Association of Shaving Frequency with Acne Vulgaris in Young Adults

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Puguh Riyanto
Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia
Annasia Mayasari
Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological disorder affecting individuals of all ages, with the highest prevalence observed among adolescents and young adults. While the etiology of acne is multifactorial, shaving has been hypothesized as a potential contributor due to its capacity to induce skin irritation and inflammation. However, the correlation between shaving frequency and acne occurrence remains insufficiently investigated. This study aims to assess the relationship between the frequency of facial shaving and the occurrence of acne vulgaris in individuals aged 18 to 25 years. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted involving 15 respondents aged 18 to 25 years. Participants with varying shaving frequencies completed a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-Square test and Fisher’s Exact test to evaluate the association between shaving frequency and the presence of acne. Of the 15 participants, 66.7% were male. A total of 53.3% reported frequent shaving, and 73.3% reported experiencing acne. Although a descriptive trend suggested a higher incidence of acne among those who shaved frequently, the statistical analysis indicated no significant association between shaving frequency and acne occurrence (p > 0.05). No statistically significant association between shaving frequency and the occurrence of acne vulgaris. The absence of a significant association may be caused by small sample size and the multifactorial nature of acne pathogenesis, which vary in individual shaving techniques, skincare product usage, and skin type. Further research with a larger sample size and broader variable inclusion is recommended to obtain more conclusive evidence.


Keywords: Acne vulgaris, shaving frequency, facial grooming, dermatology
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