News

Study reveals areas of skincare where clients need most education

The biggest gaps in consumers’ skincare knowledge include determining the correct amount of product to use, and which ingredients should and should not be combined.

After surveying over 3,000 people in the UK about their skincare habits, online retailer Beauty Pie launched a study revealing the biggest skincare misconceptions that could be damaging clients’ skin and their finances, revealing the areas where education from qualified skin professionals is most needed. The report found that:

• Only 26% of regular skincare users apply SPF to their face every day

• One in five (19%) admit they often don’t remove their makeup before bed

• 37% have used products after they’ve expired

• 59% aren’t clear which skincare products can and can’t be used together

• Skincare enthusiasts are using 77% more than the recommended application amount of product, on average Additionally, one in three (32%) say they sometimes don’t wash their hands before applying skincare products and 14% apply fake tan straight after exfoliating.

The majority of skincare users (59%) say they’re confused about ingredient clashes – saying they’re not clear on which actives can and can’t be used together.

One in six (15%) think it would be OK to apply salicylic acid either before or after retinol.

When it comes to the order to apply products, only 18% were able to identify that cleanser, exfoliator, serum, eye cream, moisturiser then SPF was the optimum order.

More beauty businesses now making a profit, according to new survey

The NHBF has released key findings from its quarterly State of the Industry survey, which shows a gradual recovery despite ongoing challenges.

The association’s survey received 493 responses between April 11 and 24, 2024, and gathered views from a representation of businesses in the personal care sector across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

It showed there has been a slight rise in businesses making a profit, with 45% reporting a profit (up from 40% in January), and 43% breaking even.

The top concerns among beauty professionals are increases to the National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage (75%) and energy costs (61%).

In response, businesses are raising prices (57%), delaying new hires (41%), putting off investments (23%), and reducing staff hours (22%).

NHBF chief executive Caroline Larissey said, “These latest quarterly survey results reveal the sector’s ongoing struggles, particularly with rising costs and staff shortages despite the recent end to the UK’s recession.

“We urge the Government to take swift action to support these businesses, which are central to local economies and community wellbeing across the UK.”

UK named fourth biggest market for beauty spend in Europe

The UK ranks fourth in Europe when it comes to spend on cosmetics and personal care items, according to new statistics.

Using data sourced from Statista, Upbeat Agency found the European countries spending the most on cosmetics and personal care items.

Germany took the top spot, with €13.6 billion (£11.7bn) a year.

In second place was France, with a total of €11.97bn (£10.34bn). Third was Italy, spending €10.64bn (£9.19bn) a year.

The United Kingdom took fourth place, spending €9.89bn (£8.54bn). However, the UK is the secondbiggest market in Europe for beauty import, after Germany.

Jordan Bucknell, chief executive of Upbeat Agency, said, “The European cosmetics and personal care industry has experienced notable expansion, fuelled by a rising consumer awareness of health, wellness and self-care items.

“Skincare emerges as the dominant category, commanding over 27% of the market.

“The growing impact of social media suggests that cosmetic brands excelling in social media presence and appeal are poised for sustained success.”

50% of beauty professionals identify as neurodivergent, shows new research

Half of all professionals working in the beauty industry identify as neurodivergent, according to new statistics.

Salon and spa software provider Vagaro conducted a survey that highlights the presence of neurodivergent professionals in the beauty industry and found 50% identified as neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum Meanwhile, 27% said they work on a team with a neurodivergent peer. 43% of those surveyed said they offer services specifically tailored to meet the needs of clients who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum.

Plus, 56% said technology is helpful in making accommodations for neurodivergent clients.

The findings showed that spa and salon professionals proactively ask about requests beforehand. For example, offering noise-reduced options such as quiet equipment and different lighting options.

Among the respondents who said technology is helpful in making accommodations for neurodivergent clients, many highlighted that online booking systems, digital check-ins and automated reminders help reduce factors that can contribute to overstimulation.

“Our survey showcases the dedication of salon and spa professionals to inclusivity and innovation,” said Vagaro chief marketing officer Charity Hudnall. “By encouraging acceptance, celebrating diversity, and leveraging technology, we can create more accessible space for both neurodivergent clients and industry professionals.”

Wet wipes containing plastic to be banned in UK

Wet wipes and makeup removal wipes that contain plastic are set to be banned across the UK, the Environment Secretary has confirmed.

The popular beauty tools, which consumers often use to remove makeup, are nonbiodegradable, meaning they slowly break down into microplastics.

The ban aims to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution and reduce the volume of microplastics entering wastewater treatment sites when wrongly flushed.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it intends to bring forward the legislation for England this summer, with Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales following by the autumn, as part of an aligned approach to bring the ban into force.

Defra originally announced its intention to ban the wipes back in 2018. This followed the UK ban on plastic microbeads in personal care products which came into force earlier that year.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Defra will introduce legislation before the summer recess… Plastic-free wet wipes are readily available and several retailers have already stopped selling wet wipes containing plastic.”

An 18-month transition period will start from when legislation is passed to allow businesses time to prepare, meaning the outright ban will come in late 2026.

