Global study reveals 90% of people suffer from skin quality issues

A global survey of more than 11,000 people has found that skin quality concerns are widespread, with fine lines, dryness and dullness among the most commonly reported issues.

Nine in 10 people have concerns about the quality of their skin, according to a global survey commissioned by dermatology company Galderma.

The survey questioned more than 11,000 people across 11 countries spanning Europe, Asia and the Americas, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, the US, Brazil, China, Korea, Thailand and India.

On average, respondents reported experiencing two skin quality concerns during the previous month. Fine lines and wrinkles, dry skin and dull skin were among the most frequently reported issues.

The findings also indicate that concerns about skin quality can extend beyond appearance. Some 85% of respondents said their skin quality affected their quality of life, while more than one in three said poor skin quality had made them feel self-conscious, insecure or anxious.

Fine lines, dryness and dullness among the most common concerns

Fine lines and wrinkles were reported by 41% of respondents, closely followed by dry skin at 40% and dull skin at 37%.

Other frequently reported concerns included age spots, oily skin, reduced firmness and enlarged pores.

While the face was the area most commonly affected, respondents also identified the neck, legs and upper arms as areas where they experienced skin quality concerns.

Scarring, including acne scarring, was considered the most bothersome concern, followed by fine lines and wrinkles.

The survey defines skin quality as how skin looks, feels and functions from day to day. This encompasses characteristics such as hydration, elasticity, smoothness, radiance, firmness and tone.

When asked what they associated with good skin quality, respondents most commonly selected smooth, hydrated and glowing skin.

Skin concerns differ by age, lifestyle and environment

The research found that skin quality concerns vary according to factors including age, lifestyle, environment and geographical location.

People living in urban areas were more likely than those in rural locations to report concerns such as enlarged pores, oily skin and reduced firmness.

Regional differences were also apparent. Enlarged pores were reported by 42% of respondents in Asia, compared with between 20% and 25% across other regions.

Dry skin was reported by 44% of respondents in both North America and Asia, compared with 38% in Europe and 27% in Latin America.

Across Europe, the most commonly reported concerns were dry skin, lines and wrinkles, dull skin and oily skin.

The report highlights a range of factors that may influence skin quality, including sun exposure, stress, diet, pollution and insufficient sleep. Hormonal changes during different life stages, including menopause, can also affect dryness, firmness and the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Impact on confidence and emotional wellbeing

The survey suggests that concerns about skin quality can have a significant emotional impact.

Overall, 85% of respondents said their skin quality affected their quality of life. More than one-third reported feeling self-conscious, insecure or anxious as a result of their skin concerns.

The findings also suggest that skin quality is particularly important to younger adults.

Around 70% of respondents aged 18 to 34 rated skin quality as eight out of 10 in terms of importance. The average age at which respondents said they first took steps to improve the skin quality of their face was 26.

Bill Andriopoulos, head of global medical affairs at Galderma, said the company wanted to better understand how people's skin concerns evolve over time.

“Our skin evolves over time, influenced by both age and external factors. At Galderma, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, we strive to be a trusted partner to people throughout their skin quality journey by offering comprehensive solutions to meet their diverse and evolving needs.”

He added:

“This commitment begins with truly understanding these needs, which is why we conducted the world’s most extensive profiling survey to date.”

Survey examines experiences with treatments

The research also asked respondents about treatments they had used to address common skin concerns.

People who reported having received hyaluronic acid injectable treatments reported high levels of satisfaction for concerns including lines and wrinkles, dry skin and dull skin.

However, the survey captures respondents’ reported experiences and does not establish that a particular treatment is suitable for every individual or skin concern.

New assessment tool aims to support clinical consultations

Alongside the consumer research, Galderma supported an international panel of experts in developing the Skin Quality Assessment Scale.

The scale is designed to help healthcare professionals assess nine aspects of skin quality across four categories: texture, discolouration, firmness and hydro-lipid balance.

It assesses concerns including pores, lines, scars, redness, pigmentation, dullness, laxity, oiliness and dryness, grading each as none, mild, moderate or severe.

The tool was developed following separate research among clinicians, which found that almost two-thirds did not use a formal tool to assess skin quality. Meanwhile, 81% said they believed a simple and holistic assessment method was lacking in clinical practice.

Following development of the scale, all participating clinicians agreed that it supported a more holistic understanding of skin quality, while 98% said it could help inform treatment planning.

Dr Christoph Martschin, a dermatologist based in Lisbon, Portugal, said the research highlighted the complexity of skin quality concerns.

“What stood out from these survey insights was not just how common skin quality concerns are, but how they can differ based on age, lifestyle and environment. As clinicians, we see every day how challenging it can be to translate this complexity into meaningful, personalized care.”

He added:

“That’s why I was proud to collaborate in the development of the Skin Quality Assessment Scale, an accessible, practical tool to help healthcare professionals and patients work together to create treatment plans that reflect their needs and how these evolve over time.”

For professional skin therapists, the findings reinforce the importance of detailed consultations that consider a client's lifestyle, environment and changing needs. They also highlight the importance of managing expectations and referring clients to an appropriate healthcare professional where necessary.

The full Galderma skin quality report provides further detail on the survey findings and the development of the Skin Quality Assessment Scale.