Tom Branna, Editorial Director02.01.22
It’s time to relax for professional skin care market executives and dermatologists. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 professional skin care sales still increased 1%. Medical care providers experienced great growth in the second half of 2020, as well as sales through professional skin care brand websites and dermstore.com, according to Karen Doskow, director, consumer products, Kline, Parsippany, NJ.
What’s more, sales soared last year.
Tricoci Salon & Spa found the perfect partner in Perfect Corp.
“Sales for the entire market in 2021 were up nearly 20% to $1.8 billion in manufacturers’ dollars,” explained Doskow. “That’s the highest it’s ever been since we started tracking the market.”
She noted that the growth is nearly double what it was in 2019. The spas/salons channel rebounded, and medical care providers experienced a blockbuster year of growth, due to pent-up consumer demand as well as other factors like outlet growth. According to Doskow, consumers continue to turn to professional brands to take care of aging and sun-damaged skin. Acne, too, is a key concern. Blame it on frequent mask-wearing and covid-induced stress.
Chris Santiago, CEO, By Tricoci Salons & Spas, described 2021 as a gradual return to 2019 levels. The year began with Chicago and Illinois restrictions on services including massages and facials. Tricoci implemented several safety measures including adding space between stations, inserting dividers and routine deep cleaning, on top of already stringent sanitation protocols, expanding virtual check in and check out tools, and implementing masking requirements for guests and staff.
“This was in addition to our already high level of safety standards that have always been a priority at Tricoci,” said Santiago. “The great news is even despite the challenges, we finished 2021 tracking ahead of 2019.”
What They’re Buying
The pandemic caused havoc with consumers’ skin. Terms like “maskne” entered consumers’ vocabulary, even if they were unable to enter many professional skin care establishments. Of course, everyone got a good look at their skin during all of those Zoom calls.
“Consumers had a huge appetite for products in 2020 as they had plenty of time to examine their skin and discover new products through the internet that could be purchased through spas/salon websites, doctors’ offices and the internet,” recalled Doskow.
The pandemic has changed the spa experience.
According to Kline’s data, the top-performing product types included sun care products, specialty treatments and serums, throat and neck treatments, and masks and peels. Specialty treatments and serums saw the strongest number of product launches.
One top introduction was SkinCeuticals’ Silymarin CF. This oil-free vitamin C serum is said to be formulated specifically for blemish-prone skin. It contains 0.5% silymarin (milk thistle extract), 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid to help prevent oil oxidation that can lead to breakouts, and visible signs of aging. SkinCeuticals says the formula is clinically demonstrated to reduce oil oxidation by up to 76%, as well as reduce oiliness, refine skin texture and visibly improve skin clarity and fine lines.
Meanwhile, ZO Skin Health reformulated its Brightalive Skin Brightener. It now contains “precision-driven” encapsulated peptides to more quickly brighten skin. Tranexamic acid helps minimize discoloration without irritation or sensitivity. Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and supports skin’s barrier function. Papain provides gentle, enzymatic exfoliation to improve skin texture and tone. Finally, beta glucan helps calm and soothe skin, according to ZO.
Sun care products regained momentum as consumers returned to travel and vacation, thereby increasing product usage, according to Kline data.
“Additionally, there were significant new product activities, including EltaMD’s UV Sheer and UV Glow and several launches from SkinBetter Science,” observed Doskow.
EltaMD’s UV Sheer contains 15% zinc oxide and 10% octocrylene. According to the company, the lightweight, hydrating formula provides up to 80 minutes of sweat and water -resistance. UV Glow contains 20.15% zinc oxide, as well as niacinamide, ergothioneine, hyaluronic acid and coconut fruit extract.
Dermatologists can make it clear how UV damages skin.
SkinBetter Science offers a range of sun care formulas under its SunBetter brand. Formulas include Tone Smart SPF 75, Sheer SPF 70 sunscreen, Tone Smart SPF 68 and SunBetter Sheer SPF 56 compacts, and SunBetter Sheer SPF 56 sunscreen.
