Survey: Just 40% See Dermatologists Annually Despite Skin Concerns

Manufacturer CeraVe has announced findings from a new survey suggesting that while 80% of participants experienced skin concerns, just 40% of them visited a dermatologist for an annual skin exam. 

The survey of 1,000 American adults also revealed that 25% suffered from serious skin conditions, according to a news release. In collaboration with the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and the International Society of Dermatology (ISD), CeraVe said the survey results, timed for release with World Skin Health Day on July 8, aims to raise awareness and improve access to skin health, particularly in underserved areas. Their initiative includes educational and clinical events across North America, Argentina, Malta, Tanzania, Nepal, and Australia focusing on training frontline healthcare workers, advocacy efforts, and providing specialized care to patients in need.

"CeraVe is committed to increasing access to therapeutic skincare for all people, particularly those in underserved communities where there is a real gap in access to skin health resources," said Tom Allison, Senior Vice President of Medical Dermatology Marketing at L'Oreal. "We work alongside our partners who are leading change, like the NAFC, ILDS and ISD, by offering training, mentorship, grants and in-kind products to help close this skin health gap and ensure everyone can access the care that they need."

Through CeraVe's collaboration with the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), select clinics nationwide will provide free skincare services on July 8, in an ongoing effort to address barriers such as long wait times, lack of insurance, and limited dermatologist availability.

"When I was in medical school, I treated a patient experiencing homelessness, and I knew in that moment that I wanted to provide free care to people who needed it," said Dr. Dustin Portela, who will volunteer his time at his local NAFC clinic, The Marie Blanchard Friendship Clinic, in Boise on July 8th, in a news release. "My goal as a doctor has always been to give care to those who need it most. Volunteering with NAFC and CeraVe on World Skin Health Day is one way I'm living that commitment to make sure that I'm offering care beyond those who see me in the office so that I can give back to my community and make a lasting impact on skin health, and hopefully, inspiring other dermatologists to become changemakers alongside us."

Patients can find local clinic locations for free skin checks at CeraVeForWorldSkinHealth.com/MySkinHealth.

Source: CeraVe press release. July 2, 2024.