Editor’s Note
We are pleased to present you our new column
Symphony Be-Beauty™, which will now appear every two months. This column deals with the topics of health, well-being, wellness and beauty from within.
Alison O’Neil, Expert in Aesthetic Health, starts off by reporting on the Global Wellness Summit conference in Miami that took place in November ast year. The Summit was attended by the most Wellness in-tuned body of professionals and business owners, doctors, psychologists, therapists and more. Dan Buetner, famed for the Blue Zones research is an example of the calibre of experts attracted.
Alison also provides a wealth of information on the integration of cosmetics and personal care products and practices in wellness systems and SPAs.
Author’s Note:
Five, four, three, two, ONE! Each year we begin again with the encouraging words in our own minds and those chanted by marketing promisors, “A new year and a new you. What’s your resolution?” For those industry reports that matter most, Better health, Better fitness, Better nutrition, Better appearance, Better sleep, and Better mindfulness make up the wellness market that we are all watching closely.
In 2024 all signs are pointing toward not just a short promise to make changes but a firm personal commitment to a new way of living. The move toward wellness is on. Where short-cuts to looking good have been on trend for many years, it is now understood that a side-effect of being healthy and living well, is looking good. Where living in the moment no longer means taking major risks but stopping on purpose to recognize where you are standing (or sitting) and taking a purposeful breath.
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) empowers wellness worldwide with the mission in uniting health and wellness industries
The future of the industry is seen before the new year even opens, the notable organization that leads the way each year is the U.S. based, Global Wellness Institute (GWI) (https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/). Each year over the past seventeen, the GWI, founded by Susie Ellis, Chair and CEO and masterfully orchestrated by Chief Creative Officer & Executive Director, Nancy Davis, has tracked with purposeful intention the worldwide movement on health and wellness behaviors. In November of each year the all-encompassing report on The Global Wellness Economy is released (see chart). The Global Wellness Summit is held in a place in the world that stands for living a life well lived. Intended for Qatar in 2023, growing concerns of instability in the Middle East region tested the Summit team to employ the skills they write about. In a period of three weeks, they smoothly and remarkably pivoted the appointed event to Miami, Florida. The new destination site, the Hyatt Regency Miami exemplified the value found in an ease of shift. Through their highly attentive, and well-appointed staff, healthy offerings of food, sleep, and intentional movement matched the summits’ wellness theme. The meeting is exclusive as it hosts only several hundred attendees who are at the highest levels in the industry’s they represent. To their delight and erudition, along with the trends and innovations that are always most efficiently and eloquently reported, this year’s audience were further enlightened by U.S. Gymnast Simone Biles’ extraordinary story of courage and resilience that strongly supports the current movement in positive mental health. A second extraordinary keynote was Grammy Award-winning producer and artist, Timbaland who inspired the audience with his personal wellness journey and newly appointed direction of his musical talents being unveiled in the wellness arena. Partnering with U.K. based sound wellness leader, MyndStream, founder Freddie Moross, their collaborations will be experienced through participating spas and businesses focused on work-place wellness and other wellness motivated locations, over the coming year. This pertinent meeting also hosts annual participation from esteemed Board Members like, Richard Carmona, MD, 17th U.S. Surgeon General, Chief of Innovation, Canyon Ranch, Anjan Chatterjee, MD Professor of Neurology, Psychology and Architecture, University of Pennsylvania: Founding Director, Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, as well as the founder of ESPA and SATCC, U.K. based, Sue Harmsworth and Pierre-Louis Delapalme, Co-President and Co-Chairman of Biologique Recherche, France. Global highlights included Sustainability, Futures & Wellbeing Adviser; Future Generations Commissioner, Sophie Howe from Wales, UK who brought awareness to the importance of considering the well-being of children having impact on our future. While Hospitality specialists including VP of Wellness for Hilton, US, and Hyatt Hotels VP of Global Wellbeing Experiences, and of the French, Accor, Global VP of Wellbeing focused on the intentions of these locations on addressing the desires of their modern health and wellness seekers, and others that are mentioned here in this article.
What Does the Science Say?
The Number One Question being asked by those who are setting the 2024 Trends in Wellness is, What does the science say?
According to McKinsey & Company’s latest Future of Wellness research (https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/feeling-good-the-future-of-the-1-5-trillion-wellness-market) consumers are taking greater control of their health and wellness. And they are expecting companies to ensure efficacy coupled with scientific credibility.
If the consumer is always right, then in this case they should get the highest score. Finally, the science matters and they want to understand why and apply it to themselves.
In 2024 the Goal of the greater majority is to live the dream of longer, healthier, stress-free lives. But how and where do you come in? Building your products into their lifestyle starts here.
To help reach this goal and that of your customers, our Column encompasses the integration of proven treatments, practices, products, and NEW developments that influence the move forward in the arena of connecting Mind-Body-Beauty & Wellness which depicts the field of Aesthetic Health.
What we put on and, in our bodies, has been of popular conversation in the past few years. Today, mindfulness and realizing that we are personally responsible for our own self-preservation has gained in interest and practice across the globe. In fact, where in parts of the world it has been “the way” for centuries, the secrets of living our best life are now being leaked. Where only a few places called, “Blue Zones” existed, the spread of their sacred way of life is beyond those spots that were originally coveted. It turns out we can move the mountain to where we want to see and experience it.
