Here at QIU, we take pride in blending the knowledge pools of industry and academia—and when the result is something that benefits the public, we know we’ve ticked all the boxes.
The latest success came thanks to our Faculty of Medicine‘s Skin Awareness Day 2026, which brought together healthcare professionals, students, and members of the public for an afternoon dedicated to understanding and improving skin health.
Held at the faculty’s auditorium, the Skin Awareness Day event aimed to increase awareness of common dermatological conditions, promote evidence-based skincare practices, and empower participants to make informed decisions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and management of skin disorders. The programme focused on three key areas that commonly affect quality of life: acne, pigmentation disorders, and skin ageing and healthy skin maintenance.
The event, organised in collaboration with the QCare Club and the SDG Steering Committee, featured a distinguished panel of dermatology experts who shared valuable clinical insights and practical advice on maintaining healthy skin throughout life.
Dato’ Dr Sushil Ratti, Consultant Dermatologist of Ratti Skin Clinic, Ipoh explored the science behind skin ageing and emphasised the importance of maintaining skin barrier health. Participants learned that healthy ageing is not simply about appearance but about preserving the skin’s protective functions and resilience against environmental damage. Preventive measures such as sun protection, healthy lifestyle choices, smoking cessation, and appropriate skincare routines were highlighted as essential strategies for long-term skin health.
Dr Fazleenah Ajmul Hussain, Consultant Dermatologist and Senior Lecturer at QIU, addressed one of the most common dermatological concerns affecting young people and adults alike—acne. Her session underscored that acne is far more than a cosmetic issue, explaining how the condition can significantly impact self-esteem, confidence, mental wellbeing, and social interactions. Participants gained a better understanding of acne’s underlying causes, clinical presentation, and evidence-based treatment approaches, reinforcing the importance of early intervention and proper management.
Meanwhile, Dr Tang Lyh Jong, Consultant Dermatologist and Head of Department at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, provided an informative overview of pigmentary disorders. His presentation highlighted the complexities of diagnosing conditions involving skin pigmentation and stressed that not all pigmentation disorders are the same. By examining the biological processes behind melanocyte function and pigmentation changes, participants learned the importance of accurate diagnosis in determining appropriate treatment strategies.
Beyond the expert talks, attendees participated in interactive quizzes and skin analysis sessions, while also receiving complimentary skincare samples from event sponsors. Adding to the event’s community health focus, healthcare professionals from Pantai Hospital Ipoh conducted free health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol checks, encouraging participants to take a proactive approach to their overall wellbeing.
Throughout the seminar, speakers reinforced several key messages: maintaining skin barrier health, prioritising prevention over treatment, recognising the psychosocial impact of skin diseases, and evaluating skincare information based on scientific evidence rather than trends or marketing claims. Participants were also encouraged to adopt a patient-centred perspective when addressing skin conditions, recognising the importance of understanding individuals’ concerns, expectations, and quality-of-life challenges alongside clinical treatment.
The programme reflected QIU’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and holistic healthcare education. By bridging dermatological science with practical clinical applications, Skin Awareness Day 2026 provided participants with valuable knowledge that supports both personal health and professional development while contributing to greater public awareness of common skin conditions.
