62% of young Brits will undergo an aesthetic treatment in the next 12 months
More than half (62%) of millennials and Generation Z (collectively aged 18–34) are considering undergoing a non-surgical aesthetic treatment in the next 12 months, compared to just 28% of those aged over 35, according to a new survey by online marketplace RealSelf.
The 18-34 age group are also more likely to have had a non-surgical or surgical cosmetic treatment in the past (40%) compared to their older counterparts (14%), and the interest remains balanced among the sexes, with women only considering a treatment in the next year slightly more than men, the report found.
When asked why they are considering have a treatment done, nearly two thirds (60%) said life events have influenced their decision, while the desire to look more youthful (23%), a milestone birthday (18%), upcoming holiday (18%) or starting a new job/relationship (13%) were other cited reasons.
The top five non-surgical treatments under consideration by Brits are:
- Cosmetic dentistry (43%)
- Laser hair removal (29%)
- Facial skin treatments, like dermaplaning and microneedling (28%)
- Dermal fillers (24%)
- Botox (18%).
“Younger generations are a key force behind the UK’s growing interest in cosmetic procedures due to, in a large a part, the new technologies and treatment options that have made aesthetic treatments accessible to a wider audience,” said Lara Devgan, RealSelf chief medical officer and US board-certified plastic surgeon.
“Many millennials look at cosmetic enhancements as part of their larger self-care routine, not unlike going to the gym or taking care of their skin. They are more open to the idea that beauty is a feeling of confidence rather than a particular physical feature, and it can be unique and customised for every individual.”
Respondents key concerns about aesthetic treatments included a fear of complications or bad results (53%), the price of the procedure (48%), long-term effects (33%) and finding the right provider (30%).