16 mins
NEWS
Gen Z becoming increasingly knowledgeable about skin, says new report
85% of generation Z have a regular facial skincare routine and 57% have a regular body skincare routine, according to the Gen Z State of Beauty report.
The report, from influencer marketing agency Kyra, surveyed 1,000 18-to-25-year-olds in the US and UK via Instagram and used historical data from its own platform to develop the findings.
It found Gen Z is becoming more mature – they’re relying more on their experiences and they’re becoming more inquisitive.
In the skincare sector, 72% understand the importance of consistency, saying they have a morning and night routine.
Half said they buy a new skincare product because their skin needs it, with a good price tag coming in as runner up for reasons to buy.
65% have added a new step to their body care routine this year, citing body lotion, salt scrub and toning mist as top products added.
75% believe skincare is about more than what’s on the outside, with most of gen Z saying their routines are about both looking and feeling their best.
Gen Z is also putting a strong emphasis on longterm skin health and maintenance and looking to learn more about skincare from credible sources rather than just being sold to.
Results are the best way to win them over, whether this is with creators as a relatable strategy, before-and-after images or testimonials.
Respondents were able to pinpoint specifics, such as acne or dark spots, suggesting they know which issues they want to tackle, but need to learn how to tackle it in the best way.
Beauty Therapy T Level delayed until after 2025, and hair element dropped
The Government has scrapped plans to roll out the Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy (HBBT) T Level from September 2024.
Instead, the Department for Education (DfE) will explore the development of a T Level that focuses solely on the beauty sector, aiming for this to be introduced after 2025.
Robert Halfon, Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, said: “The beauty sector has fed back that a good quality Level 3 classroom-based progression route is desirable.
“Therefore, this government will explore introducing a T Level which focuses on the beauty sector, with the expectation that this could be introduced after 2025.
He added, “This differs from feedback we have had from representatives in the hair sector, which has led us to conclude that the best route is for learners to progress into their industry through completion of an existing Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship or a Level 2 classroom-based qualification.”
Commenting on the decision, Diane Hey, chair of the Beauty Trailblazer group, said: “It’s a real step forward that hair, barbering and beauty are being recognised as separate industries with their own distinct training needs.”
Alan Woods OBE, chief executive of awarding body VTCT, added: “Whilst we understand the work and preparation that has already gone into creating the T Level… we believe the most effective way to achieve this is by listening to the voices of our industries and actively implementing their recommendations.”
News in brief
Gigi Laboratories is sponsor of the Skincare and Spa zone at Professional Beauty London and gold sponsor of the World Spa & Wellness Convention, both taking place at ExCeL on March 3–4. The brand offers a range of advanced skincare products.
Norwich beauty salon Glam Box is set to expand with a second location. The original salon on St Benedicts Street will be joined by a second on Spinney Road. The new site was formerly a salon called The Little Beauty Shop and will be rebranded to Glambox The Studio.
The Pig hotel group has acquired spa hotel Barnsley House in the Cotswolds from furniture brand Timothy Oulton, which itself bought the hotel in 2021 from previous owner the Calcot Collection. The Pig now owns a total of 11 hotels across the south of England.
REM UK has created a new brand called REM Earth, a range of ecofriendly salon and spa furniture manufactured in the UK. All products have been designed specifically to reduce REM’s carbon footprint by using a wide range of sustainable, ecofriendly materials.
Skincare brand Yon-ka is celebrating its 70th anniversary and celebrating with new packaging for Lotion Yon-ka. Inside a redesigned box is a more eco-friendly bottle that is lighter to save glass, and has its plastic cap removed.
Pure Spa & Beauty has taken over the management and operation of the treatment spa at the David Lloyd Club in Farnham. Pure Spa has had a relationship with David Lloyd since 2018, and already operates treatment spas in seven of its other clubs.
The wellness trends set to be big throughout 2024
The Global Wellness Institute’s Future of Wellness report revealed a growing divide between the new hypermedical, high-tech wellness market and the desire for a low-pressure, simpler form of wellness, where emotional and social wellbeing matter most.
The report also predicted that the global wellness market is expected to grow from $5.6 trillion (£4.4tn) to $8.5 trillion (£6.7tn) in 2027, as well as publishing key trends including:
• Climate-adaptive wellness: innovations to combat climate change's effects, like cooling technologies and eco design, will shape architecture and leisure.
• Wellness for men: a cultural shift towards male emotional wellbeing is underway, with retreats and apps providing spaces for authentic expression and connection.
• Postpartum wellness: increased focus on holistic support for new parents, addressing mental health and physical recovery with traditional practices and modern solutions.
