56% of women rank skin quality as the number-one beauty priority and as equally important as body shape and figure, according to new research by Allergan, maker of Juvéderm fillers and Botox.

The Changing Faces of Beauty: A Global Report 2016 explored women’s attitudes to beauty across the globe and found that when describing female beauty, 23% of respondents used words that describe skin such as complexion, glowing, smooth and flawless.

“Skin quality has always been a concern and is becoming increasingly important to women across the world… the search for a smooth and youthful skin quality remains a constant across countries,” said plastic surgeon Dr Mauricio de Maio, who worked on the report.

Two thirds said under eye bags (66%) were their number-one skin concern, followed closely by double chins (60%), loss of fullness in cheeks (52%) and volume in the lips (43%). As a result, 21% said double chins affect their confidence and make them look and feel older.

“Bags under the eyes and dark circles are universal concerns for women,” said cosmetic surgeon Dr Jonquille Chantrey, who also worked on the report. “The darker discolouration under the eye can really impact the quality of the complexion.”

81% are committed to a regular facial skincare routine, with Thai (96%), Chinese (89%) and Spanish (88%) women leading the way. The report also found that Chinese women spend an average of €80 (£67) a month on beauty products compared to Brits who only spend €25 (£21).

The evolution of the aesthetic market means women are now faced with a wider range of options to treat their beauty concerns. For example, 42% said they would consider a treatment with injectables as a way to boost their self-confidence while the same amount of respondents said they would to improve the aesthetics of sagging skin, the report found.  

The survey was commissioned by Allergan and conducted by Insight Engineers via an online questionnaire, surveying 7,700 “aesthetically aware” female respondents from 16 countries including the UK.

Image: ©Phase Eight