Wellness trend helps turn professional skin care around in Europe

According to new figures from market information company The Kline Group, after experiencing a lacklustre performance in 2013, the professional skin care market in Europe shows signs of recovery, posting a 5% average growth through 2015.

Things had taken a turn for the worse over the last few years particularly with southern countries, such as Italy and Spain, posting sharp declines in 2013 as they struggled with difficult economic conditions.

However, Kline reports that even these countries are beginning to see a turnaround as an increasing number of consumers embracing healthier lifestyle choices and spending more on wellness and fitness has had a positive impact on take-home and in-salon treatments, which have been on the rise.

Germany and the United Kingdom continue to be market drivers, says Kline, which also notes that the Russian market remains strong despite the country’s political and economic unrest.

Key markets​

“As seen traditionally, facial skin care remains the foremost concern in 2014 and within that, anti-ageing and skin hydration are the top needs in 2014,”​ comments the market analyst.

Other products that are also poised for growth in Europe, especially in northern countries, such as the UK and Germany, are body care.

Southern countries like Italy and Spain are already very advanced with body care products, with some notable examples being Decleor Aroma Nutrition Body Care Range, the recently launched TechnoLED range from Carita, and Body Strategist from Comfort Zone.

China follows suit​

The medical channel is also one of the fastest growing markets in Europe with the number of medical care institutes and cosmetic procedures performed growing at a double-digit rate in 2014; a trend also seen in China.

In fact, China is another market that has started to pick up, recording an average growth of about 5% in 2014 after a slowdown in 2013 due to overall macro-economic factors, such as a slowing economy and stringent regulatory changes.

Anti-ageing serums remain popular in China as in other international markets, while brightening products and masks and peels continue to be favoured.

In addition, products that help treating and preventing rosacea and hypersensitivity are growing rapidly in this market due to the adverse effects of increasing air-pollution.