• Health longevity: longevity clinics offering advanced diagnostics and treatments are on the rise, catering to an ageing population's desire for prolonged health.
• Sports wellness: hospitality destinations are accommodating recreational and elite athletes with tailored fitness, recovery programmes and competitive play options.
• Multisensory art: integration of immersive art experiences in wellness spaces enhances therapeutic offerings, foreseeing a future of hyper-personalised, tech-driven art for wellbeing.
Millennials spend over £1,300 a year on beauty treatments
When it comes to which generation spends the most on beauty treatments, Millennials have taken the top spot, with 20% of this group spending up to £400 each month on their favourite beauty services.
A study from Capital Hair and Beauty, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults, revealed spending habits across different generations.
It found 80% of Brits spend £1,200 on beauty treatments per year, an average of £100 per month.
Almost all (96%) of over-65s agreed they wouldn’t spend more than £100 each month, and, when it came to gender differences, the survey revealed that 70% of men would only spend up to £25 on hair and beauty treatments.
When it comes to gen Z’s favourite treatments, nail extensions were a clear winner, with over a fifth (21%) of the generation paying their nail tech regular visits.
News in brief
The beauty industry has paid tribute to Nicola Fisher, managing director of French Beauty Expert, who sadly passed away on January 11 due to complications following surgery. Nicola oversaw UK brand management of Matis Paris and UK distribution of brands including Fake Bake, Phyt’s, Bionatural, Smooth Synergy, Clinisept and Clinisoothe, driving growth across UK markets and leading a strong team.
Celebrity facialist and PB London speaker Teresa Tarmey has begun a spa residence at Cliveden House in Berkshire, the only spa to offer Tarmey’s treatments outside of London. Guests can access a menu of 13 facials including the Signature Facial and Rejuvenation Mega Boost.
Champneys has launched membership service Cloud 9, which includes a concierge service, signature treatments, discounts, wellness events and workshops as well as unlimited access to all Champneys venues and the option to invite up to three guests.
808 Laser Clinic has launched a second location in Halifax. Owner Saffron Biggs launched her first clinic in Leeds four years ago. The new site is positioned to cater to the growing 808 client base from surrounding cities such as Huddersfield, Halifax and Bradford.
The UK’s first Proverb Stretch Pod has launched into Cotswolds hotel and spa Calcot Manor’s new gym, The Grain Store. The pod allows for assisted stretching and one-to-one sessions.
Top cities for health and wellness revealed
A new study has analysed 30 populous UK and European cities to determine which are the best places to live for people who want to get active, based on factors like gym availability, air quality, and green spaces.
In the UK, Manchester ranked first in the study by Betway, with high gym search rates and 64% of adults reported as being active.
Leeds came second with 69% physically active adults.
Milton Keynes ranked third, praised for its abundant green spaces and excellent air quality.
In Europe, Lisbon claimed the top spot, known for its ample sunshine, air quality and green spaces.
Stockholm secured second place with a wealth of walking routes, while Vienna ranked third for its fitness-friendly environment.
90% of young men worried about effect of cost-of-living stress on appearance
Nine out of 10 men aged under 50 are worried about the effect that cost-of-livingrelated stress is having on their appearance, according to new stats.
The impact of stress on skin quality was named the second biggest area of concern, with only weight gain beating it.
The research, conducted by independent survey company Onepoll on behalf of SafeAP, an app founded by two NHS doctors to help people find qualified practitioners, surveyed 1,000 UK males aged 18-50.
Across all age groups, 30% of men worried “a lot” about the impact, with 41% at least “somewhat” concerned; only 10% were “not at all” worried.
The age group most affected by stress-related image concerns was men between 18 and 24 years old, with 40% saying they worry “a lot” about it.
Even among the least worried age group (46-50), nearly one in five (19%) had substantial concerns.
The top five concerns were weight/fitness (40%), skin quality (25%), appearance of teeth (23%), eyebags (19%) and hair loss (19%). Other areas included muscle tone and wrinkles.
News in brief
Transformulas Skincare has partnered with TV pharmacist and healthcare lawyer Thorrun Govind. As Transformulas’ health expert, Govind will lend her expertise to enhance the brand’s commitment to evidence-based skincare. For over 10 years she has contributed healthcare insights to media outlets such as Sky, BBC News and ITV’s This Morning.
CH Wellness Clinic has opened in Wirral. Owned by Charlotte Hulme, the clinic offers treatments including hot stone and pregnancy massages. It will also focus on helping clients with their mental health, and Hulme is working with a counsellor and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) specialist.
