Skin and Hair Research and Evidence
A PubMed snapshot of how much research exists on common skin and hair topics, why counts are not proof, and how to judge a study on acne, eczema, hair loss or supplements.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
How much research exists
Researchers publish a lot about skin and hair, but amount does not equal effectiveness. The table shows PubMed record counts retrieved on 2026-10-22 using the NCBI E-utilities search. [1] A high count means many papers were published, including laboratory studies, case reports and reviews, not that a treatment works.
| Topic | Exact PubMed query | Records |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | "acne vulgaris"[Title/Abstract] | 6,946 |
| Eczema | "atopic dermatitis"[Title/Abstract] | 36,743 |
| Rosacea | "rosacea"[Title/Abstract] | 5,157 |
| Psoriasis | "psoriasis"[Title/Abstract] | 62,084 |
| Alopecia areata | "alopecia areata"[Title/Abstract] | 6,953 |
| Pattern hair loss | "androgenetic alopecia"[Title/Abstract] | 3,281 |
| Telogen effluvium | "telogen effluvium"[Title/Abstract] | 706 |
| Seborrheic dermatitis | "seborrheic dermatitis"[Title/Abstract] | 1,905 |
| Collagen and skin aging | "collagen"[Title/Abstract] AND "skin aging"[Title/Abstract] AND "supplement*"[Title/Abstract] | 116 |
| Biotin and hair | "biotin"[Title/Abstract] AND "hair"[Title/Abstract] | 247 |
Counts change daily as papers are added, and a different search wording gives different numbers. [1]
What the table does show
Large, long-established fields (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis) have thousands of papers. Newer or narrower questions have far fewer. Telogen effluvium, a common cause of diffuse hair loss, has a small literature, consistent with a review that says there are no targeted treatments. [2] Compare that with collagen: one meta-analysis pooled 23 randomized trials, yet it found that benefit disappeared in higher-quality and non-industry-funded studies. [3] A bigger count did not settle the question.How to judge a skin or hair study
- Human or lab? Many "skin" findings come from cells or animals; label these preclinical.
- Who was studied? Results in children with eczema or women in collagen trials may not apply to you. [4][5]
- What was measured? A water-loss measurement is not the same as less itching. In a ceramide moisturizer analysis, one outcome improved and the other did not differ significantly. [6]
- Who paid, and how good was the design? Funding and quality changed the collagen result. [3]
- Was there a comparison group? Trials against placebo or vehicle are stronger than before-and-after reports. [7]
- How long? Many skin trials last weeks; the Cochrane eczema review's mean study duration was 6.7 weeks. [7]
- Systematic reviews and guidelines pool many studies; for acne see the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology guideline, which graded its recommendations. [8]
Where to read more
Use the Research Library and the site pages Natural ingredient research and evidence and Evaluating safety claims. For topics on this goal start at Skin care basics, Acne and Hair shedding and thinning.When to get help
Research summaries are not a substitute for an examination. For a changing mole, infection signs or sudden hair loss see Skin and hair safety.Frequently asked questions
Does a high number of studies mean a treatment works?
No. The count shows how much was published, including weak studies and reviews. [1]
Where do I find reliable skin information?
Government health sites such as NHS and NIAMS pages cited here, and systematic reviews indexed in PubMed.
References
- PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine, searched through NCBI E-utilities esearch (rettype=count) on 2026-10-22. Read 2026-10-22.
- Telogen effluvium: a review of the science and current obstacles. J Dermatol Sci 2021. Read 2026-10-22.
- Effects of collagen supplements on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Med 2025. Read 2026-10-22.
- The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis. Int J Dermatol 2014. Read 2026-10-22.
- Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dermatol 2021. Read 2026-10-22.
- The efficacy of moisturisers containing ceramide compared with other moisturisers in the management of atopic dermatitis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Indian J Dermatol 2023. Read 2026-10-22.
- Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017. Read 2026-10-22.
- Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.