However, the ban will only cover UK sale of the wipes and will not include the manufacture of these products for other markets.

The UK’s top clinics named at Aesthetic Medicine Awards 2024

The Cadogan Clinic, Thames Skin Clinic and Est-Ethics Wellness Clinic were named among the winners of the Aesthetic Medicine Awards 2024.

Trophies were awarded to the best clinics, employers and individuals in the industry during a ceremony at The Royal Lancaster hotel in London hosted by drag queen Bagga Chipz.

The regional clinic winners were London: The Cadogan Clinic; South East: Perfect Skin Solutions; South West and Wales: Pure Perfection Clinic; North of England and Midlands: Dr Yusra Clinic; and Scotland and Northern Ireland: Est-Ethics Wellness Clinic.

From those five, the national Aesthetic Clinic of the Year award went to The Cadogan Clinic.

A total of 14 awards were given, with other winners including Thames Skin Clinic, Twickenham, which took home Aesthetic Clinic Team of the Year, and Sarah Kennedy of Infinity Aesthetics by Sarah Kennedy, Ireland, who won Aesthetic Therapist of the Year.

A Beauty Industry That Looks Like You campaign launched by British Beauty Council

The British Beauty Council has launched a campaign titled A Beauty Industry That Looks Like You.

The campaign, which will run until July 26, features images of several beauty professionals in a bid to show the true make-up of the beauty industry.

Professionals featured include brand founder and diversity advocate Ateh Jewel; professional makeup artist and Glow Up star Jack Oliver; and L’Occitane UK and Ireland managing director Dianna Tieu.

The images, shot by photographer Liz Collins, are being used to launch a survey that aims to uncover the full breadth of the beauty industry, with questions on gender identity, ethnicity and income, as well as how beauty treatments make people feel.

Following a three-month data collection period, the results will be compiled and presented at British Beauty Week 2024 on October 23-27.

Look Good Feel Better issues urgent appeal to beauty industry

To mark its 30th anniversary, national cancer support charity Look Good Feel Better has launched its 2024 Urgent Appeal for Volunteers to support people facing cancer in the UK.

The charity is reaching out to trained beauty professionals who are interested in supporting people in managing the physical side effects of cancer treatment.

To qualify as a volunteer, beauty professionals need to commit to running at least three workshops a year, have a professional qualification (NVQ level 2+ or equivalent), and have at least one year’s hands-on experience working in the beauty industry.

If you’re interested in volunteering, visit lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/volunteer/ to apply, or email stephanie@lgfb.co.uk for further information.

PZ Cussons to sell tanning brand St Tropez

PZ Cussons has revealed plans to sell off the tanning brand St Tropez while also reviewing its operations in Africa, deciding to “refocus the group’s portfolio on where it can be most competitive”.

St Tropez was bought by PZ Cussons for £62.5 million in 2010. The brand was originally started by Judy Naaké in 1996.

Personal care giant PZ Cussons is now looking to find new owners who will be “better placed to capture the brand’s significant long-term potential”.

Dermalogica names Cirsten Hannken UK general manager

Dermalogica has announced new leadership for the UK and Ireland.

Mark Hermann, general manager for the UK and Ireland for the past five years, left the organisation mid-May to travel with his family and embrace fresh challenges after playing a crucial role in Dermalogica’s success in the UK and Ireland market.

In light of this, Dermalogica has announced that Cirsten Hannken, who has been the general manager of Dermalogica Germany for the past seven years, will be stepping into the role of general manager UK and Ireland.

“I’m delighted to be continuing my Dermalogica journey in the UK market and joining such a strong team,” said Hannken.

“I’m particularly excited to embrace the UK’s professional industry after successfully leading the first market globally to launch Dermalogica’s Pro Pen and expansion into advanced services, with more innovation and technology on the horizon – the best is yet to come.”

Made for Life Organics receives King’s Award for Enterprise

Made for Life Organics has been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.

Made for Life Organics is one of 252 organisations nationally to be recognised in the annual awards, announced on May 6.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024 included 161 awards for International Trade, 59 for Innovation, 29 for Sustainable Development and eight for Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).

The awards celebrate the success of innovative businesses with pioneering products or services, delivering impressive social mobility programmes, or showing their commitment to sustainable development.

Made for Life Organics was founded by Amanda Winwood (pictured), who provides an education programme in Therapy through Touch for people living with cancer and other long-term health issues and manufactures organic products.

Lyma launches new laser device into Harrods

Wellness technology company Lyma has launched its new Lyma Laser Pro exclusively in Harrods, London.

The £5,000 skincare device became available at Harrods in May and to celebrate the launch, celebrity facialist Nichola Joss, whose clients include Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bundchen and Gwyneth Paltrow, offered her signature face and body treatments incorporating the Lyma Laser Pro, giving Harrods customers the chance to try the device under her expert hands before purchasing.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the launch of Lyma Laser Pro from the professional community and customers and are incredibly excited to announce the exclusive launch with Harrods,” said Lyma founder Lucy Goff.