Skincare Myths Are Going Viral but Avène Is Empowering Dermatologists to Lead the Narrative

SECAUCUS, N.J., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As consumers increasingly turn to social media and AI-powered search for answers about sensitive skin, Laboratoires Pierre Fabre — the world's second-largest dermo-cosmetics company and one of Europe's leading pharmaceutical laboratories — is elevating Avène as the platform for a necessary kind of influence: dermatologist-led education.

Now in its third year, Dermfluencer University is hosted at the Science of Skin Summit, an annual educational event founded by Dr. Patricia Farris and Dr. Ted Lain dedicated to the science, clinical research and emerging innovations behind dermatology and skincare. The program equips board-certified dermatologists with insights, tools and training to create engaging, science-backed content for today's digital-first skincare consumer.

As a clinically proven brand, Avène recognizes that today's patients aren't just in the dermatologist's office, they're online, searching for answers before they ever book an appointment. By equipping dermatologists to meet them there, Avène is working to reach more patients and help them navigate their skin concerns with credible, engaging, science-backed guidance.

"Consumers are now turning to AI and social platforms with the same questions they once reserved for their dermatologist," said Romina Laraia, VP of Consumer, Patient and Professional Activation. "As a dermocosmetics brand, we have a responsibility to prioritize consumers both online and in the dermatologist office. Dermfluencer University was created to help ensure the answers they find are rooted in clinical expertise and not misinformation or viral trends."

With a combined social following of over 6.5 million, this year's Dermfluencer University participants represent some of the most trusted voices in skincare education today, including, Mimi Banks, founder of MB Social; Ian Michael Crumm, founder of Boys in Beauty; Leslie Ann Hall, founder of Iced Media; Britt Fallon, Director of Beauty at NewBeauty; Dr. Jenny Liu (@derm.talk); Dr. Maren Locke (@thebudgetdermatologist); Dr. Kunal Malik (@dermdocmalik); Dr. Neera Nathan (@dermatologysurgeon); Dr. Dustin Portela (@drdustinportela); Vivian Sullivan, Sr. Partner Lead at Google; and Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky (@dermguru). Attendance is expected to be the strongest yet.

"Every day, I see skincare advice go viral with no clinical basis," said Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky. "Dermfluencer University gives dermatologists the tools to compete in the same feed with content that's engaging, accurate and grounded in science."

"Patients are making skincare decisions based on short-form videos, sometimes before they ever see a dermatologist," said Dr. Jenny Liu. "We need more dermfluencers to meet them where they are, with information they can trust."

With dermatologist and HCP partners at the core of their strategy, Avène continues to expand these partnerships across three key pillars: online, in-office and at retail. Together, these efforts bring science-backed education and Avène's sensitive skin solutions closer to patients wherever they are.

For more information about Avène sensitive skincare, dermatologist-recommended skincare and Dermfluencer University, follow @aveneusa on Instagram and TikTok or visit www.aveneusa.com.

Note: High-resolution images, interviews, and product samples are available upon request.

ABOUT EAU THERMALE AVÈNE
With more than 275 years of expertise rooted in dermatology and hydrotherapy, Eau Thermale Avène by Pierre Fabre is dedicated to caring for sensitive skin and is recommended by dermatologists worldwide. Formulated with dermatologist-grade ingredients and Avène Thermal Spring Water, the brand offers clinically proven solutions designed to soothe, soften and calm even the most sensitive skin. Dermatologists are involved from product concept and development through testing to help create safe, high-tolerance formulas, and Avène products are non-comedogenic.

ABOUT LABORATOIRES PIERRE FABRE
Laboratoires Pierre Fabre is the world's second-largest dermo-cosmetics company and one of Europe's leading pharmaceutical Laboratoires. Its Dermo-cosmetics & Personal Care portfolio brings together major international brands such as Eau Thermale Avène, Dexeryl, Ducray, Klorane, A-Derma, René Furterer, Même Cosmetics, Darrow, and Elgydium. The Pharma activity covers 5 main therapeutic fields: oncology, dermatology, rare diseases, primary care and family health care.

In 2025, Laboratoires Pierre Fabre generated €3.2 billion euros in revenue, 71% of which came from international sales across 130 territories. Based in southwest France since its creation and manufacturing nearly 90% of its products in France, Laboratoires Pierre Fabre employs 10,000 people worldwide. R&D investments increased by 14% compared with the previous year, reaching €250 million, 67% of which is dedicated to targeted therapies in oncology.

The majority shareholder of Laboratoires Pierre Fabre is the Pierre Fabre Foundation (holding 86.3% of the capital), a humanitarian foundation recognized as being of public utility. The company's employees are its second-largest shareholder (nearly 10%). This shareholding structure guarantees the company's independence, its long-term vision and its sustainable contribution to the common good. Dividends paid to the Pierre Fabre Foundation contribute to 35 healthcare-access programs deployed in 22 of the least developed countries in the world.

Since 2023, Laboratoires Pierre Fabre' CSR policy has been assessed by AFNOR Certification and has been awarded the "Exemplary" level of its CSR label (ISO 26 000 standard for sustainable development). For more information, visit www.pierre-fabre.com

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SOURCE Laboratoires Pierre Fabre