Sales of masks and peels and throat/neck treatments grew; however, masks and peels benefited from their increased usage during quarantine months in 2020, which continued throughout 2021, noted Doskow.
“Blockbuster launches in the throat/neck treatments segment included SkinBetter Science’s Techno Neck Perfecting Cream and SkinMedica’s Neck Correct Cream,” she pointed out.
Techno Neck contains SkinBetter’s patented NOw Complex. This “comprehensive formulation,” harnesses the power of the body’s natural processes to visibly improve aging skin of the neck and décolleté, according to the company.
SkinMedica’s Neck Correct Cream is designed to prevent the early signs of, as well as treat, the visible appearance of moderate to severe neck aging. It is clinically proven to firm and tighten the look of crepey skin, prevent and reduce the look of sagging, smooth deep lines and wrinkles and enhance skin tone evenness.
“The neck and décolleté area are extensions of the face but require a totally different treatment plan due to the unique biology of neck skin,” explained Colleen McKenna, VP-facial aesthetics and SkinMedica marketing, Allergan Aesthetics, at the time of the launch.
She noted that neck wrinkles are five times deeper than wrinkles on the cheeks, while sagging of the neck skin is more severe than any other part of the body. The skin of the neck is also thinner, similar to the skin on eyelids.
Face masks, the fun kind, are in vogue in spas.
“When designing the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream, it was imperative for our R&D team to address these concerns with a multi-modal approach and develop a product with cutting edge ingredients, a cosmetically elegant texture and clinically-proven performance,” explained McKenna.
To improve dermal thickness and skin elasticity, the formula includes rice protein, shiitake mushroom extract, green microalgae extract, lemon balm extract and peptides. Paracress extract is said to reduce the appearance of platysmal bands. And Knotgrass extract and Dunaliella Salina extract protect skin from free radicals.
Gains for Eraclea
Eraclea, too, generated more sales during the pandemic. The line is available through plastic surgeons and dermatologist offices, the Eraclea website and Amazon. Company President Morgan Hare noted that the past two years have been difficult as many doctors’ offices were closed for several months and it took several months after the offices reopened for patients to return for in-office visits.
Eraclea has a rich history. According to Hare, her friend and business partner, Dr. Janet Denlinger, and her husband, Dr. Endre Balazs, were the first scientists to introduce hyaluronic acid to the skin care industry.
“They brought the ingredient to Estée Lauder and it was used as the basis of Night Repair which launched in 1982 and started the revolution of its use in skin care products,” Hare told Happi.
Hare said Denlinger spent years advancing the scientific understanding of hyaluronic acid, which led to the development of HylaFusion. Its three forms of hyaluronic acid are said to deliver enhanced hydration specifically designed to moisturize, hydrate, protect and rejuvenate the skin to help fight aging.
“This led to the development of Eraclea skin care and its use in every Eraclea product,” she told Happi.
The Eracela customer is typically 35 to 50 years old. But Hare has noticed a change in the consumer base.
“Women in their 20s have started to want to prevent extrinsic aging and have started to use products to prevent wrinkles, discolorations and maintain skin firmness, clarity and smoothness,” she said.
In addition, older women are more willing to try products and treatments. According to Hare, in the past, women 65 and older gave up and accepted there was nothing more they could do for their skin.
“That has changed as Baby Boomers realize they can reduce the signs of aging due to extrinsic factors and the actual aging process.”
Two of the newest introductions from Eracela are the Vitamin A/Retinol Booster and Vitamin C/15 Advanced Booster. Hare explained the Vitamin A/Retinol Booster utilizes a perfectly balanced blend of oils, extracts and vitamin A to achieve long-lasting, revitalizing effects. This formula promotes cell turnover, healthy skin renewal and minimizes wrinkles to create a smooth youthful appearance.
“Our Vitamin A/Retinol Booster is formulated to minimize irritation commonly associated with the use of retinol creams, rendering it good for all skin types,” she added.
