Galderma’s global survey of over 11,000 people found that 90% experience skin quality concerns, with 85% reporting an impact on quality of life. The company also introduced the Skin Quality Assessment Scale to support standardized, personalized skin quality evaluation and treatment planning.
Written By: Kirti Kumbhar, M. Pharm (QA)
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Galderma has released findings from what it describes as the world’s largest skin quality profiling survey, revealing that 90% of people experience at least one skin quality concern, while each individual reported an average of two concerns during the previous month. Conducted across 11 countries and four continents, the survey also found that poor skin quality affects emotional wellbeing, with 85% of respondents reporting an impact on their quality of life.
The survey included more than 11,000 participants from Canada, the United States, Brazil, China, South Korea, Thailand, India, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The results provide one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of how people perceive skin quality and its influence on daily life, supporting growing interest in personalized aesthetic and dermatologic care.
Fine lines, dry skin, and dullness emerge as leading concerns
Participants most frequently reported fine lines and wrinkles (41%), dry skin (40%), and dull skin (37%), with concerns primarily affecting the face. Age spots, enlarged pores, oily skin, and reduced skin firmness also ranked among common issues.
When asked what defines healthy skin, respondents consistently identified smoothness, hydration, and radiance as the most important characteristics.
Skin quality extends beyond cosmetic appearance and reflects the skin’s hydration, elasticity, firmness, texture, tone, and overall function. These properties gradually decline with aging as levels of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin decrease. Environmental exposures, including ultraviolet radiation, pollution, stress, poor sleep, dietary factors, and hormonal changes such as menopause, can further accelerate deterioration.
Survey links skin quality with emotional wellbeing
The findings suggest that skin quality influences psychological health as well as physical appearance.
More than one-third of respondents reported feeling self-conscious, insecure, or anxious because of their skin quality, while scarring, including acne scars, ranked as the most bothersome concern. Interest in treatment was particularly high among younger adults, with approximately 70% of individuals aged 18 to 34 years rating skin quality as highly important. Respondents indicated they typically begin taking active steps to improve facial skin quality at around 26 years of age.
Among treatment users, hyaluronic acid injectable therapies received the highest satisfaction ratings for improving lines and wrinkles (86%), dry skin (85%), and dull skin (82%).
New Skin Quality Assessment Scale supports personalized care
Alongside the survey, Galderma highlighted the introduction of the Skin Quality Assessment Scale, a holistic assessment tool developed with international dermatology experts to provide a standardized approach for evaluating skin quality.
The scale enables clinicians to identify treatment priorities, establish realistic patient expectations, develop individualized long-term treatment plans, and monitor changes over time.
Development of the tool was informed by a global clinician survey showing that nearly two-thirds of healthcare professionals do not currently use a formal skin quality assessment method, while 81% believed clinical practice lacked a simple, comprehensive evaluation framework. Following validation, all participating clinicians agreed the scale improves holistic assessment, and 98% reported that it supports treatment planning.
Survey reinforces growing emphasis on individualized skin quality management
Bill Andriopoulos, Ph.D., Head of Global Medical Affairs at Galderma, said the findings demonstrate that skin quality changes throughout life under the influence of aging and environmental factors, reinforcing the need for individualized treatment strategies rather than uniform approaches.
Dermatologist Dr. Christoph Martschin, who contributed to developing the Skin Quality Assessment Scale, noted that skin quality concerns vary according to age, lifestyle, and environment, making structured assessment increasingly important for personalized clinical decision-making.
Galderma said the new assessment framework complements its dermatology and aesthetic portfolio, including Sculptra®, Restylane® Skinboosters™, Alastin®, and Cetaphil®, while supporting broader efforts to improve individualized skin quality management across aesthetic and dermatologic practice.
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About the Writer
Kirti Kumbhar (LinkedIn) is an M.Pharm graduate with experience in Quality Assurance at Lupin Limited and a strong interest in clinical research, regulatory affairs, and Trial Master File (TMF) management. She has developed knowledge of regulatory documentation, quality systems, compliance, and healthcare research through her professional experience. Passionate about clinical development and continuous learning, Kirti is committed to supporting high-quality healthcare documentation, regulatory excellence, and research-driven healthcare advancements.