There’s a gap between knowing your skin is under pressure and knowing what to do about it. CeraVe‘s new research, conducted among 6,000 adults across the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, puts a number on that gap. While 81% of people recognise the importance of protecting their skin beyond UV, only 22% actually use products designed to support the skin barrier. And just 10% do anything extra when pollution levels rise.

The findings were presented at the EADV Congress in Vienna, where CeraVe gathered dermatologists and scientists to talk about why the skin barrier matters and why so many people still aren’t sure how to look after it. Nearly half of those surveyed say their skin is more sensitive than it was five years ago. Half report dryness tied to their environment or the weather. In Italy and Spain, sensitivity sits at 57%, compared with 48% in France, 47% in Germany, and 37% in the UK.

Part of the problem seems to be that the conversation around skincare has grown louder and more complicated without becoming any clearer. More than half of those surveyed say if a routine isn’t simple, they won’t stick to it. “People may experience dryness, tightness or sensitivity without realizing these can be linked to the skin barrier,” says Dr. Andrew Park, a board-certified dermatologist. “While awareness matters, clear and trusted guidance is the most important factor.”

To bring the research to life, CeraVe hosted Skin Under Pressure in Vienna, a programme that included a walk through the Viennese countryside and a fireside conversation on the findings and the science behind effective skincare. The discussion was moderated by Gene Colón, Global SVP of Medical Affairs and Communications, with Dr Andrew Park and Nada Baalbaki, Global AVP of Scientific Direction and Communications.

Check out some photos from the event below: