Report reveals what Australian consumers know about photoaging

Re.Think Skin: Australian Photoaging Re.Port reveals six out of 10 Australians are unaware that sun exposure is the biggest contributor to visible facial aging, despite evidence showing it accounts for up to 80% of visible skin aging.^[1] The nationwide YouGov survey, commissioned by iNova Pharmaceuticals with support from Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists (ASCD), highlights the need for greater awareness and management of photoaging: premature skin aging caused by sun exposure^[2] – to address both the visible and psychological toll of sun damaged skin.

Before / After treatment pigmentation (Credit: Praewphan - stock.adobe.com)

The survey of 1,565 Australians revealed notable generational differences in awareness and attitudes toward photoaging, a condition that accelerates the skin's natural aging process and leads to changes that make the skin appear older than it naturally would.^[2,3]

• Only one in four Australians have heard of the term 'photoaging'
• Younger Australians (Gen Z) are less likely to understand sun exposure's role in facial aging compared to older generations
• Men are less likely than women to recognize sun exposure as the primary contributor to facial aging

The psychological impact of photoaging is substantial:

• Two-thirds (66%) feel facial aging signs make them feel older than they are
• 62% report facial aging signs affect their confidence
• 57% experience anxiety about facial aging signs
• Younger Australians (Gen Z and Millennials) report higher levels of concern and anxiety about facial aging signs than older generations

Despite high awareness of sun damage risks, prevention remains low:

• While nearly 9 in 10 Australians understand sun can cause skin damage, fewer than 1 in 5 consistently wear protective clothing or sunscreen
• Only 13% always use sunscreen on their faces when outdoors
• Misconceptions about tanning are more prevalent among younger generations
• This finding is consistent with a previous study in Queensland that revealed as much as 80% (1,400 respondents) aged 20 to 54 years had signs of photoaging.

Barriers to seeking photoaging treatment include:

• Cost concerns (64% of respondents)
• Worries about potential side effects (32%)
• Lack of knowledge about treatment options (29%)
• Only 46% would consult a doctor about signs of photoaging

Professor Greg Goodman AM, President of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists said: "The Australian Photoaging Re.Port highlights issues defined in previous reports that Australian women show signs of facial aging up to 20 years earlier than women in the US,^[4] making this a particularly relevant health concern for our population."

"We recognize the significance of this survey in raising disease awareness around photoaging and its impact on skin health and wellbeing in Australia. This report is a call to action for Australians to prioritize skin health discussions with healthcare providers to help address both the visible and psychological impacts of photoaging," concluded Professor Goodman.

"The Australian Photoaging Re.Port highlights a critical gap in public awareness regarding the impact of sun exposure on skin aging and emotional wellbeing," said Temi Stavroulakis, Director of Medical and Regulatory Affairs ANZ, at iNova Pharmaceuticals. "By shedding light on these findings, we aim to empower Australians to take proactive steps in protecting their skin health and wellbeing."