Management patterns for skin aging among Saudi dermatologists: A questionnaire-based study

• Published in: Journal of family medicine and primary care 2021-12, Vol.10 (12), p.4525-4530
• Main Author: Almohideb, Mohammad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original
• ISSN: 2249-4863; 2278-7135
• DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1158_21

Skin aging is a complicated process affected by intrinsic, chronological, and extrinsic, environmental, determinants, and it is affected, to a large extent, by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The present study aims to assess the antiaging treatment strategies in a real-world setting in Saudi Arabia. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey that was conducted from May 2020 to October 2020, involving all eligible dermatologists working at different academic, governmental, and private sectors in Saudi Arabia. A total of 200 dermatologists were included in this study, of them, 33% were aged between 24-35 years. 28.5%, 25.5%, 24.5%, and 21.5% of the participants had 7-10, 4-6, >10, and 0-3 years of practice, respectively. Generally, 80 (40%) of the dermatologists reported that 10-20% of their patients consulting for antiaging, while 50 (25%) reported that 41-60% of their patients consulted for antiaging treatment. Cream products were preferred by 105 (52.5%) of the users. In general, 158 (79%) prescribe growth factors Post-procedures, while 29 (14.5), 24 (12%), and 22 (11%) prescribe them for under-eye dark circles, acne scars, and aging skin, respectively. 124 (62%) prefer to use it in combination with retinoids. The results of this survey indicate the fact that female patients and the age group 31-40 years old are more likely to seek skincare and antiaging therapy. Most dermatologists prescribed growth factors together with retinoids and only a small proportion of them used growth factors are antiaging modalities.