Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Date of Submission

2025-07-09

Advisor

Dr. Shameel Khan, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts

Committee

Hajrah Rahman

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Restricted Access

Keywords

Acne, skincare, skincare routine, self-esteem, confidence

Abstract

Acne is more than just a dermatological condition; it is an experience that can deeply affect one’s psychological wellbeing, particularly self-esteem. This research investigates the impact of skincare routine on self-esteem among individuals with acne. It tests whether individuals who have acne and a skincare routine have a higher self-esteem as an outcome, compared to those who have acne and do not have a skincare routine. The study also explores factors other than skincare routine and acne, that contribute to higher, or lower self-esteem within individuals. It examines whether family dynamics, other environmental factors, such as adverse social experiences, and cultural factors, have an effect on individuals’ self-esteem, as well as their perceptions of acne and themselves.

While acne is often dismissed as a temporary or superficial concern, for many it becomes a persistent source of emotional distress, influencing how they see themselves and how they believe others perceive them. This study follows a mixed methods approach, employing a quantitative online survey and a qualitative semi-structured interview. Participants recruited through purposive sampling, with elements of convenience sampling, included individuals with acne, aged 18-25 years, who were born and living in Pakistan. The quantitative findings reveal that there is no statistically significant relationship between skincare routine and self-esteem, among individuals with acne. Contrastingly, the qualitative findings report that skincare routine leads to an improvement in self-esteem in individuals with acne. The research also concludes that a consistent skincare routine contributes to a higher and improved self-esteem among individuals with acne. Lastly, the study emphasises the importance of early psychoeducation to reduce stigma surrounding acne, foster self-acceptance, and encourage timely help-seeking.

Pages

85

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