FACULTY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

SEMESTER FEBRUARY – JULY 2020

EWC661

ENGLISH FOR REPORT WRITING

FINAL REPORT

“ADDICTION TOWARDS SKINCARE AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA (UiTM) SHAH ALAM CAMPUS“

PREPARED BY

NAME STUDENT ID

ALISSA FARINA BINTI AIDI ZAMRI 2019495378

FARAH AIDA BINTI MD AZMAN 2019452304

NUR SHAFFIKHA BINITI AZMI 2019653978

GROUP
EH2204J

DATE OF SUBMISSION
29th JUNE 2020
 SUMMARY

The objectives of this study were to study frequency of female students in UITM Shah
Alam using skincare products, to find out reasons of female students in UITM Shah Alam using
skincare products and to investigate the effects of using skincare products among female students
in University Teknologi MARA (UITM) Shah Alam. Thus, thirty respondents of undergraduate
female students from the Chemical Engineering Faculty in UITM Shah Alam were chosen. The
study utilized graphic analysis and presented results in percentage. It was found that majority of
the respondents used skincare twice a day. The study also found that most of the respondents spent
their money on skincare products which cost them in the range of RM31 to RM70. Other than that,
majority of the respondents have indicated that they are influenced by the ingredient in the skincare
product purchase. Next, the study found that the main personal reason of respondents on the usage
of skincare is for personal hygiene. It can also be concluded that majority of the respondents agreed
on moisturiser as the product that has showed most significant effects on the skin which made
them healthier. These have proven that the addiction towards skincare among female students in
UITM Shah Alam are widespread and have showed significant benefits to them.

I
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly, we cannot express enough gratitude to everyone who has contributed so much for
the completion of this report. Much appreciation goes to our lecturer, Dr. Che Mahamad Azmi
Che Mahmood for all the learning opportunities, countless amount of support and has contributed
us with much needed suggestions to complete this report in a well-ordered manner. Also, many
thanks to all the respondents in answering our questionnaires. Without their help, it would make
this report meaningless. Finally, not to forget the love and support given from our families, in all
aspects being it mentally and financially. Their attentiveness to has made us gradually finish this
report on time. Thank you.

II
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY I
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT II
TABLE OF CONTENTS III
LIST OF FIGURES IV
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study 1
1.2 Problem Statement 2
1.3 Objectives of the Study 3
1.4 Significance of the Study 4
1.5 Scope of the Study 4
1.6 Terms of Reference 5
2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 Respondents of the Study 6
2.2 Instruments of the Study 6
2.3 Data Collection Procedure 6
2.4 Data Analysis Method 6
3.0 FINDINGS
3.1 Introduction of Findings 7
3.2 Background of the Respondents 7
3.3 Frequency of Using Skincare 8
3.4 Reasons of Using Skincare 10
3.5 Effects of Using Skincare 12
3.6 Summary of Findings 14
4.0 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Conclusions 15
4.2 Recommendations 16
5.0 REFERENCES 17
5.0 APPENDIX 19

III
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Title of Figure Page

3.3.1 The Frequency of Daily Skincare Usage among Female Students 8

3.3.2 The Amount of Money Spent on the Skincare Products by Female Students 9

3.4.1 The Factors Influencing the Purchase on the Skincare Products among Female Students 10

3.4.2 The Personal Reasons on the Usage of Skincare Products among Female Students 11

3.5.1 The Effects of Skincare Products among Female Students 12

3.5.2 The Social Effects of Using Skincare Products among Female Students 13

IV
 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The cosmetic skincare industry, which started growing in the early 1990s, is expanding
exponentially. Nowadays, even teenagers are introduced to the usage of skincare. With more
women and men becoming conscious of their beauty and willing to spend on their grooming. Not
only have more people started using cosmetic products, they are also willing to pay more to look
good. This is particularly due to trends that have affected people globally that taking care of your
skin has huge benefits.

As the popularity of skincare increases, there are problems that arises due to the usage of
skincare as well. Increased media exposure and the willingness to spend more on personal care,
consciousness about looks, and advertisements and promotions targeting various consumer
segments are some of the reasons for these trends in consumption and penetration. Women are
constantly bombarded with images of what our society deems as beautiful. As a result, women
tend to feel inadequate and their feelings of confidence and expectations of self are affected.

