A new study, The Australian Photoageing Report, has uncovered a significant blind spot in Australians’ understanding of sun damage and skin health.
The nationwide Re.Think Skin: Australian Photoageing Re.Port found that six out of 10 Australians are unaware that sun exposure is the biggest contributor to visible facial ageing, despite evidence showing it accounts for up to 80% of visible skin ageing.
The YouGov survey of 1,565 Australians, commissioned by iNova Pharmaceuticals with support from the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists (ASCD), also brings to light the psychological impact of photoageing. It reveals that 62% of respondents say facial ageing signs affect their confidence or the way they feel about themselves, 57% agree facial ageing signs make them feel anxious, and 47% agree facial ageing signs affect their mental health and wellbeing.
The study found that although awareness about sun damage to the skin is high, many Australians do not adopt sun protection habits. Fewer than one in five Australians always wear a hat and/or sunglasses when outdoors, while even fewer always use or reapply sunscreen on their face.
‘The Australian Photoageing Re.Port highlights issues defined in previous reports that Australian women show signs of facial ageing up to 20 years earlier than women in the US, making this a particularly relevant health concern for our population,’ says Prof Greg Goodman AM, President of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists.
‘We recognise the significance of this survey in raising disease awareness around photoageing and its impact on skin health and wellbeing in Australia. This report is a call to action for Australians to prioritise skin health discussions with healthcare providers to help address both the visible and psychological impacts of photoageing,’ he says.
Temi Stavroulakis, Director of Medical and Regulatory Affairs ANZ at iNova Pharmaceuticals, says the report highlights a critical gap in public awareness regarding the impact of sun exposure on skin ageing and emotional wellbeing. ‘By shedding light on these findings, we aim to empower Australians to take proactive steps in protecting their skin health and wellbeing,’ she says.
Awareness of photoageing and treatments is low
Only one in four Australians have heard of the term ‘photoageing’, and only three in 10 can cite one of the photoageing treatment methods. The most well-recognised treatment options were laser, over the counter (OTC) skincare products and cosmetic surgery. The least well-recognised treatment option was topical prescription medications. Nearly 30% admitted to being unsure if photoageing can be treated, while 11% think photoageing cannot be treated.
Older Australians (Baby Boomers and the Silent generation) are about twice as likely as younger Australians (Gen Z and Millennials) to think that photoageing cannot be treated.
Treatment drivers and barriers
Advice from a healthcare professional is the top driver to seek photoageing treatment – 50% of Australians say that advice from a healthcare professional or a desire to improve their skin’s overall health would encourage them to seek treatment. Thirty percent of respondents cited wanting to improve self-esteem/confidence or wanting to maintain a youthful facial appearance as drivers to seek treatment.
Baby Boomers are more likely than Millennials and Gen X to cite advice from a healthcare professional, while younger Australians, particularly Gen Z, are more likely to cite other drivers, including improved skin health and self-esteem or confidence.
Cost is the main barrier to Australians seeking treatment for photoageing on the face, with 65% of respondents citing cost as discouraging them from seeking treatment for facial signs of sun damage. Apart from cost, concerns about potential treatment side effects (32%) and lack of knowledge about treatment options (29%) are the other main barriers to seeking treatment.
Addressing the gaps
The survey reveals a concerning gap in awareness about the impact of sun exposure on visible facial ageing and the treatment of photoageing in Australia. The report concludes with suggestions on addressing the gaps in awareness, including:
Adding photoageing to sun safety messaging – focusing on photoageing in public health messaging may increase people’s uptake of sun protection behaviours, research has shown.
Encouraging consults about skin health – sun damage is a well-documented risk factor for pre-cancerous conditions. Encouraging adult Australians to see a doctor about skin concerns such as photoageing early may help to increase uptake of sun protection behaviours and skin checks.
Increasing awareness of photoageing treatment options – while preventing sun damage is crucial, it is important to acknowledge that treatment is available for those who have already experienced the effects of photoageing. For many, the visible signs of photoageing have led to a feeling of disconnect between their outward appearance and how young they feel, and impact their confidence. Furthermore, photoageing needs to be addressed to prevent the skin from growing thinner, more fragile and more likely to tear.
Key findings and takeaways
- Only one in four Australians have heard of the term ‘photoageing’
- Younger Australians (Gen Z) are less likely to understand sun exposure’s role in facial ageing compared to older generations
- Men are less likely than women to recognise sun exposure as the primary contributor to facial ageing
- Two-thirds (66%) feel facial ageing signs make them feel older than they are
- 62% report facial ageing signs affect their confidence
- 57% experience anxiety about facial ageing signs
- 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
The report serves as a wake-up call, revealing that while Australians are aware of sun damage, most are not taking the necessary precautions to protect their skin. With UV exposure responsible for up to 80% of visible ageing, experts stress that prevention must be prioritised to avoid the emotional and physical consequences of photoageing.
For aesthetic practitioners, the study reinforces their role in educating patients about both preventive skincare and advanced treatment options. As more people seek corrective treatments, practitioners are well-positioned to lead the way in helping Australians combat the effects of photoageing.
You can read the full report here.
