THE MEDICAL AESTHETICS industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation. What was once an exclusive luxury, available only to celebrities and the ultra-wealthy (and often shrouded in secrecy), has blossomed into a $20 billion market, growing at an annual rate of 8 percent, according to a study by Boston Consulting Group. This shift is largely driven by the destigmatization of treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels and microneedling, as well as the rise of wellness-focused therapies such as IV hydration therapy and longevity counseling.
More significantly, the concept of beauty itself has evolved. Today’s consumers aren’t seeking dramatic transformations, instead gravitating towards more subtle, “treat-yourself” experiences that offer both escapism and self-improvement while seamlessly fitting into their everyday lives.
At the same time, the perception of health and wellness has expanded. Once primarily focused on physical fitness, the concept of wellness now extends to sleep, mindfulness and holistic well-being. According to reports by Fortune and Accenture, the U.S. leads the globe in wellness spending, with consumers investing an average of $5,321 annually in their health and 80 percent of Americans planning to either maintain or increase their wellness budgets. Globally, wellness now accounts for $1 out of every $20 spent, according to the Global Wellness Institute, and with wellness tourism projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2027, opportunities for medical aesthetics to capitalize on these shifts is rife.
As the lines between aesthetics, wellness, and health continue to blur, brands are finding themselves in an interesting space of being able to connect to a new and emerging segment of the market.
But who are the medical aesthetic enthusiasts of tomorrow?
What would motivate them to connect with aesthetics brands, and what’s currently inhibiting them?
And what is the role of design in creating future-ready medical aesthetic environments?
A Deeper Dive into Human-Centric Design
This blog series will take a deep dive into the consumer personas that make up the future medical aesthetics market base.
Based on a survey of nearly 500 U.S. consumers, conducted by HumanX by IA Retail, this series will introduce four core archetypes and explore their behaviors, desires and needs:
The Somatic Sage: Frequent visitors to aesthetic centers and committed to both holistic wellness and beauty. Prioritize non-invasive treatments paired with self-healing practices.
The Elite Escapist: Seasoned in aesthetic treatments, seeking a brand that blends top-tier services with relaxation and a rejuvenating community experience.
The Worried Well: Focused on future-proofing their health and appearance. Less knowledgeable about treatments and unsure of where to begin.
The Wanderlush: Passionate about combining travel with rejuvenation, craving treatments as part of their travel experiences, integrating wellness and growth in their exploration.
Provided by IA Interior Architects
Closing Thoughts
As the medical aesthetics industry continues to grow, brands have the unique opportunity to connect with an emerging segment in a new way, getting curious about what resonates with the wellness-driven consumers of the future.
Provided by IA Interior Architects
Provided by IA Interior Architects
Stay tuned as we continue to explore the what, how and why in the upcoming blogs. I’ll be showcasing new ideas for visual positioning, wayfinding strategies and conceptual renders for medical aesthetic spaces. I’ll also be outlining strategic design solutions that bridge trust gaps, enhance accessibility and create engaging havens of community for medical aesthetic providers.