Gen Z Ranks Dermatologists the Most Trusted for Skincare Advice, Yet Half Have Never Seen One, Curology Survey Finds

Only 9% trust social media most for skincare advice, but 65% have bought a product it recommended

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dermatologists are Gen Z's most trusted source of skincare advice, but half of young skincare consumers have never seen one, according to a new nationwide survey released today by Curology, the leading personalized prescription skincare brand. The findings reveal a generation willing to invest in its skin, interested in professional care, and frequently unsure which products to use with limited access to the expert advice they crave.

The Clarity Gap: Curology's Gen Z Skin Health & Confidence Report surveyed 1,930 skincare consumers ages 13 to 29. When asked which single source they trust most for skincare advice, 43% chose dermatologists, compared with 9% who chose social media. Yet 62% turn to social media for skincare advice, and 65% purchased a product based on a social media recommendation in the past six months.

"Getting timely access to a dermatology provider can be challenging, while social media delivers a constant stream of commoditized skincare recommendations," said Kathy Savitt, Chief Executive Officer of Curology. "Curology connects patients with a licensed dermatology provider within hours for personalized prescription treatment and ongoing care. Our optional non-Rx products, including our new Dove Cameron Ethereal Glow collection, are designed to work alongside that treatment, helping patients build a daily routine tailored to their skin."

The survey found that skincare habits begin early and remain a spending priority, even as uncertainty and skin concerns affect daily life:

• Skincare starts young: 67% began using skincare by age 15.
• Spending is resilient: 89% would cut back on another spending category before cutting skincare.
• Product confusion persists: 53% feel confused about which skincare products are right for them.
• Skin concerns affect plans: One in three have canceled, skipped, or rescheduled plans because of how they felt about their skin.

The survey identified a gap between openness to provider care and firsthand experience with it.
While 94% of respondents said they are open to seeing a dermatologist, half have never seen one. Similarly, 77% are open to prescription skincare, yet just 15% currently use it. The findings also reveal a challenge for dermatology providers and skincare brands: 88% of respondents expect results in four weeks or less, while 66% are skeptical of products promising instant results.

"It's understandable that patients want to know when they'll see results," said Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Chief Dermatologist at Curology and Agency Skin. "Everyone's skin is different, so timing varies, but many people start noticing changes around eight to 12 weeks. Setting realistic expectations and checking in along the way helps patients feel supported and decide with their provider whether to stay the course or adjust."

Access to local dermatologists remains a significant challenge.
An analysis of American Academy of Dermatology membership data found that 72.3% of U.S. postal section codes with at least one practicing dermatologist (515 of 712) fell below the benchmark of fewer than 4 per 100,000 residents, the estimated density needed to care for a population adequately. Nearly 60% had fewer than 3 per 100,000 (Glazer et al., JAMA Dermatology, 2017). Separately, about 16% of Americans live in a county with no dermatologist (Lu et al., JAMA Dermatology, 2026).

Curology's online platform bridges the gap between skincare guesswork and professional medical care, making effective, personalized dermatological treatment highly accessible. Curology offers a money-back guarantee on its products, and many are eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement, subject to plan requirements. Guarantee terms and conditions apply.

Survey and methodology
The Gen Z Skin Health & Confidence Survey explores Gen Z's skincare habits, trusted sources, purchasing decisions, treatment expectations, and the relationship between skin and confidence. To read the complete findings of The Clarity Gap: Curology's Gen Z Skin Health & Confidence Report, visit https://curology.com/blog/the-clarity-gap.

The survey was conducted by Curology in June 2026 to understand the different experiences Gen Z faces while learning about and using skincare. Data was collected online using AYTM, an independent consumer research panel. A total of 1,930 respondents ages 13–29 who have purchased skincare products in the past six months took part in the survey.

About Curology
Curology was founded in 2014 on the belief that expert dermatological care should be accessible to everyone. Having served more than six million patients nationwide, Curology's licensed dermatology providers deliver personalized prescription treatments for acne, rosacea, anti-aging, and other skin concerns directly to patients' doors. Patients receive ongoing care as their needs and skin evolve, with treatment regimens built on clinically proven ingredients and dermatologic expertise. Known for pioneering personalized prescription skincare online, Curology combines clinical care with products designed for real routines, helping patients pursue healthier-looking skin through evidence-backed, people-first solutions. For more information, visit curology.com or follow @curology on TikTok and Instagram.

SOURCE Curology