Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1531085
56 ASCP Skin Deep Winter 2025 WHERE IS THE DEMAND COMING FROM? The demand for hyper-personalized skin care mainly comes from today's more discerning clientele. The digital generation has grown up with access to more skin care information than previous generations, making it overly aware of specific skin needs, like sensitivity, acne, hyperpigmentation, and premature signs of aging. Studies have shown that skin conditions are highly influenced by genetics, environment, and lifestyle, so consumers are seeking estheticians who can provide alternatives to cookie-cutter facials. Estheticians who can offer individualized treatments will meet client demand and set themselves apart from the competition. With AI developing at lightning speed and as more studies are conducted, more information goes into product and treatment development, leading to a better understanding of clients' skin. SKIN ANALYZER DEVICES Since every professional treatment starts with a skin consultation, many skin care professionals use a diagnostic device. These devices analyze skin at a deeper level to understand underlying concerns. While some estheticians use a magnifying lamp, a growing number of professionals are seeking a more detailed analysis using an analyzer, such as DermaScan and Visia. Skin analyzer systems use multispectral imaging and advanced algorithms to evaluate skin health and visual appearance. They capture detailed images of the face under different lighting conditions and analyze various skin attributes. Canfield Scientific's Visia system uses cross- polarized and ultraviolet (UV) lighting to record and measure the conditions of the skin above and under the surface. According to Canfield Scientific's website, the Visia device separates the unique color signatures of red and brown skin components for unequaled visualization of conditions that result in color concentration, such as spider veins, hyperpigmentation, and erythema. This system also provides a detailed assessment of factors like wrinkles, pore size, and skin texture and determines the patient's overall skin condition and age. It also generates quantitative data, allowing for a precise measurement of skin conditions and monitoring changes over time. These reports can help clients understand their skin condition better, leading to more informed decisions about treatments and product purchases. AI-DRIVEN INNOVATIONS As personalized skin care solutions and hyperdetailed skin analysis gain momentum, AI-driven technologies are transforming the industry. This trend has paved the way for companies to introduce cutting-edge additions to the US market. A report published in October 2024 estimated that the market share of AI in the beauty industry would grow from $3.27 billion in 2023 to $3.97 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate of 21.5 percent. 2 According to a 2022 Dynata survey of 11,000 global consumers, over 75 percent of respondents expressed interest in AR-powered shopping experiences, with 90 percent of Gen Z respondents saying they'd be interested in using AR to virtually try makeup and hair products. 3 One example of a company leveraging AI and AR to grow and gain a younger audience has been Avon. Recently, the 137-year-old beauty company underwent a transformation, resulting in a 320 percent increase in conversion rate and a 33 percent increase in average order value. 4 Avon started using AR technology created by Taiwan's Perfect Corp., which allows consumers to see how a product will look on their faces. Consumers are scanned by an AI system that collects data on their facial geometry and skin tone. The data is then used to overlay the brand's makeup product on the user's face. TECHNOLOGY WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND SKIN CARE It's clear that AI is gaining traction across all industries, and the beauty sphere is no different. Estheticians will greatly benefit from adapting to the technology to help them better diagnose skin conditions and gain a competitive advantage in their