A global survey by leading dermatologist-developed skincare brand CeraVe has revealed that 64% of individuals have changed their skin cleaning routines in the past year – but not always for the better.
The past year has upended nearly every aspect of people’s lives, and skincare has been no exception. According to survey results from CeraVe, conducted online by IPSOS across 23 countries and over 10,100 respondents, 64 percent of people globally say that their cleansing routines have changed during the past 12 months.
In the context of this “new normal” of hygiene, access to trustworthy dermatological information is more important than ever. However, during this same time period, only 11 percent of individuals received information on cleansing directly from a dermatologist, with most respondents relying on family and friends, and social media to fuel their facial cleansing knowledge and routine choices.
To address this knowledge gap, CeraVe partnered with leading dermatologists from across the globe on Wednesday 14 July 2021 for its international “Cleanse Like a Dermatologist” event to share authoritative and relevant expertise on facial cleansing via the channels people rely on most.
CERAVE SURVEY RESULTS
THE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC ON SKIN HEALTH
- Overwhelmingly, 90% of respondents reported that their daily life had been impacted by changes that affected their skin health both in positive and negative ways, with:
- Two-thirds (64%) of respondents reporting that their cleansing routines had significantly changed compared to their pre-pandemic habits
- Respondents noted that they now cleansed with more care and regularity, while also using gentler products on their skin
- 19% of women said that their skin health had gotten worse during the pandemic
CLEANSING HABITS AND FACE-WASHING RITUALS
- Cleansing is considered an important ritual across the globe with 9 in 10 respondents cleansing daily.
- Not cleansing caused a significant impact on respondents’ emotional wellbeing (especially for women).
- Women of all ages are slightly more likely than men, (especially younger men aged 18-34) to wash their faces daily.
- Cleansing routines are more of a priority for individuals in Asia and Eastern Europe, where virtually all report washing their faces daily, while the UK, US, Australia and Nordic countries are least likely to do so.
- Hot water tends to be most used in France, Nordic countries, the US, the UK and Australia.
SOURCES OF TRUSTED INFORMATION
- Social media has become one of the main sources for skincare advice as 44% of respondents went online for skincare advice more often in the past year (including women 55% and men 40%)
- 48% of respondents said that they turned to press and online sources for facial cleansing advice, making it the first source of information, followed by word of mouth (from discussion with friends, family and colleagues)
- Significantly, 79% agreed that you can end up damaging your skin if you follow the wrong type of advice, with 67% agreeing that skincare advice you find online is not always accurate
- Inaccurate advice often leads to cleansing misconceptions which can damage the skin barrier. Supported by the following statistics:
- 42% of respondents only use water to cleanse their faces
- 69% of respondents use a mix of hot and warm water to cleanse their faces
- 30% of respondents think that cleansing cannot help maintain their skin barrier
FINAL TAKEAWAY
Throughout this global movement of changing cleansing routines over the past year, most people have not received information from a dermatologist. Though 59% of people believe that dermatologist advice would benefit their skin, only 11% have received information from dermatologists regarding proper facial cleansing during this time. In fact, 37% of the respondents didn’t think about asking facial cleansing advice when visiting a dermatologist.
While consumers can find helpful information online, it is easy to make mistakes when not using dermatologist sources.
The survey revealed clear results for those who followed a dermatologist’s advice for their cleansing routine in the past year. These respondents tended to have better cleansing routines (including washing daily and using facial cleansers that are more likely to be pH balanced, allergy-tested or fragrance free) and have better skincare habits after cleansing. They were also twice more likely to report improvement in their skin health during the same period.
“Proper facial cleansing is the crucial first step to an effective skincare routine,” said US-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ted Lain. “It is important for patients to consult with their dermatologist to select a cleanser that is pH balanced, fragrance-free, and has ingredients that are soothing, so they won’t impair the skin barrier.”
CeraVe is exclusively available at Chemist Warehouse nationally. To find your nearest stockist, visit www.cerave.com.au
