Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, has announced the launch of an innovative Skin Quality Index—a universal vocabulary for skin quality designed to improve patient-provider communication and treatment outcomes.
The initiative was born from Allergan’s recognition of a fundamental disconnect between patients and providers, who often use completely different terminology when discussing skin quality concerns. This communication gap can lead to confusion during consultations, misaligned expectations, and ultimately inadequate treatment outcomes.
According to Sherket Peterson, PhD, director of clinical development and scientific innovation for aesthetics medicine at Allergan Aesthetics, “As patients and providers use different terminology for skin quality, it creates a gap in providing effective care. With this index, they’re on the same page, by defining and describing skin conditions so professionals can assess and provide treatment outcomes that are satisfactory.”
The Research
To develop the Skin Quality Index, Allergan conducted an extensive three-phase study.
Phase One
Researchers conducted a comprehensive review of scientific literature across multiple domains, identifying 18 key skin quality attributes.
Phase Two
The framework was refined to 15 core skin attributes organized across four distinct domains. This phase also included global healthcare provider feedback to help define complex conditions such as crepey skin and hyperpigmentation.
Phase Three
This phase included both qualitative and quantitative research. Patient focus groups examined how definitions might vary across age, gender, or ethnicity. Meanwhile, online surveys of more than 200 aesthetic providers and 1,000+ patients helped evaluate differences in terminology based on expertise and context.
The Four Key Domains
The resulting Skin Quality Index organizes 15 terms and definitions into four primary categories:
- Visible color changes
- Topographical changes
- Hydration and sebaceous equilibrium changes
- Mechanical changes
These categories aim to give both patients and providers a shared language for discussing skin concerns with clarity and accuracy.
Implementation and Future Impact
Allergan introduced the Skin Quality Index at the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress (AMWC) this past March. The tool is expected to launch later this year.
“By using this common language, providers can better understand the patient’s concerns, and patients can feel more confident that their concerns are being accurately understood and addressed,” Peterson explains.
The Allergan team is optimistic that this standardized framework will not only support more accurate and personalized treatment plans but also contribute to broader industry advancements. As Peterson notes, the index “will ideally increase the number of safe and efficacious treatments and products on the market.”
The Skin Quality Index has been recognized as a meaningful step forward in aligning patient-provider communication, reinforcing Allergan’s commitment to advancing dermatologic care and setting new standards in skin quality treatment.
Sources:
- Allergan Aesthetics to Release Skin Quality Index, Aligning Patient-Provider Communication. (n.d.). MedEsthetics. https://www.medestheticsmag.com/research/skin-care/article/22938404/allergan-allergan-aesthetics-to-release-skin-quality-index-aligning-patientprovider-communication
- Bridging the Communication Gap Between Providers and Patients Through the Skin Quality Index. (n.d.). Dermatology Times.
