L'Oréal Study Finds Global Dermatologist Shortage

L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty has published a landmark study on global access to skin health. The research, conducted in partnership with the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), found that only one in six countries worldwide has enough dermatologists to meet its population's needs.

Guenolee de Lambert, Global Medical Projects Director at L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty, told Cosmetics Business the study provides the first clear global mapping of dermatologist access. She emphasized the scale of the issue, noting over two billion people live with a skin disease. "Access to skin health should be recognised for the crucial public health topic that it is," de Lambert said.

The study canvassed 158 countries representing 97% of the world's population. It compared the current global average of dermatologists to the estimated need for adequate care.

The data reveals a profound global shortage. Wealthier nations are almost nine times more likely to have adequate dermatology workforce levels compared to lower-income countries.

Urban Concentration Creates 'Dermatological Deserts'

The research identified a severe maldistribution of specialists within countries. On average, 79% of dermatologists are concentrated in cities and urban areas. This leaves rural and regional populations significantly underserved. In lower-income countries, the urban concentration is even more acute, rising to 91%.

This uneven distribution can lead to what the study terms 'dermatological deserts'. These are areas, even within relatively well-off nations, where access to specialist care is severely limited or non-existent. De Lambert highlighted these significant access disparities as one of the study's two most impactful findings.

Implications for Skin Health and Wellbeing

The partnership shows that skin health is deeply connected to overall wellbeing and mental health. The ILDS, a non-governmental organization promoting the advancement of dermatological care, collaborated on the assessment to highlight these systemic inequalities.

The study's framework examines not only the distribution of dermatologists, but also barriers to accessing care, training, and specialist services. By providing this comprehensive data set, the organizations aim to inform public health strategies and address the critical shortage. The research paints a clear picture of a world where access to essential dermatological care is a privilege of geography and wealth.