One in two women is unaware that hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can affect their skin, a Galderma survey found.
Galderma, a dermatology specialist, recently worked with Perspectus Global to survey 5,090 women who have experienced or are experiencing perimenopause or menopause in the U.K., the U.S., Brazil and China. More than half of the respondents initially attributed menopause-related skin changes to general aging. Fewer than one-third of the women recognized the link to menopause.
The misconceptions affected skin care purchases, with 70% buying products designed to address signs of aging in response to skin changes during perimenopause or menopause. Almost half of the respondents struggled to find information, in part because advice focuses on aging over menopause.
Galderma is working to fill the perceived advice gap ahead of World Menopause Day on Oct. 18. Framing its research as evidence of “The Menopausal Skin Misread,” the company has launched a campaign to share scientific evidence and women’s stories. The “Rewriting the Future of Your Skin, Own your Menopause Story” campaign includes a website that explains how hormonal changes affect the skin.
The survey points to demand for such information. More than 80% of respondents agreed that they would feel more informed and in control of their skin care decisions if they better understood the differences between general aging and menopause-related skin changes.
Galderma is launching the awareness drive following research into the effects of its Restylane Skinboosters and Sculptra products on menopausal women. The study, which Galderma supported, linked the use of Restylane Skinboosters followed by Sculptra to increased facial dermal thickness.
Sculptra, an injectable cosmetic, is a key product for Galderma. Double-digit Sculptra growth in the U.S. and international markets helped (PDF) Galderma’s filler and biostimulator sales rise 10.5% to $611 million in the second quarter. Galderma named geographic expansion of Sculptra sales as one of its five key opportunities for the rest of the year.