About

About World Skin Health Day

World Skin Health Day is a global initiative by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and the International Society of Dermatology (ISD), held on 8 July to raise awareness of the importance of skin health and encourage action to improve outcomes worldwide.

In 2026, the campaign focuses on Better Knowledge for Better Skin Health, highlighting how education and shared learning can strengthen systems, improve access to care, and support better outcomes for people everywhere.

 

Why is World Skin Health Day important?

World Skin Health Day is important globally because it:

Promotes education


around disparities in skin health access

Advocates for equality

around skin health access

Encourages people to 
get involved

and provide skin health access to those in need

Fosters a sense of community

and promotes visibility for underserved communities

Highlights the importance of skin health access

to mental, physical, and emotional health

Discover Ways to Participate in
World Skin Health Day

Raise Awareness

Inspire action on social media through engaging posts, stories, and live chats.

Provide Care

Make a difference for underserved patients through outreach clinics, patient training, or volunteer days.

Educational Events

Organize impactful educational events like conferences, webinars, podcasts, exhibitions, or rallies.

Skin Health Facts

Your skin is the body’s first barrier against bacteria, viruses, and pollutants.
Healthy skin is crucial for our overall wellbeing.
Over 3,000 skin diseases affect more than 1.8 billion people globally at any 
given time.

Over 3 billion people worldwide lack 
proper access to dermatological care. 

In some regions, individuals may travel up to eight hours to reach the nearest skin health clinic.
Some countries have 
less than 1 dermatologist 
per million population, exacerbating the burden of untreated conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is World Skin Health Day?

Initiated in 2013, World Skin Health Day is a collaborative effort by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and the International Society of Dermatology (ISD).
The day is dedicated to enhancing global skin health awareness, understanding skin diseases, and expanding access to dermatological services. Mark your calendars: from 2024, we’ll celebrate 8 July, offering flexible scheduling to accommodate all participants.

When is World Skin Health Day celebrated?

WSHD will now be celebrated annually on 8 July. This year’s theme, ‘Skin Health for All’, highlights our overarching campaign goal and emphazises the importance of awareness, education, and equal access to dermatological care.

How can I get involved?

This day is meant to encourage discussions and actions that work towards improving skin health, and you can get involved in many different ways. 

  • Raise Awareness: Inspire action on social media through engaging posts, stories, and live chats

  • Provide Care: Make a difference for underserved patients through outreach clinics, patient training, or volunteer days.

  • Educational Events: Organize impactful educational events like conferences, webinars, podcasts, exhibitions, or rallies.

Visit our ‘Get Involved’ page for more information and helpful resources.

Why is skin health important?

Researchers estimate that there are 3000+ skin diseases affecting over 1.8 billion people globally. In some countries, there is less
than 1 dermatologist per million population, increasing the reservoir of poorly treated patients. Over 1 Billion people in need lack
access to dermatological care. In some regions, individuals travel up to eight hours to access the nearest clinic. In some areas, waiting times for a dermatologist appointment can reach two years.

Are there any official hashtags for World Skin Health Day?

Yes, there are. Make sure to tag us @worldskinday and use #WSHD2025 and #BetterKnowledgeBetterSkinHealth

2026 Supporters

Following the continued growth of the campaign in recent years, the ILDS and ISD are again inviting members, partners and the wider dermatology community to take part on 8 July.

A campaign and supporting toolkit have been developed and are available on social media and on this website, offering practical resources to support participation and local activities.

CeraVe Care for All continues to support World Skin Health Day through funding selected events, helping to enable activities that raise awareness of skin health and support communities around the world.

We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration with CeraVe Care for All and for the continued engagement of our members and partners in delivering activities globally.

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