Study reveals skin concerns impact quality of life for 85% 

USA – According to a recent study by Galderma, a critical gap exists in clinical dermatology practice: nearly two-thirds of clinicians do not use any formal tool to assess skin quality, and 81% believe a simple, holistic assessment approach is missing from their daily work. 

This identified need has driven the company to champion a new standardized scale designed to bridge the divide between fragmented evaluations and comprehensive patient care. 

The proposed Skin Quality Assessment Scale, developed in collaboration with global dermatology experts, represents a departure from traditional methods that focus narrowly on isolated signs of ageing or individual skin complaints. 

Instead, it introduces a structured framework that evaluates skin quality across its full spectrum, encompassing visual, sensorial, and functional attributes, including hydration, elasticity, smoothness, radiance, firmness, and tone.

The impetus for this initiative is further underscored by one of the most extensive skin quality surveys ever conducted, which gathered data from over 11,000 individuals across 11 countries. 

According to the study’s findings, skin quality concerns are nearly universal, affecting 90% of people globally, with the average person reporting about 2 distinct concerns in the past month alone. 

Fine lines and wrinkles (41%), dry skin (40%), and dull skin (37%) emerged as the most prevalent issues.

However, the research reveals that these are far from superficial worries; 85% of respondents stated that their skin quality directly affects their overall quality of life, with more than a third admitting to feelings of self-consciousness, insecurity, or anxiety related to their skin’s appearance. 

These emotional and psychological burdens highlight why a standardized, holistic evaluation tool is not merely a clinical convenience but a necessary instrument for addressing the full impact of skin conditions on patient well-being.

According to Dr. Christoph Martschin, a dermatologist who collaborated on the scale’s development, the survey insights made it clear that skin concerns vary significantly based on age, lifestyle, and environment, posing a challenge for clinicians who must navigate this complexity in everyday practice. 

The standardized scale directly addresses this challenge by providing a common language for both clinicians and patients, facilitating more accurate identification of treatment priorities and enabling better tracking of progress over time. 

Clinician feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 98% of those who tested the tool confirming that it effectively guides treatment planning. 

Ultimately, according to Galderma’s research, this initiative represents a pivotal step toward making holistic skin quality evaluation a routine part of clinical care, ensuring that patient concerns are not only heard but systematically addressed through a comprehensive, evidence-based framework.

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