Abstract
Background: Acne vulgaris (AV) is known as an inflammatory skin condition of the pilosebaceous units. The American Academy of Dermatology issued a widely used conventional acne treatment. However, despite the established therapy, a considerable number of patients rely on self-medication. Individuals seek knowledge about acne from various sources, including social media, which has become a major platform to obtain knowledge for several years now. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of social media on acne care among individuals with AV in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of individuals (n = 530) with AV who were aged 18 years and above, with access to social media in Saudi Arabia. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.
Results: The majority of the participants were female (77.5%; 411), and nearly half of the participants used social media as guidance for acne treatment (51.9%; 275). Furthermore, social media was the first approach to acne treatment among 78 (28.4%) participants; the most preferred platform was Instagram (54.9%).
Conclusion: The practice of self-medication for AV is prevalent among the Saudi population. Social media has become a source to obtain acne treatment from non-medical posts. These perceptions may influence acne regression or aggravation. Thus, dermatologists need to have a presence throughout social media to gain a better understanding of their patients’ views and actions in order to offer answers and disqualify any unrealistic expectations.

Key words: Acne vulgaris, social media, products