Middle East
L'Oréal Act for Dermatology: A commitment to accessible skin health for all
According to a study published in The Lancet Global Health Metrics, 2.1 billion people worldwide suffer from skin conditions . In response to this major public health challenge, the L'Oréal Group, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) Foundation, has launched the L'Oréal Act for Dermatology. This ambitious program represents an investment of 20 million euros over five years and aims to make skin health a universal right, accessible to all.
The reality of dermatological deserts
More than just an aesthetic concern, skin health is directly linked to physical and mental well-being. Yet, access to dermatological care remains highly unequal around the world. Many countries face severe dermatological deserts where it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to see a specialist.
A study conducted by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) in partnership with L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty, covering 194 countries, found that more than a third of them have less than one dermatologist per 100,000 inhabitants . The situation is even more critical in some regions where there are no specialists at all.
Access to care is hampered by several barriers, including a lack of specialists, long distances to clinics, the high cost of consultations, lack of health insurance coverage, limited awareness of skin conditions, and cultural stigmas surrounding dermatological diseases. In response to this alarming situation, the L'Oréal Act for Dermatology aims to remove these barriers and ensure equitable access to dermatological care.
A program built on four key pillars
1. A better understanding of dermatological issues
Through this program, the L'Oréal Group is co-funding several studies in partnership with the ILDS and the WHO Foundation. They aim to advance research on skin health, skin color diversity, the impact of climate change on the skin, the stigmatization of skin diseases, and the global distribution of dermatologists.
2. Raising awareness of skin health issues
To ensure that skin diseases are recognized as a public health issue, the L'Oréal Act for Dermatology actively advocates for the integration of skin health into public policy. The program also mobilizes companies and the private sector to develop accessible solutions for all, while partnering with NGOs to expand prevention and screening campaigns.
3.Increasing skin health education
The L'Oréal Act for Dermatology aims to train five million skin health professionals, including dermatologists, general practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists. These professionals are in direct contact with patients and play a key role in diagnosing and monitoring skin diseases. In some countries, dermatology research is inaccessible to them because it is published in expensive medical journals. As part of the initiative, 2 million euros have been invested in the L'Oréal Open Access for Publications project to create a digital library open to all professionals in the field.
The program also enables the creation of online learning platforms such as L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty Pro, already used by 200,000 healthcare professionals, and funds scholarships and specialized training.
4. Expanding access to
care
To improve access to dermatological care, the L'Oréal Act for Dermatology draws on the expertise of the Group's brands. Through the “Save Your Skin”, skin cancer screening program, La Roche-Posay has already enabled 200,000 people to receive free preventive consultations. L'Oréal Act for Dermatology also works with NGOs and local hospitals to provide free treatments to vulnerable populations, reinforcing its commitment to making dermatology more accessible.
Shaping the Future of Skin Health
Leveraging the expertise of the L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty brands, this project has a dual objective: to reach and diagnose 100 million underserved patients by 2030. “L’Oréal Act for Dermatology represents our firm commitment to helping improve the lives of the people suffering from the physical, mental and emotional burden of skin disease, by addressing the challenges they face in accessing skin health services,” said Myriam Cohen-Welgryn, President, L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty. “By working closely with healthcare practitioners, scientific bodies and global organizations, we can begin the monumental task of making skin health a human right everywhere in the world.”
This vision encapsulates the overarching mission of L'Oréal Act for Dermatology: to transform access to dermatological care and reduce global disparities in skin health. The ultimate goal is to ensure that skin health is no longer a privilege, but a fundamental right accessible to all.
