Bayer Introduces Bepanthen in India as New Survey Reveals Dry Skin Affects 1 in 2 Indians

·        World’s no.1 skincare brand Bepanthen* launches in India, as a solution to tackle India’s widespread dry skin concerns.

·        Almost 1 in 2 consumers amongst the general population suffer from dry skin, as per dermatologists’ opinion

·        82% of surveyed dermatologists state that patients feel anxious about going out in public, for the fear of their skin being exposed

·        88% of dermatologists link skin flare-ups to environmental factors, highlighting the need for specialized skincare solutions.

Hyderabad, November 05, 2024: Bayer’s Consumer Health Division proudly introduces Bepanthen, the world’s leading skincare brand*, to the Indian market along with a survey conducted by Ipsos** among Indian dermatologists, emphasizing the high occurrence of dry skin among general population. 82% of dermatologists agree that patients tend to brush off recurrent dry skin as “just dry skin” without knowing there could be an underlying skin condition. 

The 2024 Bepanthen Survey on Dry Skin conducted across 7 cities brings insightful narratives through dermatologist’s lens on the prevalence of dry skin conditions in our country with findings that reinforce the critical need to address skincare issues experienced by individuals suffering from dry, irritated, and sensitive skin. With 75-years of innovation and effectiveness, Bepanthen aims to provide unmatched relief for dry and sensitive skin. 

According to The Bepanthen Dry Skin Survey, 9 out of 10 dermatologists that were surveyed agreed there is currently a knowledge gap among adult patients about recurrent dry skin conditions and the right way to manage it. Amongst dry skin sufferers, visiting the dermatologist, almost 1 in 3 patients have recurrent dryness. As per dermatologists, dry skin sufferers tend to use general moisturizers/home remedies before consulting an expert. 

In response to these findings, Bayer Consumer Health has launched Bepanthen, World’s No 1 Skincare brand* in India. Bepanthen offers a specialized range of moisturizers and cleansers for both face and body, designed to meet the unique needs of Indian skin. With a clean, fragrance-free, and paraben-free formula enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5 and Prebiotic, Bepanthen not only provides immediate relief for dry, irritated, and sensitive skin but also supports skin’s own regeneration and long-term skin health. By addressing the critical gaps identified in the survey, Bepanthen is dedicated to helping individuals achieve healthier skin and closing the knowledge gap surrounding dry skin conditions. 

Sandeep Verma, Country Head for India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka at Bayer’s Consumer Health Division, commented, “What is interesting to note in the 2024 Bepanthen Survey on Dry Skin, is sometimes people cannot distinguish between just dry skin and chronic dry skin, even though some of them look up the internet for more information. We at Bayer aim to bridge this knowledge gap, and aid people in understanding when and how they can seek help. Bepanthen products go beyond just moisturizing, they are designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals who often-overlook their skin health. Bepanthen’s entry into India marks a significant step in our mission to provide premium science-backed skincare solutions.” 

Dr. Ratnapal Shah, Senior Dermatologist, MBBS DVD added, “The clinical efficacy of Bepanthen range in managing eczema and dermatitis is highly significant. Effectively addressing these issues is crucial for overall skin health. Many patients are unaware of the importance of proper care for dry and irritated skin, which often worsens these conditions. Understanding how to soothe and protect the skin can help reduce flare-ups and maintain long-term skin wellness.” 

Globally recognized for its innovation, Bepanthen’s medicated moisturizers are clinically proven to be as effective as 1% hydrocortisone for atopic eczema and dermatitis-prone skin. 86% of dermatologists agree that combining medicated moisturizers with body and face washes offers a comprehensive treatment for sensitive skin. 

Bepanthen has 75 years of global expertise backed by 11 clinical studies and is launched in India with a holistic skincare range for dry skin management. It is dermatologically approved with clean formulations which are free of colorants, fragrance and paraben. Bepanthen starts working from the 1^st application. The range includes 4 products each with unique formulations of Pro-Vitamin B5 and Prebiotics. It has a daily moisturizing cream, gentle cleansers for body & face, and an itch relief cream that repairs extremely dry skin and it is a steroid-free formula for eczema-prone skin.  80% of dermatologists prefer prescribing steroid-free formulations. Bepanthen, the world’s leading skincare expert is committed to alleviating dry, irritated, and sensitive skin. 

Key insights from dermatologists surveyed in the Bepanthen Dry Skin Survey:

·       Dermatologists believe that almost 1 in 2 (on an average of 47%) of Indians suffer from dry skin.

·       30% people, who consult a dermatologist, suffer from dry skin-related conditions.

·       Almost 1 in 3 (32%) dry skin sufferers, visiting the dermatologist, have recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin. 

·       82% of dermatologists report patients feel anxious about going out in public for the fear of their skin being exposed.

·       Over 50% dermatologists state that patients tend to become more irritable due to constant physical distress.