Skincare brings to mind three things, which are skin cancer, dry skin, and a long aisle of
beauty products at the drug store but it is more than just a surface-level concern. A skincare routine
might sound like a high level maintenance, not only is it necessary but they are easy to implement.
Proper skincare is often overlooked, though it is important to have. Proper skincare not only
improves your overall beauty and good health, it also affects your self-confidence.

When you develop a skin condition, not only will it affect your physical appearance but
your emotional and mental well-being as well. Thus, by taking care of your skin, you will enjoy a
healthier, younger looking appearance without unwanted skin conditions that are known to lower
self-esteem.

Good and effective skincare methods are by using cleanser, exfoliator, toner, serum,
moisturizer and sunscreen. Benefits that quality skincare provide are similar to what healthy food
does for your body, it improves the skin health, protection against environmental damage such as
pollution, help fights the effect of aging such as wrinkles and sunspots and target specific skincare
issues like acne and blemishes.

1
 Though there are many benefits to skincare, there are also the negatives of it. Some skincare
usage can show ineffective results, cause infection and allergic reactions such as rashes due to
improper selection of skincare. It can also worsen problems like clogging the pores and causing
breakouts. This disadvantages can contribute to some people overspending in purchasing skincare
products excessively that they do not need or is unfit for them causing an environmental issue that
is chemical waste. Thus, to avoid these issues, it is essential for people to learn more about their
skin and the ingredients that are in the skincare product.

1.2 Problem Statement

To cope with their university life, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) students must have
good appearance as it is one of the factors in showing their confidence. The fact that skincare has
become popular among female students has made student life even more challenging. The issue of
the female students attitudes towards the use of skincare are concerning as they would spending
excessively with lack of knowledge on the skincare routine.

Not only have more female students started using skincare, they are also willing to pay
more to look and feel good. With more students becoming conscious of their beauty and willing
to spend on their grooming, this industry has been growing for the last few years. No wonder now
the shelves are stocked with a plethora of products and brands, targeted at various segments,
catering to the various needs of customers. Ideally, female students should only use what they need
for their best skin result. But in reality, they use too much unnecessary skincare products due to
the influence of media social and society towards skincare promotions. As a result, this will cause
them waste of money and products if the products do not suit them.

In addition, female students use skincare is partly due to their concern for their complexion
and how they feel about themselves when others look at their blemished skin. Such use of skincare
may help to boost a woman's sense of confidence in her appearance, thus making her more self-
assured idea that confidence is achieved when physical appearance matches the situation.
Generally, women are more psychological required to maintain their beauty and increase the
attractiveness. It has been found that women are more sensitive to body image compared to men.

2
1.2.1 Ideal:-

Female students of UITM Shah Alam only use skincare products that are fit for them by having a
good skincare routine.

1.2.2 Reality:-

Female students of UITM Shah Alam purchase multiple skincare products without knowing their
skin conditions.

1.2.3 Consequences:-

Female students of UITM Shah Alam tend to overspend their money and develop other skin
conditions due to improper selection of skincare.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this study is to study the addiction towards skincare among female students of
different courses in UiTM Shah Alam. This study suggests several research objectives to be
attained as follows:

1.3.1 What:-

To study frequency of using skincare among female students in UITM Shah Alam. The subjects
of this study will be 30 students from faculty namely, Faculty of Chemical Engineering in UiTM
Shah Alam.

1.3.2 Why:-

To find out the reasons of using skincare among female students in UITM Shah Alam. Therefore,
this study will prove on the result of using skincare products among female students in UITM Shah
Alam.

3
1.3.3 How:-

To investigate the effects of skincare products among female students in UITM Shah Alam. The
female students in UITM Shah Alam should know their skin type before purchasing or using
skincare products. This study will show how much female students that acknowledge the basic of
skincare routine according to the skin type and the effects of using the skincare products.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study will assist the segmenting variables such as the frequency, reasons and effects
of using skincare among female students in UITM Shah Alam. This research is significant with
respect to its focus on identify the buying behavior that become the reasons of using skincare
among the female students in UITM Shah Alam with dependent variables such as social media,
trends and peers. We aim to alert the female students in UTM Shah Alam on how important to
have knowledge on skincare routine before purchasing the skincare products. This will help the
female students in UITM Shah Alam to be able to discover the proper attitude and benefits of using
skincare. Furthermore, this study will help the university to find out female students’ health in
UITM Shah Alam through skin condition. There is a finding that female students that have skin
problem is due to stress caused by the problems they are facing. We collect data from 30 students
from Faculty of Chemical Engineering in UITM Shah Alam.

