Industry experts on three top trends for 2023
An expert panel including visiting associate professor Dr Souphi Samizadeh, Asthetics Complications Expert Group chair Dr Martyn King and Dr Mayoni Gooneratne gave their opinions on some of the key trends of the year.
Speaking to Tatler beauty editor-at-large Francesca White and Aesthetics Journal editor Shannon Kilgariff, industry stalwarts discussed the findings of the annual CCR Trends Report. Here are our top three takeaway points:
1. Staying safe while looking beautiful
84% of 41-50-year-olds are hesitant about treatment due to concerns over procedure safety and product quality. Samizadeh said that patients are concerned because regulations do not yet properly protect them despite some treatments potentially having devastating complications.
“So many practitioners out there have no understanding of the anatomy, physiology or patient care,” she added, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive training. King said patients were right to be concerned: “I’m surprised patients are not more worried!” He mentioned the dangers of counterfeit products and incorrect storage and Goonerate stressed the importance of researching a practitioner: “The duty of care goes both ways”.
2. Understanding demand through the ages
Statistics reveal that demand for aesthetic treatments is now highest among 25-40-year-olds, with 32% having undertaken or considering a treatment within the next 12 months.
Samizadeh felt this made scientific sense, as, in this period, people start to see the early stages of ageing, with incremental changes aiding people to stay younger for longer. Post-pandemic, people are investing in themselves and “not just surviving but thriving”, with a renewed focus on wellbeing. She also said treatments are now more accepted by society and discussed the effects of social media, selfies and zoom meetings on people’s self-view.
King wasn’t shocked that 13% of 16-17-year-olds have had or are considering cosmetic treatments. “People are growing up quicker,” he said, “everything is more available but it is available everywhere”. He went on to discuss how ethical practitioners probably wouldn’t treat these young people so they go elsewhere: “somewhere cheaper and not so scrupulous”. He praised the introduction of new legislation in this field, preventing under-18s from being injected, as well as regulation of advertising. Gooneratne said that if a patient under 18 was to seek a skin therapist for acne treatment, she thinks it is best practice for their parents to accompany them for the consultation.
3. Prioritising health and wellness
The global wellness industry is now set to be worth £6.23 trillion by 2025. With the launch of the Wellness Agenda curated by Gooneratne, the question is, are patients supported with their mental health and lifestyle changes?
Gooneratne said that with wealth itself distributed much wider internationally, emerging markets are now investing in the wellness industry. She also talked about the importance of genetics, aesthetics and cellular health to living your best possible life.
With 42% of adults living with depression and anxiety more likely than an average adult to consider a procedure within the next year, King said it was unsurprising: “I don’t think anyone is completely ‘sane and normal’ at the moment!” He went on to discuss how improving your appearance can make you feel better inside, and the research into how botulinum toxin is credited with improving mood. King also discussed the importance of assessing patients’ mental health, as well as body dysmorphia, during the consultation process.