NEW YORK— The healthy living trend has evolved beyond the kitchen for consumers, and many are now looking for new ways to actively monitor their health care. Personal care vendors noted that skin care is an easy way for consumers with an eye on healthy living to expand their take on the trend and break into the home health care segment.
While the overall personal care category is expecting modest gains in 2017, vendors noted, the skin care segment is poised for growth.
The 2017 Forecast consumer survey showed skin care appliances as number two on the list of home health care appliances to be purchased in the coming year, increasing to 50% of respondents versus 46% in last year’s report.
Technological advancement, including smart technologies, has given a boost to the segment over the past year, and is projected to continue to do so throughout 2017.
The Forecast report showed that over 50% of consumers consider smart/connected features to be extremely, very or somewhat important to their home health care purchase.
Vendors also noted that while the skin care segment of the home health care category historically hit a touch point with female consumers, skin care appliances with advanced smart features related to health have tapped into the male demographic.
One point of concern, vendors noted, is the flood of smart devices expected to enter the market that do not offer consumers useful data but instead rely on nuance. Vendors noted that while still in its infancy, consumers are increasingly more educated on smart devices and are no longer looking for “another accessory,” but for a tool that easily and efficiently provides useful information.
One skin care device gaining traction with consumers is the smart vanity mirror. Unlike vanity mirrors of old, these tech-focused devices include advanced skin care features and connectivity, and are tasked with elevated functions for current skin care enthusiasts while also inviting new consumers to the category.
New Kinpo Group, for example, recently launched its HiMirror, a hybrid connected vanity mirror and skin care analyzer. The mirror is both WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled, and is positioned as a new approach to daily beauty, the company said.
The mirror offers users an in-depth, personalized skin care analysis based on evolving conditions of the skin, and is said to detect dark spots, red spots, dark eye circles, wrinkles, pores, fine lines and other complexion elements. From this data it creates a personalized skin index synthesis report— an evaluation of skin firmness, brightness, texture, clarity and overall healthiness.
The mirror also features facial and voice recognition capabilities, another advancement in technology gaining traction, in order to assist multiple family members.
iHome also launched its Vanity Mirror Speakers, featuring Bluetooth wireless audio and integrated media controls with talk and end button for hands-free phone calls.
Meanwhile, Solomomo’s take on the smart vanity mirror boasts its Home Skin Wand device and accompanying free skin analysis service.
According to the company, the specially equipped wand features lights and magnification for a close look at the skin, and is attached to a 7-inch touchscreen that broadcasts what the wand “sees.” The user is guided to specific points on the face to create a personal skin map, which is analyzed in the cloud and a skin report becomes available on the device.
As technology continues to develop, personal care vendors said skin care devices are poised to evolve beyond the bathroom, with the potential to transform into 24/7, personalized health care monitors.