Lifehouse Spa & Hotel in Essex has taken on the Wellsystem Wave from the JK Group. The device delivers a touchless massage without the need for a therapist and already features as the headline in a new overnight escape package at Lifehouse, with up to 15 sessions a day being booked.
More than half of UK adults (55%) are not aware of the advice to take a vitamin D supplement during winter and this rises to two-thirds (67%) of over-65s, according to a new report from the Health & Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS)
Nail brand Bio Sculpture has partnered with beauty editor Jessica Diner as its first-ever brand ambassador. Diner said, “Bio Sculpture has brought my nails back to life. More than just a colour nail gel system, they put the health of the nail first.”
Cibtac announces launch of new nail qualification to level up sector expertise
The Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (Cibtac) has launched a new nail qualification, in response to the latest developments in the sector and requests from employers looking for a comprehensive qualification covering the newer nail enhancement systems.
With many nail technicians opting to train via online or CPD courses, Cibtac identified a need for an inclusive and regulated qualification.
Cibtac said that while short online and CPD courses serve a purpose, they are not regulated qualifications and therefore should not be compared or confused with a qualification of this type.
The new course offering from Cibtac aims to allow aspiring nail experts to secure a comprehensive, Ofqual-regulated qualification that provides learners with an opportunity to master established nail enhancement systems, as well as newer ones.
Cibtac chair and chief executive Lesley Blair MBE said, “Anyone who undergoes this comprehensive Ofqual-regulated course can be assured that they have developed the best knowledge and skill base possible for all nail technology and have secured a qualification that will be fit for purpose for any potential licensing requirements in the future.”
Claridge’s owner launches wellness club Surrenne
Maybourne, owner of hotels including Claridge’s, The Berkeley, and The Connaught, is set to open a wellness club called Surrenne in Knightsbridge, London, in April.
Surrenne is billed as a wellbeing and longevity members’ club that will focus on emotional wellbeing, and physical health via evidence-based protocols.
The space is designed by architectural designer Remi Tessier and set over four floors, and nearly 2,000 square metres.
Features include a 22m swimming pool with a sound system for in-water meditation, spaces to host indoor and outdoor fitness classes, and wild swimming, given its location opposite Hyde Park.
Surrenne will also be home to the Longevity Clinic, in partnership with tech health brand Virtusan, and with a scientific advisory board that includes Dr Andrew Huberman of the Huberman lab, Dr David Sinclair, author of Lifespan, and Dr Shauna Shapiro, who will offer diagnostics backed by neuroscience.
The club will host wellness practitioners including signature facials with surgeon Dr Lara Devgan. There will also be a menu of signature dry and wet body treatments and facials.
News in brief
Cotswolds spa The Lakes by Yoo has partnered with Halen Strength to offer a series of cold water and breath work retreats in the Cotswolds. Led by Halen’s all ex-military team, the day-long retreats will teach guest the science behind breath work and cold water therapy before they try both.
Wellness music brand Myndstream has created four new all-day playlists for The Stream, its royalty-free musicstreaming service for spas, adding to its 60-plus playlists already available. Each of the new playlists is designed for a different wellness outcome and spa environment, to promote relaxation or ignite energy, from reception to the treatment room.
New salon A Touch of Beauty has opened on Union Street in Hereford. Owner Jasmine Charlotte Rolph has been in the industry for 14 years, managing a spa for 10 of those. The salon offers reflexology, pedicures, brows, waxing, facials, deep tissue massage and more.
Skincare brand Grown Alchemist has launched a spa residency at Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. The collaboration features a treatment menu showcasing the brand’s bio-advanced formulas. Guests can access Grown Alchemist’s Regenerator, Defence, Renew and Reset 50-minute facials and Grown Alchemist will also be available in the spa retail space.
Aesthetics distributor Healthxchange has appointed Simone Shoffman as head of education. Healthxchange distributes brands including Obagi and Jan Marini, as well as devices.
Shoffman previously held senior training positions in aesthetic clinics.
Sweet Squared takes over Louella Belle nail brands including Artistic and Famous Names
Sweet Squared has taken over the distribution of Artistic Nail Design, Footlogix, Belava, Famous Names and Footsie from Louella Belle.
Sweet Squared, which already distributes brands including CND, Nimue, Lashus and Wax One, will now look after sales, support and education for the former Louelle Bellle brands.
Louella Belle’s directors Jamie and Darren Crook said, “We are immensely proud of growing these brands and feel that now is the perfect time for our friends at Sweet Squared to take them to the next level while we focus on other new and exciting opportunities.”