1.5 Scope of the Study

There are several potential scope and limitations in this study. The study will be conducted
among 30 female students from Faculty of Chemical Engineering in UITM Shah Alam. Since the
instrument will be used for this study is questionnaires, the results from the female students' who
use skincare products might differ if the skin conditions are different. The reasons and effects of
using skincare may also influence the students’ responses.

Therefore, the sample size is limited to only female students from Faculty of Chemical
Engineering in UITM Shah Alam. Due to Movement Restriction Orders that is current happening,
we have limited access to respondents since we cannot find and meet them. Instead, we need to
distribute the questionnaire to the female students from Faculty of Chemical Engineering in UITM
Shah Alam only through online platform such as WhatsApp, Telegram and other social media.
Thus, the results cannot be generalized to all UiTM campuses as we must conduct this study only
in UITM Shah Alam.
4
1.6 TERMS OF REFERENCE

On 15th March, the English for Report Writing lecturer (EWC661), Dr Che Mahamad
Azmi Bin Che Mahmood instructed Alissa Farina Binti Aidi Zamri, Farah Aida Binti Md Azman
and Nur Shaffikha Binti Azmi to conduct a study and write a report on the “Addiction towards
Skincare among Female Students in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam Campus”.
This report was submitted on 22nd June 2020.

5
2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Respondent of the Study

The respondents of this study will be 30 students from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering course
at University Teknologi Mara Shah Alam. In this study, respondents will be selected from our
classmates and batch mates.

2.2 Instruments of the Study

Questionnaire is chosen as the instrument of the study to collect information from the respondents.
The method is chosen because it is an effective way of collecting the data from the respondents.
This questionnaire was designed to measure the information classified into three different variable
segments which are frequency, reasons and effects of using skincare. There will be 20 questions
in the questionnaire.

2.3 Data Gathering Procedure

Thirty questionnaires will be distributed to the respondents of the faculty premises. The
questionnaires will be given to female students only since our scope is limited to the females. In
the amidst of online classes, questionnaires through online will be posted to mutual.

2.4 Data Analysis method

To find out the data analysis, Microsoft Excel will be the tool to classify the collected data. This
study will be used as descriptive analysis in analyzing the data. The analyzed data will be converted
from frequency count into percentages and presented in charts using Microsoft Excel.

6
 3.0 FINDINGS

3.1 Introduction of Findings

This chapter provides the facts of the result deriving from the responses of the questionnaires, and
to be understandable, the statics values and corresponding graphs are in shown in figure 3.3.1 to
3.5.2.

3.2 Analysis of Respondents Background

A questionnaire consisting of twenty questions was distributed to thirty respondents of

undergraduate students from the Chemical Engineering Faculty. The demographic details were on
age, residences, the semester of the study and financial assistant. All of the respondents’ age ranged
from 21 to 25 years old. Out of thirty respondents, 63.3% which is more than half of the
respondents were non-residents, 23.3% of the respondents were stayed in Kolej Melati. 10.0%
were stayed in Kolej Mawar and the remaining respondents of 3.3% were stayed in Kolej Anggerik.
Most respondents with 83.3% were in between semester 3 and 4. 13.3% were in between 5 and 6
and the remaining 3.3% were in semester 7 and above. For the financial assistant among the
respondents, the highest percentage recorded is 46.7% for financial that comes from parents. 3.7%
were the academic loans, 6.7% were the scholarships and self-sponsorships and 3.4% were the
state foundation.