Vitamin C Advance Booster contains high levels of stabilized ascorbic acid at 15% in combination with tranexamic acid, making this potent product extremely effective, according to Hare.
“(It) utilizes an ultra-concentrated blend of anti-aging ingredients proven to help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals while improving the visible signs of aging and reducing the appearance of stubborn skin discolorations,” she added.
New Technology
While the world waited for lockdowns to end, researchers were developing new technologies for application in professional skin care formulas.
When face-to-face meetings were impossible, more derms turned to teledermatology.
“Marketers leveraged new ingredient technologies to launch new products or elevate existing formulas,” explained Dana Kreutzer, project lead, consumer products, Kline.
For example, ZO Skin Health focused on reworking its bestselling products through new technologies, such as Brightalive. The brand remastered its Brightalive Skin Brightener and Retinol Skin Brightener.
Obagi entered a new eye treatment category with the launch of Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum to target the growth phase of the lash cycle and support overall lash improvement. The product is powered by NouriPlex technology, a unique blend of ingredients that nourish lashes.
Finally, PCA Skin launched ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum, which is formulated with the brand’s new proprietary technology, Peptide-Pro Complex.
Digital Derms
If office workers learned anything during the past two years, it’s almost every “meeting really could be replaced with an email!” Or, even better, with Zoom. At the height of covid-19, even dermatologists realized that many patient appointments could be conducted over Zoom.
In the early days of the pandemic, telemedicine was the only option for a lot of patients. Many dermatologists, particularly those focused on aesthetics, closed for weeks or months, with virtual visits providing their only revenue.
Beiersdorf entered the digital dermatology space by purchasing a stake in the startup Dermanostic through its Oscare&Paul Beiersdorf venture capital unit. Dermanostic offers app-based dermatological diagnosis. The service can be booked around the clock for €25 (about $28) irrespective of location. Diagnoses are performed by experienced dermatologists within 24 hours once the patients have uploaded three photos and filled out a medical history questionnaire. In less serious cases, Dermanostic is said to eliminate the need for a patient to visit a dermatological practice. It can provide fast solutions for an individual skin problem, for example by sending the prescription by mail or digitally via online pharmacies.
According to Ascan Voswinckel, head of Oscar&Paul Beiersdorf Venture Capital, this latest investment and collaboration with Dermanostic marks an important step in digital health. He said teledermatology offer huge potential, especially among the younger target group.
“Digital dermatologist appointments offer our consumers significant added value as they allow for swift, straightforward, inexpensive, and professional advice regarding their skin indication,” said Voswinckel. “As such, Dermanostic’s new digital service is the perfect fit for our Eucerin brand and innovatively complements our dermocosmetic brand’s digital consumer journey.”
Cornelius Becker, Beiersdorf’s head of Derma, noted the collaboration with Dermanostic is a relevant aspect of the company’s digitalization strategy.
“Especially in these times of covid-19 and physical distancing, we must find digital ways of offering our consumers the right advice to solve their skin problems,” said Becker. “By engaging in close communication with the experts at Dermanostic, we can learn from one another and thus do even better at establishing digital closeness with our consumers.”
Beiersdorf said the collaboration with the startup also gets to the core of the brand purpose: “we believe in the life-changing power of dermatological skin care.”
Becker noted that skin problems do not always only affect skin, they often also have an impact on the affected person’s confidence and emotional state and therefore also on their quality of life.
“But help can be provided in the form of the right dermatological solutions,” Becker said. “Here, we draw not only on our intensive research and development work, but also on close communication with dermatologists.”
Beiersdorf and Dermanostic share the same goal—offering solutions to individual skin problems.
“We are delighted to have Beiersdorf at our side as a strong and experienced partner,” said Dr. Ole Martin, managing director and cofounder, Dermanostic. “In the past few months alone, we have seen what a good match Dermanostic and Eucerin are.”
As part of the cooperation, interested users can find information about Dermanostic’s services on a dedicated landing page at www.eucerin.de. Users with skin problems also have the opportunity to go directly to the Dermanostic service to receive a skin consultation.
