key: cord-0928041-redcuvg7
authors: Wang, Jordan V.; Munavalli, Girish S.; Zachary, Christopher B.; Geronemus, Roy G.
title: Trends in cosmetic consumer preferences during COVID‐19 pandemic: Comparing 2021 to 2020
date: 2021-11-18
journal: J Cosmet Dermatol
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14615
sha: 20281487f736f86f95ce57b90380abd7dfa499aa
doc_id: 928041
cord_uid: redcuvg7

This commentary evaluates trends in the factors influencing consumer decision‐making for cosmetic dermatologic procedures during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. This is a follow‐up national survey to one that was published 1 year ago. This study compares the data from Summer 2020 to early Summer 2021, which presents a stark contrast. Our results demonstrate that consumers are now more interested in cosmetic dermatologic procedures compared to 1 year prior. Additionally, they still value the overall safety of the clinic, so physicians should ensure that certain safety measures remain in place despite any decreasing rates of COVID‐19 positivity. Our survey sheds more light on current consumer perspectives, which may in turn help physicians adjust their practices to meet current demand. It is important for physicians to be knowledgeable regarding the patterns of consumer decision‐making in order to deliver appropriate patient education and provide proper patient outreach during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

). These were the same top 5 factors as 1 year ago.

Since its start, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the medical field, and cosmetic dermatology has not been spared.

Compared to results from 1 year prior, more consumers were now interested in cosmetic procedures, including laser and body contouring treatments and cosmetic injectables. Respondents now felt more comfortable leaving their household for medical appointments and procedures, as well as various daily activities. Additional disposable income from the inability to spend on luxury goods or vacations during the pandemic may also play a role.

In the United States, the current restrictions related to COVID-19 during early Summer 2021 had generally improved from 1 year prior. Consumers continue to favor physician-based practices over medical spas, as safety concerns remain. This is consistent with consumers rating the safety of their facility as a top influential factor.

Over the past few years, there has been more attention on the dangers of medical spas, which have been associated with various adverse events. 3, 4 This may be associated with the increased incidence of providers being non-physicians, including nurses, physician assistants, and estheticians, and their overall lack of qualified physician oversight. 5 In order to promote patient safety, physicians should be aware of the dangers of medical spas and educate patients and the public accordingly.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to drastically shift how cosmetic physicians provide care. This is an evolving situation, as there are no signs that the COVID-19 pandemic will disappear anytime soon. Further research should continue to examine these trends.

The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

This is a voluntary, anonymous survey. All ethics were followed.

Data are not made available.

An assessment of United States dermatology practices during the COVID-19 outbreak

Cosmetic consumer preferences during COVID-19 pandemic: a new normal?

Experiences with medical spas and associated complications: a survey of aesthetic practitioners

Comparing medical spas and physician practices for cosmetic procedures: a survey of millennial consumers

Medical spa or physician practice: the national impact of patient wait times in aesthetics