Only 3 in 10 respondents reported having visited a dermatologist for help, according to the data.

A new survey reveals defeatist attitudes about treatment among people with mild-to-moderate acne, despite feelings of self-consciousness. Among the 1,003 survey respondents ages 13-55, only three in 10 reported having seen a dermatologist, suggesting that many people with mild-to-moderate acne are missing out on effective treatments. Additionally, 60% of respondents said they "just have to deal with" their acne, and more than half (54%) expressed the opinion that acne is not preventable.

"The survey results show that while people have some knowledge of what causes acne, their actions and poor management of the condition appear to be guided by various misconceptions," said Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and a survey advisor. "Given the reported lack of control people seem to have over their acne, I find it especially troubling that so few consult a dermatologist. For National Healthy Skin Month, I want to reiterate to people with acne that a medical dermatology practice can help them develop and maintain an effective treatment plan."

While a vast majority (85%) of respondents indicated knowledge of hormones as the underlying cause of acne, 69% cited sweat as a leading contributor, and nearly one-third (30%) expressed the belief that eliminating junk food can make acne go away. More than one-third (35%) opined that squeezing or picking at pimples will help get rid of them, yet doing this may actually worsen the condition and potentially cause permanent scarring.

"Various factors may contribute to acne, but breakouts occur when there is an overproduction of sebum (oil) caused by hormones in the skin, called androgens, which cause inflammation and bacterial growth, hence triggering acne," added Dr. Hartman, who is the Founder and Medical Director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Ala. 

The survey results further suggest that lingering misconceptions about acne may be fueled by misinformation and a tendency to get acne advice from search engines (45%) as well as friends and family (43%). While 40% reported receiving acne information from a dermatologist, one-fifth said they turn to social media for such information, primarily TikTok and Instagram. Of the 77% of respondents who reported having a skin-care routine, fewer than one in five characterized themselves as being "very successful" and two-thirds said they were "somewhat successful" in "mostly" preventing acne breakouts from occurring.

Moreover, people with mild-to-moderate acne admit to self-consciousness and avoidant behavior. Nearly 30% of respondents said that acne has caused them to avoid a social engagement. A majority (55%) reported feeling self-conscious on video calls in meetings, nearly half (48%) said they have hidden from cameras, and nearly two in five (38%) have added a filter to their digital photos to hide their acne.

"It is concerning to see people suffering with mild-to-moderate acne when a dermatology practice can prescribe individualized, effective skin-care regimens," said Andy Nelson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Medical Dermatology at Sun Pharma. "Medical dermatology is a priority for Sun Pharma and we will continue to invest and innovate in this space, with the hope that people can better control their acne and don't feel like they have to hide." 

The survey was commissioned by Sun Pharmaceuticals and included people with mild-to-moderate acne asked to assess their knowledge of and attitudes about acne and its treatment along with the advisement of seven dermatology professionals: Hilary Baldwin, MD; Renata Block, MMS, PA-C; Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD; Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD; Marjon Vatanchi, MD, FAAD; Karan Lal, DO, FAAD; and Lindsey Watford, CRNP. The survey was conducted online by Regina Corso Consulting between September 19-25, 2023.