Who we are

The British Skin Foundation are the only UK charity that raises money to fund research into all types of skin diseases, including skin cancer.

Sixty percent of British people currently suffer from or have suffered with a skin disease at some point during their lifetime. Whilst some skin conditions are manageable, others are severe enough to kill.

We are here to help change that by raising money for vital research to help find cures and treatments for common skin conditions like eczema or acne, through to potential killers like malignant melanoma.

Founded in 1996, the British Skin Foundation has supported 400 research projects and awarded £16,000,000 in funding across all skin diseases.

Whilst we are dedicated to raising money for research, we also aim to raise awareness of skin diseases in the wider community. We're committed to educating people about the different skin conditions, helping to reduce stigma and promote understanding.

The British Skin Foundation receives no statutory funding and relies on completely on donations. Find out more about our research here.

Matthew Patey, Chief Executive Officer

Latest

Skin cancer

It touches my heart
SGUL Dermsoc

We are a passionate group of students from St.George's University obsessed with skin and everything around it! We are extremely exited about this initiative called battle of the DermSOCs and we hope it will motivate a lot of universities around the U.K. to fundraise for their amazing cause!
Miss Europe World raises £10,000 for the British Skin Foundation climbing Russia’s Mount Elbrus

Luissa Burton, has successfully climbed Europe’s tallest mountain.
Statement on animal testing

Basal Cell Carcinoma

A basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer. BCC is the most common type of all skin cancer in the UK.
Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the surface of the skin. In the UK, it is the most common skin infection seen in young children, but may be seen in people of any age.
Shingles (herpes zoster)

Shingles is a painful blistering rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, known as the varicella (chickenpox) zoster (shingles) virus.
Alopecia Areata

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss. Alopecia areata is a common cause of non-scarring hair loss that can occur at any age.
Scabies

Scabies is a common and very itchy skin condition caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes Scabiei. It can affect people of any age but is most common in the young and the elderly.
Eczema

Atopic eczema is a very common skin condition due to skin inflammation. It may start at any age but the onset is often in childhood.
Melasma

Melasma, also called ‘chloasma’ and ‘pregnancy mask’, is a common skin condition of adults in which brown or greyish patches of pigmentation (colour) develop, usually on the face.
Rosacea

Rosacea is a common rash, usually occurring on the face, which predominantly affects middle-aged (age range 40 to 60 years old) and fair-skinned people. It is more common in women, but tends to be more severe in men. It is a chronic condition and, in any individual, the severity tends to come and go.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), and the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK.
Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a very common and may be present in half the population. It is a completely harmless skin condition. It affects 50-70% of adolescents and approximately 40% of adults.

Help us fight skin disease and skin cancer

By donating to the British Skin Foundation you will be helping to fund research into all kinds of skin diseases, including skin cancer. Our unwavering commitment to funding quality research means we won’t stop until we’ve found cures for common skin problems like eczema and acne through to potential killers like malignant melanoma. Read more

Donate Fundraise