Holistic wellbeing, a stronger emphasis on skin quality and beauty beyond gender were the top three trends of the year
This interview was conducted with Dr Lisa Chan, a Hong Kong-based general practitioner who has an avid interest in medical beauty. Dr Chan, MBChB (CUHK), MScPD (Cardiff), PgDipPD (Cardiff), PGDipClinDerm (Lond), DipMed (CUHK), DCH (Sydney), also holds a master's degree in practical dermatology with distinction at Cardiff University.
There has been much talk about physical and mental well-being this year in particular, but what have been some of the biggest trends observed in the medical beauty world? How have mindsets changed or evolved? Dr Lisa Chan breaks down some of the key changes she has observed this year.
What are some of the biggest medical beauty trends?
I would say the top three trends are viewing beauty as part of holistic wellbeing; a stronger emphasis on skin quality; and genderless beauty.
Since the pandemic, there’s been more focus on mental and physical health. Instead of requesting specific looks or treatments, I’ve had an uptick in patients who ask to feel a certain way: to have more confidence, to feel refreshed, to attain more self-love... We then go deeper into what would make them not only look good on the outside, but also feel good on the inside. It’s not always an obvious thing, and it’s really gratifying to see how the smallest tweaks allow some patients to regain that spring in their step.
Skin is another big thing, and K-pop superstars such as Blackpink have popularised luminous, poreless and radiant-looking skin. Depending on patients’ initial skin condition, this natural glow can often be achieved via deep dermal hydrating treatments and sessions of intense pulsed light.
Aesthetic treatments are also moving towards gender freedom. This is likely boosted by the growth of gender-fluid boy bands such as BTS and beauty influencers, who have dramatically reduced the stigma surrounding male beauty. I’ve had more men ask for glow-ups and defined body and facial contours.
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Has medical beauty scene evolve over the past five years?
Aesthetic procedures have become more mainstream and less stigmatised—people are more likely to share what they’ve done with friends and family and even bring friends along for treatments. It’s almost like traditional facials have been replaced by energy-based devices, and patients like to regularly schedule them for during their lunch breaks. Partly that’s because current procedures are minimally invasive and require little downtime, while delivering effective yet natural results.
What changes have you seen in terms of your client demographic?
There’s been an increase in younger patients looking for early preventive treatments against wrinkles, sagging and pigmentation, and male patients who want more facial and bodily definition.
With the world slowly embracing body positivity, what does that mean for Asia, which has been slower in letting go of established concepts of beauty?
Asian society tend to be more traditional in the way they view beauty, but I do feel we are catching up to the idea of beauty in diversity.
There are quite a few local brands that have become more inclusive in their marketing, whether that is in terms of age, gender, ethnicity or body shape. Social media has also helped with this, as lots of vloggers and content creators who may not have fit within traditional definitions of beauty have amassed millions of followers, creating a safe space for previously marginalised groups. I think it’s really all about education, understanding and respect. Beauty that’s only skin-deep will never stand the test of time, and consumers nowadays are a lot more discerning regarding the culture of the brands they associate themselves with.
