I had the pleasure of attending an AMI Masterclass conducted by Emily Schultz in Sydney a few months ago. Emily Schultz is a board certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist and clinical consultant based in Ontario, Canada. She is also the Nurse Faculty Lead for Allergan Aesthetics Canada, in addition to her role as International Faculty for Allergan Aesthetics USA. 

In this AMI Masterclass, Emily talked about the ever-evolving world of aesthetics and ten significant trends that are reshaping the way we perceive and experience beauty. As outlined in “The Future of Aesthetics: Global Consumer Trends,” these shifts not only reflect our changing societal values but also the dynamic influence of the digital age. Here are the ten trends shaping the beauty industry: 

1. Digital Lens 

Skilled aesthetic practitioners can have a powerful impact by realistically communicating the effects of treatments, countering social media’s idealised images. Their expertise in aesthetics and its psychological effects can ground clients. They aim to educate clients about the distortions caused by filters and technology, promoting a balanced approach and the value of perspective in an evolving digital landscape. 

2. Diverse Individuality 

The aesthetics industry, like any other, should be inclusive, from practitioner training and ongoing education to product testing and marketing. While Caucasian beauty standards may have historically prevailed, today’s consumers from diverse backgrounds seek to embrace and highlight the unique expressions of their heritage in their appearance. “As a community, if we don’t see us, we don’t think it’s for us. Representation matters”, Dr. Tijion Esho.  

3. Gender Inclusive Beauty 

The concept of beauty is evolving to include the millions of non-binary individuals. People now consider facial transformations as part of their journey to self-discovery. As clinicians, it’s essential to understand our patients’ innate selves, their goals, and how our expertise can help them. 

4. Elevated Experience 

Creating spaces that are calm, soothing, and elegant spaces is particularly important in the post pandemic era. This is because individuals, confined to the digital realm, yearn for immersive and multisensory experiences. 

5. The New Masculine 

The cosmetic market is poised for growth among men in the upcoming years. With increasing acceptance of male participation in aesthetics, we anticipate that younger men will parallel the trend seen in their female counterparts. When men see themselves better represented, it will contribute to their openness to try injectable treatments.  

6. Ephemeral Expression 

Clients are increasingly comfortable experimenting with their appearance. Facial treatments and minimally invasive procedures have gained acceptance, with a growing interest in non-permanent solutions. 

7. New Body Frontiers 

Facial aesthetics have traditionally been the primary focus of the market; however, professionals worldwide are increasingly recognizing the body as the emerging frontier for growth and innovation. 

8. Aesth-ethics 

The age of social media has brought both opportunities and challenges. The importance of ethical practices in aesthetics has become paramount to combat issues like counterfeit products and overfilled lips.  

9. The End of Ageing 

Cutting-edge technology aims to extend life and harness DNA for custom skincare, as consumers embrace ‘bio-hacking’ to combat aging. Early adoption of injectables may reduce the need for invasive procedures like facelifts. Collagen generation and epigenetics hold promise for self-regeneration. Practitioners play a vital role in guiding consumers to choose less invasive treatments early on to avoid more complex procedures later in life. 

10. Beauty and Metaverse 

The beauty industry is expanding into the virtual realm. Virtual clinics, avatars, and online consultations are shaping the future of aesthetics in a digitally connected world.  

Basically, these ten trends are not only reshaping the aesthetics industry but also reflecting the evolving values and desires of consumers in a world increasingly influenced by the digital sphere. The future of beauty is diverse, inclusive, and continually evolving, offering exciting opportunities for both clinicians and clients alike.