Dermatologists and digital platforms are top influencers for cosmetic and skincare decisions
21 Jun 2022 --- A survey by the American Society for Dermatological Surgery (ASDS) affirm that dermatologists and online platforms continue to play the most significant role in consumer decisions toward cosmetic treatments, skincare purchases and the choice of provider.
“Cosmetic treatments are medical procedures and board-certified dermatologists are qualified to deliver safe, leading care with customized treatment plans for their patients,” notes Sue Ellen Cox, president at ASDS.
“Patients continue to trust ASDS member dermatologists’ medical expertise and aesthetic acumen to help them look and feel their best.”
Dermatologists are ranked as the “number one influencer” for consumer purchasing decisions among cosmetic procedures, according to ASDS. Examples include injectable wrinkle-relaxers; laser or light therapy for skin redness, tone and scars; laser or light therapy for skin tightening; chemical peels; vein treatments; microdermabrasion; and tattoo removal.
Additionally, 70% of consumers consider getting cosmetic treatments, says ASDS. 
Seventy percent of consumers consider getting a cosmetic treatment.
Motivation to improve
The survey details consumer reasons behind cosmetic treatments include “wanting to feel confident, appear attractive, look younger or to do something for themselves.”
Consumer concerns around body fat were significant at 77%, followed by skin texture and discoloration at 66%. Worries about fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes were at 62%, followed closely by hair loss and excessive sweating.
To resolve these concerns, the strongest desire at 52% fell under ultrasound, laser, light and radiofrequency procedures for smoothing wrinkles and tightening the skin.
This was followed by laser and light therapy at 48% to reduce facial redness, improve skin tone and improve scars. Additionally, the microdermabrasion option at 44% was the lowest, the survey reveals
One reason consumers postponed making appointments was a worry of significant changes to their looks. Moreover, consumers desire more natural looks using aesthetic (non-surgical) procedures.
Online community platforms which contain health and beauty resources for consumers are growing.
Impact of online platforms
The ASDS notes that online community platforms which contain health and beauty resources for consumers are growing. Digital conversations impact consumer decisions for cosmetic procedures or skincare product purchases.
Social media follows up at 52% as influencing purchasing decisions for skincare products and it ranks as third for impacting cosmetic treatment decisions.
Additionally, social media impacted 52% of consumers to schedule appointments – going up 9% from the 2019 survey.
Moreover, 78% of patients follow their current or potential provider on social media, a 38% increase since 2019, reports ASDS. Potential consumers are influenced by rate and review sites by 83% – going up 16% from the 2019 survey.
Edited by Venya Patel