In addition to its investment in Dermanostic, Oscar&Paul Beiersdorf Venture Capital invested in personalized skin care brand Routinely in May 2021. This brand focuses on a modular skin care routine which takes the dynamic nature of skin into account on the basis of an online questionnaire and an app. The Oscar & Paul Beiersdorf Venture Capital investment underscores a need in the industry on how to educate consumers in-person or virtually through digital initiatives.
“This is an area that marketers are assisting their spas/salon and medical care provider partners with,” observed Kreutzer. “Clinical services with results (versus pampering) are what consumers are demanding. And the quicker the service, the better.”
A Perfect Fit?
Just last month, Tricoci and Perfect Corp formed a partnership that they promise will introduce best-in-class augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) experiences into the digital marketing for the Chicago-based spa. The technology solutions provide virtual try-ons, online skin diagnostics and data-driven personalization for guests and users of Tricoci’s updated app. The technology allows clients to virtually experience various Tricoci hair color shades and provides professional color and product recommendations. In addition, virtual skin diagnostic technology provides individual assessment of skin’s needs and offers facial services and product recommendations.
“As guests are heading back into the salons and spas with more enthusiasm than ever, now is the perfect time to launch this app and enhanced digital technology for Tricoci,” said Ryan Abud, Tricoci’s VP-information technology. “We found the latest technology to offer guests the most interactive, frictionless experience possible through their mobile devices, on the Tricoci website and in salon. Once again, we are thrilled to offer our loyal clients and new guests the very best in customization and to pave the way in terms of what is next in beauty.”
For the virtual skin analysis, guests receive personalized AI analysis which evaluates five common to advanced skin concerns. The app virtually detects dark spots, redness, lines and wrinkles, uneven texture, and dark circles providing a comprehensive skin analysis of skin age and skin health indicators. Guests receive personalized facial service recommendations based on skin needs with options to instantly book. Guests also receive skin care product recommendations customized to individual needs with option to purchase from Tricoci.com.
Hare said Eracela is on a quest to create a better, deeper way to deliver skin care solutions that actually work and remove irritating ingredients that don’t work, all while supporting overall skin health.
“It was important to us that not only would we have a product to produce effective results, but it needed to be affordable and accessible for everyone,” she explained. “We are always looking at all the latest ingredients from our suppliers and our formulator. We do not use ingredients that tend to be the latest fad as they disappear as fast as they are incorporated into products. We look for ingredients that will actually make a difference. 2022 is the year of the at home peel.”
Maybe, but for those who forego DIY skin care and venture out into the world, the dermatologist’s office or the aesthetician’s chair are the best places to be seen.
What’s more, sales soared last year.
Tricoci Salon & Spa found the perfect partner in Perfect Corp.
She noted that the growth is nearly double what it was in 2019. The spas/salons channel rebounded, and medical care providers experienced a blockbuster year of growth, due to pent-up consumer demand as well as other factors like outlet growth. According to Doskow, consumers continue to turn to professional brands to take care of aging and sun-damaged skin. Acne, too, is a key concern. Blame it on frequent mask-wearing and covid-induced stress.
Chris Santiago, CEO, By Tricoci Salons & Spas, described 2021 as a gradual return to 2019 levels. The year began with Chicago and Illinois restrictions on services including massages and facials. Tricoci implemented several safety measures including adding space between stations, inserting dividers and routine deep cleaning, on top of already stringent sanitation protocols, expanding virtual check in and check out tools, and implementing masking requirements for guests and staff.
“This was in addition to our already high level of safety standards that have always been a priority at Tricoci,” said Santiago. “The great news is even despite the challenges, we finished 2021 tracking ahead of 2019.”
What They’re Buying
The pandemic caused havoc with consumers’ skin. Terms like “maskne” entered consumers’ vocabulary, even if they were unable to enter many professional skin care establishments. Of course, everyone got a good look at their skin during all of those Zoom calls.
