In recent years, the skincare industry has skyrocketed in popularity; with many clinics, salons and other luxuries shutting their doors to customers over lockdown, beauty lovers were forced to develop their own knowledge surrounding their own skin maintenance. In order to inject some self-care into an otherwise scary and confusing period of time, many turned to their beloved beauty experts on social media to learn more about how to treat their skin and invest in skincare products. 

With a new breadth of understanding surrounding skin, people began to develop quality skincare routines and became more informed about what it is that they were putting on their face and body. Although clinic owners were now stuck behind doors, many took to social media in order to educate, inform and entertain their followers. In passing forward recommendations of medical quality skincare while offering guidance, support and advice online, many began to see results that are rewarded with the consistency necessary for skin maintenance. People that felt they had no time for such a huge time investment for their skin were suddenly rewarded with the ability to fully focus on building their skin health.

Now 2 years on, this awareness has continued, creating a newfound sustainability for the industry as a whole. The implementation of daily skin health and self-care habits created in this period of lockdown has allowed for a deeper interest for skincare lovers that is therefore long-lasting- now that people have seen that they can achieve results with consistency and quality products, societies craving for the industry as a whole has only increased. As clinics continue to share their knowledge with their followers, they now have the ability to rebuild their evidence on how in-clinic skincare treatments combined with these consistent routines can further benefit skin health. With this evidence-based content, those that were less likely to invest in these products and services are now aware of the true value. 

Alongside this, our industry is one that is constantly changing and evolving- currency and relevance remains at the forefront of what we do, particularly with trend-driven movements often generated by the customers that drive the industry forward by purchasing products. A particular trend that is in the foreground of the skincare industry today is ensuring products and packaging are cruelty-free and eco-friendly. With a general willingness to go green in today’s society, the skincare industry has followed suit with many clinics and companies focusing on how they can adapt to take greater care for the planet. Paper packaging alone can contribute massively to the growing problems we see when it comes to our planet. The environmental effects of paper production include deforestation, the use of enormous amounts of energy and water as well as air pollution and waste. Not to mention, in order to produce one ton of paper we must use 380 gallons of oil, a fossil fuel. Looking at these key facts is crucial for skincare providers if we want to keep on top of our eco-footprint and remain ahead, not only in popular trends, but in the overall preservation of the planet- after all, what is the longevity of the industry if there is no planet earth to share our tips and tricks with? 

It is also worth mentioning the exponential growth of vegetarianism and veganism in recent years when considering the currency of the skincare industry and how this can impact its overall sustainability as a whole. A report commissioned by meat-free campaigners, No Meat May, predicted that half of the UK population could be vegan or vegetarian in less than 20 years. Consequently, the importance of adapting trends to fit into this vegan or, at the very least, cruelty-free category is crucial. If we, as an industry, can keep on top of what is going into our products and how they are being tested we can not only preserve the popularity of the industry as a whole, but can also work to preserving the world around us. 

Overall, combining the deep interest instilled surrounding skincare with the industry’s ability to stay at the forefront of popular trends and topics, it is clear that the skincare industry is here to stay. Though the longevity is in our hands as providers- are we willing to put in the effort to ensure our ethics and values match those of the society around us? Are we willing to continue to educate our customers and show them how they can benefit by investing in quality and consistency? If we are, it is this effort that will guarantee the sustainability of the industry that we all hold so near and dear.