Development and validation of a questionnaire to evaluate how a cosmetic product for oily skin is able to improve well-being in women.
BACKGROUND
Skin diseases are known to negatively affect self-image and to have detrimental psychosocial effects. Oily skin is a cosmetic skin problem that women often describe as 'invalidating'.


OBJECTIVE
To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the psychological and psychosocial effects of oily skin condition in women and the outcome of a targeted cosmetic skincare treatment.


METHODS
We developed and validated a concise 18-item questionnaire [oily skin self-image questionnaire (OSSIQ)] to assess perception, behavioural, and emotional consequences associated with oily skin condition. The questionnaire was then used to assess the effects of a skincare treatment for oily skin and compare them with sebum level measurements.


RESULTS
The 18-item questionnaire clearly distinguished the oily skin group from the control group. Responsiveness, reliability, and construct validity showed satisfactory performance. The questionnaire provided a relevant assessment of the psychological benefits associated with the skincare programme.


CONCLUSIONS
The OSSIQ is a valid tool that can be used to monitor the benefits of cosmetic skincare treatments.
Segot-Chicq
E
E
L'Oréal Recherche, Chevilly Larue, France. esegot@rd.loreal.com
Compan-Zaouati
D
D
Wolkenstein
P
P
Consoli
S
S
Rodary
C
C
Delvigne
V
V
Guillou
V
V
Poli
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D003358:Cosmetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012629:Sebum / Q000187:drug effects*; D017592:Skin Care; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003358:Cosmetics