“Consumers had a huge appetite for products in 2020 as they had plenty of time to examine their skin and discover new products through the internet that could be purchased through spas/salon websites, doctors’ offices and the internet,” recalled Doskow.
The pandemic has changed the spa experience.
One top introduction was SkinCeuticals’ Silymarin CF. This oil-free vitamin C serum is said to be formulated specifically for blemish-prone skin. It contains 0.5% silymarin (milk thistle extract), 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid to help prevent oil oxidation that can lead to breakouts, and visible signs of aging. SkinCeuticals says the formula is clinically demonstrated to reduce oil oxidation by up to 76%, as well as reduce oiliness, refine skin texture and visibly improve skin clarity and fine lines.
Meanwhile, ZO Skin Health reformulated its Brightalive Skin Brightener. It now contains “precision-driven” encapsulated peptides to more quickly brighten skin. Tranexamic acid helps minimize discoloration without irritation or sensitivity. Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and supports skin’s barrier function. Papain provides gentle, enzymatic exfoliation to improve skin texture and tone. Finally, beta glucan helps calm and soothe skin, according to ZO.
Sun care products regained momentum as consumers returned to travel and vacation, thereby increasing product usage, according to Kline data.
“Additionally, there were significant new product activities, including EltaMD’s UV Sheer and UV Glow and several launches from SkinBetter Science,” observed Doskow.
EltaMD’s UV Sheer contains 15% zinc oxide and 10% octocrylene. According to the company, the lightweight, hydrating formula provides up to 80 minutes of sweat and water -resistance. UV Glow contains 20.15% zinc oxide, as well as niacinamide, ergothioneine, hyaluronic acid and coconut fruit extract.
Dermatologists can make it clear how UV damages skin.
Sales of masks and peels and throat/neck treatments grew; however, masks and peels benefited from their increased usage during quarantine months in 2020, which continued throughout 2021, noted Doskow.
“Blockbuster launches in the throat/neck treatments segment included SkinBetter Science’s Techno Neck Perfecting Cream and SkinMedica’s Neck Correct Cream,” she pointed out.
Techno Neck contains SkinBetter’s patented NOw Complex. This “comprehensive formulation,” harnesses the power of the body’s natural processes to visibly improve aging skin of the neck and décolleté, according to the company.
SkinMedica’s Neck Correct Cream is designed to prevent the early signs of, as well as treat, the visible appearance of moderate to severe neck aging. It is clinically proven to firm and tighten the look of crepey skin, prevent and reduce the look of sagging, smooth deep lines and wrinkles and enhance skin tone evenness.
“The neck and décolleté area are extensions of the face but require a totally different treatment plan due to the unique biology of neck skin,” explained Colleen McKenna, VP-facial aesthetics and SkinMedica marketing, Allergan Aesthetics, at the time of the launch.
She noted that neck wrinkles are five times deeper than wrinkles on the cheeks, while sagging of the neck skin is more severe than any other part of the body. The skin of the neck is also thinner, similar to the skin on eyelids.
Face masks, the fun kind, are in vogue in spas.
To improve dermal thickness and skin elasticity, the formula includes rice protein, shiitake mushroom extract, green microalgae extract, lemon balm extract and peptides. Paracress extract is said to reduce the appearance of platysmal bands. And Knotgrass extract and Dunaliella Salina extract protect skin from free radicals.
Gains for Eraclea
Eraclea, too, generated more sales during the pandemic. The line is available through plastic surgeons and dermatologist offices, the Eraclea website and Amazon. Company President Morgan Hare noted that the past two years have been difficult as many doctors’ offices were closed for several months and it took several months after the offices reopened for patients to return for in-office visits.
Eraclea has a rich history. According to Hare, her friend and business partner, Dr. Janet Denlinger, and her husband, Dr. Endre Balazs, were the first scientists to introduce hyaluronic acid to the skin care industry.
“They brought the ingredient to Estée Lauder and it was used as the basis of Night Repair which launched in 1982 and started the revolution of its use in skin care products,” Hare told Happi.
