What Is ‘Skin Investment’?

Never have we ever spent SO much time looking at our faces on a screen. Over the past year, the number of daily Zoom users skyrocketed from 10 million in December 2019 to over 200 million in 2020. And while we Zoomed our way through the days and weeks, interest in skincare really took off. At John Lewis, sales of masks, moisturisers and serums soared with lots of us seeking out those hard-working ingredients that really deliver on results (vitamin C products upped an impressive 248%). And whether it’s due to the ‘Zoom boom’ and staring at own reflection endlessly, or perhaps more free-time in the evenings – one thing is for sure, we’re all investing in the health of our skin.

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‘Skin-vestment is a trend we’re seeing whereby more people really want to invest in their skin post-lockdown,’ explains Dr Tracy Mountford, founder of The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, ‘patients are having aesthetic treatments for the first time, they’re investing in their skin health, and some are looking for greater longevity in their non-surgical treatments.’ New research commissioned by The Private Clinic and The Cosmetic Skin Clinic found a 160% year on year increase in bookings for non-surgical procedures including facial lasers and skin-boosting treatments. The Private Clinic also noted traffic to their site researching non-surgical treatments was three times higher in 2020 compared to 2019.

‘This is a trend we have seen for some years now. People are investing more in self-care and their overall wellbeing,’ says Valentina Petrone, group managing director for The Private Clinic, ‘the pandemic doesn’t seem to have changed that, quite the opposite.’ Mountford agrees. 'This increase is no doubt fuelled by the Zoom boom and people seeing themselves non-stop on virtual calls. The industry as a whole is experiencing a sharp rise in the demand for non-invasive, skin savvy treatments.' So what treatments are we booking into post-lockdown?

Ultherapy

As well as facial lasers, The Cosmetic Skin Clinic has noticed a growing interest in their Ultherapy treatment. ‘Patients are increasingly seeking out treatments that work with the body to boost natural collagen,’ says Mountford. So, what exactly is Ultherapy? The non-invasive treatment uses ultrasound technology to stimulate the production of collagen which, in turn, lifts and tightens the skin. ‘It boosts skin from the inside out for a fresh-faced, natural lift,’ she adds. ‘It’s a one-off treatment that can take as little as 30-minutes with results lasting between 12-months and two years depending on the age and lifestyle of the patient.’ Prices start from £500.

Morpheus8

Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist at Sarah Chapman Skinesis has seen a rise in demand for non-surgical treatment options to improve skin texture and sagging. One popular treatment is known as Morpheus8. ‘It is a minimally invasive treatment combining radio frequency and microneedling to create controlled micro-injury within skin tissue,' explains Granite, 'this stimulates the production of collagen and elastin allowing for a tightening and contouring effect.' Typically a series of 3 treatments is performed, 4-6 weeks apart and there's minimal downtime. As for the cost, it's expensive at £1800 but the results last for up to 24 months.

Redensity 1

‘Consumers are seeking easy, efficient, and effective skincare in one shot,’ says Dr Waasim Taktouk, who recommends Teoxane’s glow boosting Redensity 1 treatment. How does it work? Redensity 1, which is a mix of highly concentrated hyaluronic acid and essential nutrients, is injected into the surface layer of the skin one hour after numbing cream is applied. The results? ‘It’s great for revitalising and re-moisturising the skin, targeting skin concerns caused by things like sun damage, smoking and external pollutants,’ says Taktouk. The treatment takes 30 minutes and the results can be seen immediately (and will last 6-9 months).

If you're considering an aesthetic treatment for the first time, make sure you book in for a consultation first, visit a reputable clinic and do your research! Look for your practitioner's qualifications and if they aren't clear on their website consult the General Medical Council Registerto check their accreditation.

Prefer To Dial Up Your Skincare At Home? Invest In A Facial Roller:

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