Most minority women feel ignored by the skincare industry, according to new study
The average woman will spend $20,466.72 on skincare in her adult lifetime, according to new research.
Within the span of a month a woman will spend $27.96 on skincare — or $335.52 every year.
A study of 1,000 general population women and 1,000 women of color explored the seemingly never-ending journey for the perfect skincare routine.
In spite of spending a small fortune in a year, one in four women wouldn’t call their current skincare products “effective.”
The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of LeCerre Skincare, revealed lack of effectiveness isn’t even a good enough reason to go in search of new products.
Results showed half of respondents (53%) think their skincare is ineffective, but are afraid to try something new because it could negatively affect their skin.
Women of color are 7% more likely to stick with their current routine out of fear for what a different product could do to their skin.
It takes a great deal of time and patience to find a product that’s even a worthy addition to her skincare routine. The average woman goes through three products before finding one effective enough to join the lineup.
It’s not a decision women take lightly either, since the average woman will try a product for seven days before giving up on it due to lack of effectiveness or skin reactions.
Skincare products that don’t work can wreak havoc on our skin, with the average respondent saying they’ve had three bad skin reactions while experimenting with new products.
It’s no wonder then so many women feel frustrated by the lack of offerings from the skincare industry.
Fifty-nine percent feel ignored and believe there aren’t enough effective products for them. That percentage jumps to 63% among women of color.
An area of serious concern for respondents was skincare specific to skin tone. Two-thirds of respondents overall feel underserved because there are no skincare products for their specific skin tone. Nearly seven in 10 (69%) women of color expressed the same irritation.
“Beauty standards have historically been Eurocentric (focus on Caucasian features, colors and culture) and as a result, beauty and skincare products have predominantly carried forward these standards such as popularizing skin whitening among those with ethnic skin,” said a spokesperson for LeCerre Skincare.
“The formulations of these products frankly do not incorporate the latest research in skin diversity which are now conducted in major universities around the world, especially in Japan, Singapore, China, Thailand, South Korea and India.
“This new research presents data that suggests different skin tones and skin types require different approaches to skin care.”
Respondents noted areas for improvement and what they’d like to see more of when it comes to their skincare products.
One in two wished for more clinical research for products for women of color and wider ranging products for all skin tones (43%).
Two in five think there ought to be more budget-friendly products and 17% think there should be less emphasis on trendy treatments.
Forty-three percent dream of more effective products for those niche skin issues. At the top of the wish list of skin troubles respondents want better products for were eczema (39%), seborrheic dermatitis (33%) and acne (26%).
“Clinical research has shown that pigment disorders affect women of color more frequently, especially as they age. Conditions such as dark marks, brown spots, melasma and hyperpigmentation are tricky to treat and often times have a high chance for relapse after treatment with lasers or acid peels while running the risk for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH),” added the spokesperson for LeCerre Skincare.
“Overall, women of color need to be cautious as PIH may cause further skin discoloration leaving them worse off than before. The truth is when it comes to the skin, there is no magic bullet. The skin is the largest organ in the body that requires time to heal and regenerate. Effective skincare are the ones replenish the skin’s chemical composition so it can do its job well.”
MORE EFFECTIVE PRODUCT WISHLIST
1. Eczema 35%
2. Seborrheic dermatitis 30%
3. Acne 26%
4. Inflammation 25%
5. Eye bags 18%
6. Dark circles 18%
7. Psoriasis 17%
8. Dry skin/peeling 15%
9. Dark spots 13%
10. Frown lines 12%
11. Crows feet 11%
12. Cold sores 10%
13. Hyperpigmentation 9%
14. Rosacea 9%
15. Rash 8%
16. Melasma 7%
17. Hives 7%
18. Shingles 7%
19. Keloids 7%
20. Vitiligo 6%
SKINCARE INDUSTRY IMPROVEMENT WISH LIST
1. More clinical research for products for women of color 50%
2. More effective products for niche skin issues 43%
3. Wider range of products for all skin tones 43%
4. More budget-friendly skin care products 40%
5. Less emphasis on trendy treatments 17%
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