Hare said Denlinger spent years advancing the scientific understanding of hyaluronic acid, which led to the development of HylaFusion. Its three forms of hyaluronic acid are said to deliver enhanced hydration specifically designed to moisturize, hydrate, protect and rejuvenate the skin to help fight aging.
“This led to the development of Eraclea skin care and its use in every Eraclea product,” she told Happi.
The Eracela customer is typically 35 to 50 years old. But Hare has noticed a change in the consumer base.
“Women in their 20s have started to want to prevent extrinsic aging and have started to use products to prevent wrinkles, discolorations and maintain skin firmness, clarity and smoothness,” she said.
In addition, older women are more willing to try products and treatments. According to Hare, in the past, women 65 and older gave up and accepted there was nothing more they could do for their skin.
“That has changed as Baby Boomers realize they can reduce the signs of aging due to extrinsic factors and the actual aging process.”
Two of the newest introductions from Eracela are the Vitamin A/Retinol Booster and Vitamin C/15 Advanced Booster. Hare explained the Vitamin A/Retinol Booster utilizes a perfectly balanced blend of oils, extracts and vitamin A to achieve long-lasting, revitalizing effects. This formula promotes cell turnover, healthy skin renewal and minimizes wrinkles to create a smooth youthful appearance.
“Our Vitamin A/Retinol Booster is formulated to minimize irritation commonly associated with the use of retinol creams, rendering it good for all skin types,” she added.
Vitamin C Advance Booster contains high levels of stabilized ascorbic acid at 15% in combination with tranexamic acid, making this potent product extremely effective, according to Hare.
“(It) utilizes an ultra-concentrated blend of anti-aging ingredients proven to help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals while improving the visible signs of aging and reducing the appearance of stubborn skin discolorations,” she added.
New Technology
While the world waited for lockdowns to end, researchers were developing new technologies for application in professional skin care formulas.
When face-to-face meetings were impossible, more derms turned to teledermatology.
For example, ZO Skin Health focused on reworking its bestselling products through new technologies, such as Brightalive. The brand remastered its Brightalive Skin Brightener and Retinol Skin Brightener.
Obagi entered a new eye treatment category with the launch of Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum to target the growth phase of the lash cycle and support overall lash improvement. The product is powered by NouriPlex technology, a unique blend of ingredients that nourish lashes.
Finally, PCA Skin launched ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum, which is formulated with the brand’s new proprietary technology, Peptide-Pro Complex.
Digital Derms
If office workers learned anything during the past two years, it’s almost every “meeting really could be replaced with an email!” Or, even better, with Zoom. At the height of covid-19, even dermatologists realized that many patient appointments could be conducted over Zoom.
In the early days of the pandemic, telemedicine was the only option for a lot of patients. Many dermatologists, particularly those focused on aesthetics, closed for weeks or months, with virtual visits providing their only revenue.
Beiersdorf entered the digital dermatology space by purchasing a stake in the startup Dermanostic through its Oscare&Paul Beiersdorf venture capital unit. Dermanostic offers app-based dermatological diagnosis. The service can be booked around the clock for €25 (about $28) irrespective of location. Diagnoses are performed by experienced dermatologists within 24 hours once the patients have uploaded three photos and filled out a medical history questionnaire. In less serious cases, Dermanostic is said to eliminate the need for a patient to visit a dermatological practice. It can provide fast solutions for an individual skin problem, for example by sending the prescription by mail or digitally via online pharmacies.
According to Ascan Voswinckel, head of Oscar&Paul Beiersdorf Venture Capital, this latest investment and collaboration with Dermanostic marks an important step in digital health. He said teledermatology offer huge potential, especially among the younger target group.
“Digital dermatologist appointments offer our consumers significant added value as they allow for swift, straightforward, inexpensive, and professional advice regarding their skin indication,” said Voswinckel. “As such, Dermanostic’s new digital service is the perfect fit for our Eucerin brand and innovatively complements our dermocosmetic brand’s digital consumer journey.”
