1764 - EXPLORING THE LINKS BETWEEN COSMETIC HABITS AND WOMEN'S WELL-BEING: INSIGHTS FROM THE NAGAHAMA COHORT

Session: D08S0020 - Individual & Personality Determinants of Well-Being 3
AUTHORS:
Courrèges Sandra (IRD, Chanel Parfums Beauté ~ Pantin ~ France) , Latreille Julie (IRD, Chanel Parfums Beauté ~ Pantin ~ France) , Harada Yasuko (IRD, Chanel Parfums Beauté ~ Tokyo ~ Japan) , Couderc Sandrine (IRD, Chanel Parfums Beauté ~ Tokyo ~ Japan) , André Nada (IRD, Chanel Parfums Beauté ~ Pantin ~ France) , Matsuda Fumihiko (Center for Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University ~ Kyoto ~ Japan) , Bardel Marie-Héloïse (IRD, Chanel Parfums Beauté ~ Pantin ~ France) , Ben Khalifa Youcef (IRD, Chanel Parfums Beauté ~ Pantin ~ France)
Abstract text:
Introduction:
Despite their widespread use among women worldwide, cosmetics remain understudied in scientific psychology. Yet, cosmetics play a significant role in women's daily routines and may contribute to their well-being.
Objective:
The present research investigates the relationships between cosmetic use, well-being, self-esteem, and appearance of health and age among Japanese women, utilizing data from the Nagahama cohort.
Methods:
Two studies were conducted within this cohort.
Study 1: 989 participants, aged 34-79, completed questionnaires on well-being and self-esteem (Rosenberg scale), and reported their overall cosmetic usage. Standardized photographs of their bare faces were taken and later rated for perceived health and age by 200 naïve assessors. Statistical analyses, including correlation and PLS-PM modeling, explored direct and indirect links among the variables.
Study 2: In a subsequent wave, 893 participants, aged 40-79, completed similar questionnaires, supplemented with the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) and a detailed assessment of skincare and makeup habits. Hierarchical clustering identified profiles based on 13 cosmetic usage questions, and the relations between these clusters and the scores of the PWBS dimensions were analized.
Results:
Study 1 revealed both direct and indirect relationships between cosmetic use, well-being, self-esteem, perceived health and perceived age. Study 2 identified five main cosmetic usage profiles, each differentially associated with specific PWBS well-being dimensions. Notably, daily cosmetic usage was positively linked to the dimensions of self-acceptance, positive relations with others, personal growth and environmental mastery.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that cosmetic use is meaningfully linked to well-being among women. Further research, including interventional designs, is needed to clarify how cosmetics impact psychological health. Then, exploring the psychological dimensions of everyday practices like cosmetic use could enrich both research and practical approaches to women's well-being.