Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, has developed a Skin Quality Index—a standardized framework aimed at unifying the language used by patients and aesthetic professionals when discussing skin quality concerns. The concept was unveiled at the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress in Monte Carlo in March and is expected to roll out to professionals in the coming months.

A growing challenge in aesthetic care is the disconnect in terminology: patients often describe issues like "redness" or "dryness," while providers rely on clinical terms such as "rosacea" or "xerosis." This communication gap can impact treatment planning, outcomes and patient satisfaction.

To address this, Allergan Aesthetics conducted a three-phase global research initiative:

• Phase 1 reviewed scientific literature to identify 18 core skin quality attributes.  
• Phase 2 engaged global experts to refine the list into 15 attributes grouped under four domains:  
  • Visible color changes
  • Topographical changes  
  • Hydration and sebaceous equilibrium changes
  • Mechanical changes
• Phase 3 combined qualitative patient focus groups and quantitative surveys of 200+ providers and 1,000+ patients. The research confirmed that terminology varies based on age, gender, ethnicity, and the conversational partner.

“By using this common language, providers can better understand patients’ concerns, and patients can feel more confident that their needs are being clearly addressed,” said Sherket Peterson, PhD, Director of Clinical Development & Scientific Innovation for Aesthetic Medicine at Allergan Aesthetics, in an interview with Dermatology Times.

While an official release date has not yet been announced, Allergan Aesthetics expects the Skin Quality Index to become a valuable tool for clinics, health care providers and the broader medical aesthetics industry.

Listen to Dr. Peterson's interview at Dermatology Times >>