The Future Of Skincare

Due to travel and contact restrictions the COVID-19 pandemic is having a heavy economic impact on in-store sales of beauty and personal care products, not only due to the lockdown but also to the rising economic uncertainty. The restrictions imposed by governmental rules of social distancing and lockdowns, are likely to curb consumption and investment and restrict production, trade, travel and tourism.(1-4.). A focus on prevention of Covid-19 and personal safety may shift consumer attention to health and wellness and add more scrutiny to consumers’ personal appearance and ways to improve it. The additional personal time may be used to research ingredients and monitor the effectiveness of the product being used. As a result, we expect consumers to become more aware of ingredients and the claims that are made. Under these social and economic pressures, consumers are likely to question and disregard products whose claims are likely not possible because of the ingredients, their lack of efficacy or due to realistic expectations of what is really possible. Because the traditional ways to meet others have been scaled back, social media plays an even greater role than before. This may be especially true for younger consumers who constantly use social media to compare themselves with their peers, fashion influencers and the latest fashion trends. Due to social confinement, it’s no longer what you say or what you’re really about but how you look, especially to others, which puts the initial emphasis on skincare. For many consumers the use of high-end brands is a way to pamper and reward themselves and to affirm their economic and personal achievement. Products containing cosmeceuticals are likely to benefit from this trend because of their double action as beautifying agents with a healthy therapeutic function. Time spent on researching products with better ingredients and better functionality will pay off well in regards to savings and added benefits. Sustainable, transparent or eco-beauty trend is a positive philosophy that encompasses beauty, self-care, fashion and beyond. One such example is the introduction of marine derived ingredients such as algae which are gentle and yet provide a rich source of nutrients for the skin. Subconsciously, we may all strive for a glowing and healthy skin as a reflection of the ultimate external expression of good grooming and health from the inside out.