·       93% dermatologists opine that there is currently a knowledge gap among adult patients suffering from recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions and the right way to manage it.

·       88% of dermatologists attribute flare-ups to environmental factors, like cold and dry weather.

·       80% of dermatologists believe up to 30% of recurrent sufferers have the condition year-round.

·       75% of dermatologists identify individuals aged 25 to 40 as most prone to recurrent dry, irritated, sensitive skin.

·       80% dermatologists agree that they will prescribe a cortisone-free medicated moisturizer. 

Listed below are additional insights and statistics based on dermatologists surveyed in the ‘Bepanthen Dry Skin Survey’ 

Gen pop: ·       Dermatologists believe that on an average 47% (almost 1 in 2 people) of the general population in India suffers from dry skin ·       Average prevalence of recurrent dry/irritated/ sensitive skin among dry skin sufferers: 34% (1 in 3) ·       Average prevalence of all year-round incidence among recurrent dry/irritated/ sensitive skin sufferers: 21% ·       Age group most prone to develop recurrent dry, irritated, sensitive skin:  25 to 40 years ·       On an average 1 in 3 patients (29.5%) visiting the dermatologist have dry skin related conditions. ·       Among the dry skin sufferers visiting the dermatologists: i.                32% comprises patients with recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin (~1 in 3) ii.              Almost 100% of those with recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin suffer all year-round.  Delay in visiting dermat: ·       40% patients wait for more than a month after the first symptoms appear before visiting the dermatologist. ·       27% adult patients, with recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions, visit the dermatologists for other skin conditions and are subsequently diagnosed with recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, eczema). ·       36% (1 in 3) adult patients suffering from recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, eczema) may present moderate to severe symptoms during the first consultation with doctors.  Low seriousness regarding the condition: ·       82% dermatologists agree that patients tend to brush off recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin as “just dry skin” without knowing there could be an underlying skin condition such as eczema/ dermatitis. ·       80% dermatologists agree that patients suffering from dry skin conditions do not take their dry skin conditions seriously enough to consider visiting a dermatologist.  Most visible body areas given more importance: ·       61% dermatologists claim that in their clinical experience, face or visible parts of arms – mainly forearms and hands are the most affected body parts in patients with recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions when they visit them.  Use of inappropriate solutions before dermat visit: ·       89% dermatologists state that adults with recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, eczema) may try home remedies when the symptoms start showing, before visiting them. ·       3 out of 4 (75%) dermatologists state that adults with recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, eczema) may use general moisturizers when the symptoms start showing before visiting them.  Dermats’ high preference for non-steroid medication: ·       88% dermatologists ranked emollients i.e. medicated moisturizers among the top 3 typically prescribed treatments for adult patients with recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, eczema) About 1 in 2 (54%) doctors ranked EMOLLIENTS as the No. 1 typically prescribed treatment to adult patients with recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, eczema). ·       80% dermatologists agree that they will Rx a cortisone-free medicated moisturizer which is clinically proven to be as effective as 1% hydrocortisone for atopic eczema/atopic dermatitis prone skin.  Low adherence to treatment among patients: ·       According to dermatologists, approx. 1 in 3 (32%) adult patients treated for recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, eczema), may have moderate to low adherence to treatment plans. ·       48% dermatologists ranked patients’ concerns about side effects of steroids among the top 3 reasons for low adherence/compliance with the treatment plans.  Regimen approach is the solution to improve adherence: ·       86% dermatologists believe that use of medicated moisturizers during the treatment phase and post treatment to avoid flares + medicated body wash + medicated face wash is an effective approach for patients with recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, eczema)  High impact on quality of life: ·       84% dermatologists believe that until the dry/irritated/sensitive skin/flare-ups can be hidden with clothes, patients tend to worry less about the condition. ·       82% dermatologists state that patients feel anxious about going out in public for the fear of their skin being exposed.  Knowledge gap exists: ·       Searching the internet about the symptoms and taking medications / solutions basis internet recommendation before coming to the doctor is the most common activity among adult patients with recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions, according to 45% dermatologists. ·       9 out of 10 (93%) dermatologists opine that there is currently a knowledge gap among adult patients suffering from recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, eczema) about their condition and the right way to manage it.  Triggers: ·       88% dermatologists state that environmental factors like cold, dry weather is a possible reason for adults to experience sudden flare-ups of recurrent dry/irritated/sensitive skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, eczema) ·       85%: Exposure to irritants like harsh soaps, air pollutants, smoke, or fabrics like wool and synthetic fibers

 Glossary*- Nicholas Halls global CHC database, DB6 MAT Q4 2022. Non-prescription. Medicated. 

**Research was conducted by Ipsos Research Private Limited in 7 cities of India amongst the total sample size of 208 dermatologists.

Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)