Adolescent Skin Health Literacy Across Cultures

Adolescent skin health literacy is crucial in shaping long-term dermatological outcomes and emotional well-being, yet it varies significantly across diverse cultural and geographic contexts. This cross-national study examines how both contexts influence adolescents’ knowledge, perceptions, self-esteem, practices, and accessibility related to skincare. A self-administered survey was conducted among adolescents aged 15 to 19 from diverse backgrounds, with questions covering four sections: (1) dermatological knowledge, (2) skincare behaviors, (3) emotional and social perceptions, and (4) access to skin health resources. Responses were analyzed through two perspectives: cultural identity (CI) and current location (CL). CI was used to examine belief-based and perception-related questions, while CL guided analysis of behavior and access-related questions. This dual framework helped distinguish the influences of cultural norms from environmental and systemic factors. Results showed clear distinctions between cultural identity (CI) and current location (CL) in shaping adolescent skincare literacy and behavior. Among culturally Asian teens, 69% first learned about skincare from family, and 58% trusted influencers, compared to just 29% of Western teens in both categories. The social impact of skin issues was stronger for Asian females (77%) than for Western females (67%). CL-based patterns highlighted greater access and consistency in Western settings: 69% used sunscreen regularly (vs. 65% Asian CL), 38% followed skincare routines (vs. 12%), 56% understood ingredients (vs. 35%), and 88% had access to dermatologists (vs. 53%). Gender gaps were evident as well; girls reported higher routine engagement, ingredient literacy, and social sensitivity, while boys showed lower confidence impact. These findings suggest that CI informs beliefs, but CL exerts a stronger influence on behavior and access. These findings lead to the need for culturally responsive and scientifically accurate skincare education. Public health initiatives that address both sociocultural beliefs and systemic barriers to access may help reduce the knowledge gap and promote healthier skin and emotional wellness globally.