New Skin Quality Report From Dermal Filler Experts

New research conducted by Norstat in 2025 on behalf of the leading hyaluronic acid filler brand, Teoxane, surveyed 2,157 women aged between 18-75 in the UK, looking at the importance of skin quality.

KEY STATS:

• Almost half of women in the UK regularly suffer from stress (47%)
• Less than half of the UK feel they get enough sleep and are refreshed the next day (43%)
• Over a third of the UK don’t feel they do enough to keep physically active (43%)
• Over half of the UK say that their skincare routine helps them to relax (54%)
• Using skincare products or treatments makes women in the UK feel more confident (65%)
• 73% of the UK choose skincare products or treatments for long-term skin benefits, whereas 55% choose skincare or treatments for immediate results
• 74% of the UK stick to products they know work, but men are more likely than women to try new ones
• 55% of the UK say that the ingredients are more important than the brand
• Over a third of the UK (41%) are using skincare containing hyaluronic acid

Lifestyle factors can play a large part in the impact on our skin quality, which includes sleep, diet, exercise, hygiene, smoking, vaping, and sun exposure. Our stats show that stress and sleep are big issues for people in the UK. Sleep is important for cell turnover, collagen production increase and blood flow for skin tone improvement, whilst stress triggers hormonal changes that stimulate an increase in oil production, break down collagen and elastin and slow the skin’s ability to repair.

“Skin quality” refers to the overall health and appearance of your skin, and not just whether you have acne or wrinkles. It’s about how your skin looks, feels, and functions. This includes the skin’s texture, tone, hydration, firmness and barrier function.

Dr Rasha says, "All genders and ages can benefit from taking care of their skin quality. Best age varies from person to person, but generally it’s from your mid 20s as that’s when we start losing collagen, environmental damage is accumulating, and lifestyle choices such as diet, sleep and skincare start to show up on the skin, and signs of ageing can become apparent. Starting early doesn’t mean using aggressive anti-ageing products; it’s more about prevention. Choose a daily SPF, gentle cleanser, basic hydration (moisturiser with hyaluronic acid), occasional exfoliation and optional antioxidant (such as Vitamin C). In your 30s and beyond, your routine can evolve to include actives like retinol, peptides, or more targeted treatments, as skin renewal slows and visible changes appear.

I recommend using a Retinol, best used at night, due to increased skin sensitivity in sunlight. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, and one of the most researched and effective ingredients for improving skin quality. It promotes cell turnover, helping to resurface the skin by shedding dead cells and stimulating the growth of new ones. This process can visibly smooth fine lines, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, and help clear clogged pores, making it beneficial for both aging and acne-prone skin.

SPF isn’t an ingredient in the traditional sense, like Vitamin C, but it’s one of the most important components for improving and maintaining skin quality. UV radiation from the sun is the number one cause of premature aging (called photoaging). It breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and rough texture. Daily use of SPF helps prevent this damage, preserving the skin’s firmness and smoothness.

Moisturisers, especially the ones with low- molecular weight HA and peptides, offer added benefits for skin quality. Low-molecular weight HA can penetrate deeper into the skin compared to standard HA. It binds to water within the skin, boosting hydration from within. This helps to plump the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve elasticity, making the skin look smoother and more supple. When peptides are applied topically they can stimulate collagen production, support skin repair, and enhance firmness. Over time, this can lead to improved skin texture, reduced wrinkles, and a more youthful appearance. Together, these ingredients work to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier, reduce dehydration, and support long-term skin structure and resilience - which is are essential factors for achieving glowing, healthy-looking skin."

Can a practitioner/HCP tell instantly if you have good skin quality, and how? What are the tell-tale signs?  

"Yes, you can tell when pinching someone’s skin, if they have skin laxity, it will show and not “bounce back” as easily. Even young people can have this and crepey/thin skin, lack collagen and lack support. Biologically, male skin tends to be thicker, oilier and more collagen dense (showing signs of ageing at a slower rate than women). Culturally, women have traditionally been more marketed to around skincare, so men may start caring later, but this is changing fast. Skin quality is a universal health and confidence issue, not just a cosmetic one. Early, consistent care benefits all genders, and it’s never too late to start."