7
3.3 Frequency of using skincare among female students in UiTM Shah Alam

3.3.1 The frequency of daily skincare usage among female student

Usage

Number of
respondents

Figure 3.3.1 Frequency of daily skincare usage among female students

Based on the above chart, 76.7% showed the highest percentage recorded were taken as most
respondents used their skincare products twice in a day. While 16.7% of the respondents were
using the skincare only once in a day and the remaining 10.0% indicated that they used the skincare
more than three times in a day. There was only 3.3% of the respondents that stated that the number
of skincare products usage much more than the provided options. This also indicated all of the
respondents use skincare in their daily routine as the never option has not been chosen by any of
them.

8
3.3.2 The amount of money spent on the skincare products by female students

Amount of
money

Number of
respondents
Figure 3.3.2 Amount of money spent on the skincare products by female students

Based on the above chart, the result has been analysed that 40.0% of the respondents spent their
money on skincare products which cost them in the range of RM31 to RM70. The second highest
percentage which was 33.3% spent in the range of RM71 to RM150 for their skincare products.
16.7% of the total respondents spent only less than RM30 for their skincare products while the left
of 10% spent their money on the skincare products for RM150 and above. This showed that most
respondents most likely did not spend much their money on skincare products.

9
3.4 Reasons of using skincare products among female students in UiTM Shah Alam

3.4.1 The factors influencing the purchase on the skincare products among female students

Factors

Number of
respondents

Figure 3.4.1 Factors influencing the purchase on the skincare products among female students

Based on the bar chart above, the main factor influencing the respondents is the ingredient in the
skincare product with the percentage of 68.2%. The second highest percentage is 59.1% on the
testimony factor. Besides that, 50% respondents suggested that the price has influenced them on
purchasing the skincare products. Two factors which are absorption and brand were shown the
same result with a percentage of 31.8% chose by the respondents. Next, the second lowest
percentage was at 27.3% where the respondents chose texture as the factor influencing them on
buying skincare products. Finally, the lowest percentage with only 4.5% found that packaging
factor have influenced them on purchasing skincare products. This indicates that the female
students in UITM Shah Alam are influenced by the ingredient in the skincare product purchase.

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3.4.2 The personal reasons on the usage of skincare products among female students

Personal
reasons

Number of
respondents

Figure 3.4.2 Personal reasons on the usage of skincare products among female students

Based on the chart above, the main personal reason on the usage of skincare is for personal hygiene
as shown in Figure 3.4.3 with 58% of them agreeing to this. The second reason was for
attractiveness with 50%, followed by for medical reasons with 36.7%. The second lowest
percentage with 23.3% for anti-aging and lastly, the remaining number percentage with 20%
respondents chose social acceptance as their personal reason. This result proves that the female
students in UITM Shah Alam used skincare products for their personal hygiene.

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 3.5 Effects of using skincare products among female students in UiTM Shah Alam

3.5.1 List of skincare products that have shown effects towards the skin among female
students

List of skincare products

Number of
respondent
s

Figure 3.5.1 List of skincare products that have shown effects towards the skin among female
students

Based on the bar chart above, 77.4% chose moisturizer as the product that showed effects towards
their skin while 51.6% choose toner, 45.2% chose serum, 38.7% chose essence, 16.1% chose
exfoliator and 9.7% chose treatment products. This indicates that moisturizer is the product that
showed most effects towards the skin.

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3.5.2 Social effects of using skincare products among female students

Social effects

Number of
respondents

Figure 3.5.2 Social effects of using skincare products among female students

From the bar chart above, 71% have chosen healthier as the social effects of using skincare.
Meanwhile, 61.3% have chosen more confident, 51.6% chose better appearance, 12.9% chose
more sociable and 12.9% chose less stress. This indicates that majority of the respondents achieve
a healthier feeling after using skincare.

13
3.6 Summary of Findings

3.6.1 Based on the findings and discussions, it can be concluded that majority of the respondents
use skincare twice a day and spend in the range of of RM31 to RM70 per skincare product which
they repurchase every 2 to 4 months.

3.6.2 Next, personal hygiene was chosen by majority of the respondents the reason for personal
usage of skincare products among the respondents. Moreover, they chose confidence booster as
the social reason of their usage of skincare.

3.6.3 Finally, the respondents feel much healthier after using skincare products. The skincare
product that have shown greatest effect towards the skin is the moisturizer. This is due to
moisturizer that acts as a protective barrier for the skin.

