p = 0.000), confirming statistical significance.
- Recommended Practice: Washing the face 2–3 times per day is supported as optimal, while more than 5 times a day may irritate the skin and worsen acne due to disruption of the skin barrier and excess oil production.
This study demonstrated a significant relationship between facial washing frequency and acne vulgaris in medical students. Regular facial hygiene (2–3 times daily) appears effective in minimizing acne occurrence, while both under- and over-cleansing may contribute to flare-ups. These findings highlight facial hygiene as a modifiable and non-pharmacological risk factor in acne prevention. The results support incorporating proper cleansing education into public health initiatives. Future research should explore broader behavioral aspects and assess long-term impacts of facial hygiene routines on acne management.
Link to the study: https://journal2.uad.ac.id/index.php/admj/article/view/12580/5517
