The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dermocosmetic Application Demand in North Cyprus

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In the literature, it has been reported that during the pandemic period, people's interest in dermocosmetic applications for facial rejuvenation increased and there was a greater demand for minimally invasive procedures. According to our literature search, we could not find any data on how the pandemic affected the dermocosmetic practices and personal care habits of the people living in North Cyprus. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the demand for dermocosmetic application methods during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period and to compare any changes with the cosmetic application habits of people during the pre-pandemic and the pandemic periods.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to 153 patients who applied to our outpatient clinic for dermocosmetic applications between March, 2020 and December, 2021. Questions were asked about changes in the usage of anti-aging products, hair changes, nail applications and make-up habits between the pre-pandemic period and the pandemic period. In addition, the frequency of dermocosmetic applications was also investigated. The type of protective face mask used, the duration of daily mask usage, and dermatological complaints related to the mask were all reported on.RESULTS: The dermocosmetic procedures requested during the pandemic period were mainly botulinum toxin (55%) and medical skin care (54.2%), as well as filler (11.1%), platelet-rich plasma injection (6.5%) and mesotherapy (4%). Of the 153 people who applied for dermocosmetic application during the pandemic period, 84 in our study (54.9%) reported that they were having this application for the first time in their lives.CONCLUSION: During the pandemic period, the demand for dermocosmetic applications continued, and it was noteworthy that even those who had not had this habit prior to the pandemic started having these applications.