14
 4.0 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Conclusions

4.1.1 Based on this study, it can be concluded that majority of the respondents use skincare a
couple times a day and spend a minimum of RM31 per skincare product which they repurchase
every 2 to 4 months. This shows that the skincare usage frequency among the respondents is
above average.

4.1.2 Moreover, personal hygiene was chosen as the most cited reason for personal usage of
skincare products among the respondents. This can be seen from the variety skin condition
problems they faced with their skin as confidence booster was chosen as the social reason of their
usage of skincare. To do so, the respondents choose to gain more knowledge to avoid spending
money on the wrong products to avoid unnecessary stress.

4.1.3 Finally, the respondents feel much healthier, more confident and better appearance-wise after
using skincare products as a daily routine. The skincare product that have shown greatest effect
towards the skin is the moisturizer. This is due to moisturizer that acts as a protective barrier for
the skin. Hence, with healthy skin, the respondents will not be affected academically as majority
of them choose none for academic effects of using skincare products.

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4.2 Recommendations

Based on the conclusions, it is recommended that:

4.2.1 The female students of UiTM Shah Alam to properly understand their skin problems
to avoid purchasing unsuitable skincare products by reading articles and watching
informative videos online.
4.2.2 The beauty store or any skincare outlet to give a consultation on skincare regimes to
broaden the knowledge on skincare among the buyers.
4.2.3 The company producing skincare products to produce more affordable skincare
products.

16
 REFERENCES

Bailey. R. Leslie. (2011) A study of the factors impacting women's purchases of anti-aging
skincare products (Doctoral dissertation, uga).

Dai, B., & Pelton, L. E. (2018). Exploring consumers’ skincare retail patronage. Journal of

Retailing and Consumer Services, 43, 269–277.

Galzote, C., Estanislao, R., Suero, M. O., Khaiat, A., Mangubat, M. I., Moideen, R., ... & Wang,

X. (2013). Characterization of facial skin of various Asian populations through visual and

non‐invasive instrumental evaluations: influence of age and skincare habits. Skin

Research and Technology, 19(4), 454-465.

Geeta. M Et Al., Geeta. M Et Al. (2018). A Cosmetics Consumption Pattern and the Usage

among Women. International Journal of Agricultural Science and Research, 8(5).

Hsu, C.-L., Chang, C.-Y., & Yansritakul, C. (2017). Exploring purchase intention of green

skincare products using the theory of planned behavior: Testing the moderating effects

of country of origin and price sensitivity. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services,

34, 145–152.
Kokoi, Isa (2011). Female Buying Behaviour Related to Facial Skin Care Products. Journal of

International Business, 75+33.

Mohiuddin, A. K. (2019). Skin Aging & Modern Edge Anti-Aging Strategies. International

Journal of Dermatology and Skin Care.

Noor, N. M., Muhamad, N. J., Sahabudin, N. A., & Mustafa, Z. (2018). Development of Skin

Care Routine Support System. Advanced Science Letters, 24(10), 7830–7833.

Rani, N. S. A., & Krishnan, K. S. D. (2018). Factors that influence Malay students in

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 purchasing skincare products in Malaysia. Journal of Business & Retail Management

Research, 13(01).

Rodan, K., Fields, K., Majewski, G., & Falla, T. (2016). Skincare Bootcamp. Plastic and

Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open, 4.

Sankaranarayanan, Dr. K. G. (2017). Consumption Pattern of Cosmetics Among Female

College Students: A Cluster Analytical Segmentation Approach. Journal of Commerce.

Volume 8 Issue 4, 2319-9202

Surber, C., & Kottner, J. (2017). Skin care products: What do they promise, what do they

deliver. Journal of Tissue Viability, 26(1), 29–36.

Zou, Y., Wang, X., & Fan, G. (2015). Improvement of the facial evenness of leave-on skincare

products by a modified application method in Chinese women. International Journal

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 APPENDICES

1) Sample of Questionnaire

Introduction:

19
Section A: Demographic Information

20
Section B: Frequency of Using Skincare Products among Female Students in UiTM Shah
Alam

21
22
23
24
Section C: Reasons of Using Skincare among Female Students in UiTM Shah Alam

25
26
27
Section D: Effects of Using Skincare among Female Students in UiTM Shah Alam

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29
30
2) Tabulation of data

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