Patients are largely unfamiliar with most anti-aging treatment options, but are interested in pursuing future treatment, according to a study published online Aug. 3 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Allison M. Darland, M.D., from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and colleagues surveyed 300 patients at the University of Michigan General Dermatology Clinic to assess patient familiarity with anti-aging treatment options.

The researchers found that 53 percent of the general dermatology patient population has used an anti-aging treatment in the past, and 66 percent reporting interest in future use. All genders, ages, and incomes reported high interest. Magazines were the source of most treatment information. However, subjects were more likely to pursue treatment if information was obtained from a dermatologist.

“Demographics of anti-aging therapy are changing, and a wide variety of patients pursue treatment,” the authors write. “Patients are largely unfamiliar with most treatment options and are more likely to pursue treatment after receiving treatment information from a dermatologist. The information presented in this study is helpful to both dermatologists and marketers of anti-aging products.”