Cornelius Becker, Beiersdorf’s head of Derma, noted the collaboration with Dermanostic is a relevant aspect of the company’s digitalization strategy.
“Especially in these times of covid-19 and physical distancing, we must find digital ways of offering our consumers the right advice to solve their skin problems,” said Becker. “By engaging in close communication with the experts at Dermanostic, we can learn from one another and thus do even better at establishing digital closeness with our consumers.”
Beiersdorf said the collaboration with the startup also gets to the core of the brand purpose: “we believe in the life-changing power of dermatological skin care.”
Becker noted that skin problems do not always only affect skin, they often also have an impact on the affected person’s confidence and emotional state and therefore also on their quality of life.
“But help can be provided in the form of the right dermatological solutions,” Becker said. “Here, we draw not only on our intensive research and development work, but also on close communication with dermatologists.”
Beiersdorf and Dermanostic share the same goal—offering solutions to individual skin problems.
“We are delighted to have Beiersdorf at our side as a strong and experienced partner,” said Dr. Ole Martin, managing director and cofounder, Dermanostic. “In the past few months alone, we have seen what a good match Dermanostic and Eucerin are.”
As part of the cooperation, interested users can find information about Dermanostic’s services on a dedicated landing page at www.eucerin.de. Users with skin problems also have the opportunity to go directly to the Dermanostic service to receive a skin consultation.
In addition to its investment in Dermanostic, Oscar&Paul Beiersdorf Venture Capital invested in personalized skin care brand Routinely in May 2021. This brand focuses on a modular skin care routine which takes the dynamic nature of skin into account on the basis of an online questionnaire and an app. The Oscar & Paul Beiersdorf Venture Capital investment underscores a need in the industry on how to educate consumers in-person or virtually through digital initiatives.
“This is an area that marketers are assisting their spas/salon and medical care provider partners with,” observed Kreutzer. “Clinical services with results (versus pampering) are what consumers are demanding. And the quicker the service, the better.”
A Perfect Fit?
Just last month, Tricoci and Perfect Corp formed a partnership that they promise will introduce best-in-class augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) experiences into the digital marketing for the Chicago-based spa. The technology solutions provide virtual try-ons, online skin diagnostics and data-driven personalization for guests and users of Tricoci’s updated app. The technology allows clients to virtually experience various Tricoci hair color shades and provides professional color and product recommendations. In addition, virtual skin diagnostic technology provides individual assessment of skin’s needs and offers facial services and product recommendations.
“As guests are heading back into the salons and spas with more enthusiasm than ever, now is the perfect time to launch this app and enhanced digital technology for Tricoci,” said Ryan Abud, Tricoci’s VP-information technology. “We found the latest technology to offer guests the most interactive, frictionless experience possible through their mobile devices, on the Tricoci website and in salon. Once again, we are thrilled to offer our loyal clients and new guests the very best in customization and to pave the way in terms of what is next in beauty.”
For the virtual skin analysis, guests receive personalized AI analysis which evaluates five common to advanced skin concerns. The app virtually detects dark spots, redness, lines and wrinkles, uneven texture, and dark circles providing a comprehensive skin analysis of skin age and skin health indicators. Guests receive personalized facial service recommendations based on skin needs with options to instantly book. Guests also receive skin care product recommendations customized to individual needs with option to purchase from Tricoci.com.
Hare said Eracela is on a quest to create a better, deeper way to deliver skin care solutions that actually work and remove irritating ingredients that don’t work, all while supporting overall skin health.
“It was important to us that not only would we have a product to produce effective results, but it needed to be affordable and accessible for everyone,” she explained. “We are always looking at all the latest ingredients from our suppliers and our formulator. We do not use ingredients that tend to be the latest fad as they disappear as fast as they are incorporated into products. We look for ingredients that will actually make a difference. 2022 is the year of the at home peel.”
Maybe, but for those who forego DIY skin care and venture out into the world, the dermatologist’s office or the aesthetician’s chair are the best places to be seen.