Co-founder of Sweet Squared Samuel Sweet said, “We are very grateful to Jamie, Darren and the entire Louella Belle family for everything they’ve done to nurture these brands in the UK and Ireland over the past few years. They are handing them over to us in great shape.”
Advanced Nutrition Programme granted patent for microbiome supplement
Skin supplement brand Advanced Nutrition Programme has been granted a UK patent for Skin Clear Biome, covering the emerging field of skin microbiome technology.
Launched in 2021 as a gut and problem skin supplement, Skin Clear Biome is currently available in over 18 countries worldwide.
Advanced Nutrition Programme, owned by the International Institute of Active Ageing (IIAA) is the only British company to receive a UK patent granted with the term “microbiome” listed in its title application and that only three other patents are listed in the IPO register, two of which are from Harvard University.
Cynosure and Lutronic announce merger
Cynosure and Hahn & Company, which has recently acquired Lutronic, have entered into a merger agreement for a strategic combination of Cynosure and Lutronic.
Both Cynosure and Lutronic are global providers of energy-based medical aesthetic treatment systems and related technologies. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.
Cynosure chief executive Nadav Tomer said, “The strategic combination will create a combined company with the resources, product portfolio and expertise that will benefit our customers, partners and employees… We believe this will create a distinct opportunity to combine two strong global players in energy-based medical device technology for aesthetics.”
Diary dates
// March 3
Professional Beauty and World Spa & Wellness Awards 2024 The Brewery, London
The biggest, most established awards for the industry will celebrate UK beauty businesses and international spas. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.co.uk/awards
// March 3–4
Professional Beauty London ExCeL London
PB London returns with stellar education, competitions, networking opportunities and some of the biggest brands. 0344 443 4411 professionalbeauty.co.uk/london
// March 3–4
World Spa and Wellness Convention ExCeL London
Global networking event for both independently run and group spas and hotels taking place at PB London. 0344 443 4411 professionalbeauty.co.uk/wswlondon
// March 5
Professional Beauty Cape Town Cape Town International Convention Centre 2
Africa’s largest trade show for the beauty industry comes to Cape Town. +27 11 781 5970 probeauty.co.za
// March 21–24
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna Fairground District, Italy
Exhibition with areas for beauty, hair, packaging and perfumery. +39 02 796 420 cosmoprof.com
// March 22–24
Beauty Düsseldorf Messe Düsseldorf
Trade fair for beauty, nails and spa. +49 211 4560 7602 beauty-duesseldorf.com
Aromatherapy Associates appoints Serina Sandhu chief commercial officer
Serina Sandhu has joined spa skincare brand Aromatherapy Associates as chief commercial officer.
With 16 years experience in the cosmetics industry, Sandhu has previously worked with brands including Voya, Natura Bissé and Charlotte Tilbury.
At the latter, she drove the launch of Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream and the expansion of the brand into retailers such as Harrods and Selfridges.
In her role at Aromatherapy Associates, Sandhu will drive plans to bring new innovations to market while accelerating growth across the brand’s spa and retail outlets.
Sandhu said, “I am honoured and thrilled to lead Aromatherapy Associates as we embark on this journey of revitalisation, emphasising innovation from a global perspective.
“As we aspire to expand Aromatherapy Associates in the luxury retail and spa sectors, we have ambitious plans for cutting-edge innovation.
“In 2024, we will witness the introduction of ground-breaking products and experiences that will propel the brand to unprecedented heights.”
Lumenis enters distribution partnership with Aesthetics Solutions
Lumenis Be UK has entered into a new agreement with Aesthetics Solutions, which will now distribute the Lumenis product portfolio in the UK.
The Lumenis Beauty devices including Geneo X, Divine Pro, Maximus X, LightSheer Quattro and NuEra Tight, as well as all consumables, can now be purchased directly from Aesthetics Solutions, a distributor of advanced skincare and aesthetic products.
Customers already using Pollogen by Lumenis devices, including LipoFirm branded devices, can now source the required consumables for their devices through Aesthetics Solutions.
Medik8 announces first dermatology advisory board
Cosmeceutical brand Medik8 has created its first dermatology advisory board, with Dr Gabriella Vasile and Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, serving as global ambassadors and advisors to the brand.
From the UK, Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe (pictured) is a medical and cosmetic doctor with a multi-faceted approach to aesthetics.
Her progressive vision has seen her found her own clinic, Skndoctor, in London.
US-based Dr Gabriella Vasile is a double boardcertified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon, specialising in cosmetic and surgical dermatology.
She also founded Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics to focus on her specific interests in skincare, preventative and integrative medicine, as well as natural ageing.