Association between frequency of makeup use and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older Japanese women

In the present study we aimed to examine the association between makeup use and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older Japanese women.

This cross-sectional analysis included 1183 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 76.3 ± 4.0 years). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, with scores ≥5 indicating depressive symptoms. Makeup use frequency was assessed by asking participants, "Do you usually wear makeup?" Response options were "Never," "1-2 days per week," "3-4 days per week," and "≥5 days per week."

The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 13.9% (n = 164). The prevalence of depressive symptoms by makeup use frequency was 19.5%, 14.7%, 13.9% and 10.2% in the never, 1-2 days/week, 3-4 days/week, and ≥5 days/week groups, respectively (p for trend <0.01). In adjusted logistic regression models, participants who used makeup ≥5 days/week had lower odds of depressive symptoms than those who never used makeup (odds ratio [OR] = 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-0.77). Stratified analyses by social activity showed similar associations in the high (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.95) and the low (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.90) social activity group.

Higher frequency of makeup use was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older Japanese women. This study used a cross-sectional design, which made it difficult to determine a causal relationship between makeup use and depressive symptoms. Future research should use longitudinal data to elucidate whether makeup use predicts the onset of depressive symptoms.