Extensions in lifestyle practices and procedures that are offered in the most prolific market of Personal Care & Beauty are being developed for not only the rich but the general well-being of all. As Dan Buettner, Author of National Best Seller, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest and more, stated in his recent Netflix Documentary, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, traditionally, “Being Healthy is for the Wealthy”. But as he reviews the locations of the Blue Zones and their long-lived inhabitants, he discovered something interesting. Wealth is not a part of their lives, and the practices are unique not only to their geography but in something that has no geographical boundaries, and we all have, the sense of well-being that can be created anywhere and at any time. We just need to learn the rules of living the best life and have the surroundings that encourage that way of thinking, acting, being. Blue Zones Projects are well-being initiatives that apply lessons from the blue zones to entire communities, workplaces, and universities by focusing on the local environment, public policy, and social networks.
Sense-ational influences are finally recognized for enhancing the traditional. Beyond what meets the eye is how touch, smells, and vibration (sound, touch, light) contribute to the new definition of, In the Eye of the Beholder”. Is it new? We spoke to Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, professor of Neuro-Aesthetics at Univ. of Pennsylvania and Founder of the Neuro-Aesthetics Center. There a wealth of information has been gathered and the touch stone of aesthetics whether it is in personal care, or the environment in which it is applied – which could be a museum or modern new architectural structure, or a photo of your favorite Grand Mother has been determined to impact your over-all wellness. Aesthetics influences our emotions which in turn have now been confirmed to influence our health and well-being.
Another relied upon source for where consumer trends are taking us is McKinsey’s latest Future of Wellness research released January 2024. A survey of more than 5,000 consumers across China, the United Kingdom, and the United States—examines the trends shaping the consumer wellness landscape.
Released in mid-January 2024, The latest Future of Wellness survey https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/feeling-good-the-future-of-the-1-5-trillion-wellness-market finds that consumers are taking greater control over their health – and expect companies to provide effective, science-backed solutions.
(Direct quote taken from the article they published above)
Today, consumers are no longer simply trying out these wellness trends and hoping for the best, but rather asking, “What does the science say?”
The McKinsey report shows in the $1.8 trillion global consumer wellness market a significant trend that should be noted which they label, “Clinical Over Clean”. In their report they point out that consumers who were formerly keen on clean or natural ingredients are now more interested in products that are clinically proven effective. They say that a significant number of consumers – “roughly half” in both the UK and the US reported clinical effectiveness as a major influence in their decision to buy OTC products across categories. Notably, in China, consumers preference for clinical and clean were clear but a stronger desire for products for clinical efficacy in categories including digestive interventions, topical treatments, and eye care products. They preferred supplements, superfoods, and personal-care products to be derived from natural and clean sources.
[Implications for companies: To meet consumer demand for clinically proven products, some brands will be able to emphasize existing products in their portfolios, while other businesses may have to rethink product formulations and strategy. While wellness companies that have built a brand around clean or natural products – particularly those with a dedicated customer base – may not want to pivot away from their existing value proposition, they can seek out third-party certifications to help substantiate their claims and reach more consumers.
Companies can boost the clinical credibility of their products by using clinically tested ingredients, running third-party research studies on their products, securing recommendations from healthcare providers and scientists, and building a medical board that weighs in on product development.] Excerpt From: McKinsey & Company Future of Wellness Survey
“Clinical Skin Health Specialists”
Traditionally known as skincare professionals, Esthetician’s are becoming better known as “Clinical Skin Health Specialists”. Through higher education, as well as, product and technology advances, the field continues to grow along with their clients’ requests and expectations. Professional products that are clinically tested and targeted toward specific conditions such as acne, immune-compromised skin disorders, skin fragility, pigmentation challenges, among other are in demand. Companies who produce these products also hold high responsibility in the education they offer.
Recently I spoke with UK based, Elemis founders, Noella Gabriel and Oriele Frank who hold strong in philosophy and experience that your product is only as good as the hands in which it is placed. Since 1989 they have worked closely with professional Beauty Therapists whom they have witnessed have “real, intuitive” hands that not only apply product but also a “caring intention that heals”. The skill set they look for in the providers who apply their formulas, along with strong understanding of the skin’s physiology, and the connection between our mind and body is being a good listener and having the ability to develop authentic relationships that harbor the valuable trait of trust required between client and practitioner. Grounded in the goal of wellness from their start, the brand is now in 110 countries. Elemis’ Fab three are the Cleansing Balm, which is a universal product, Pro-Collagen Marine and their unique “tri-enzyme” technology found in their Dynamic Resurfacing Pads. On course to address the call to action of contributing to a lifestyle of wellness, a holistic, lifestyle brand that is sensitive to the needs of all markets, Elemis was sold in 2019 to French skincare brand, L’Occitane for $900 million.
U.S. based, Immunocologie skincare, developed by long time esthetic pioneer and cancer survivor, Karen Ballou is the first brand to become Blue Zones accepted. It is an example of U.S. brands who are catering to both the professional requests of effective and sustainable products and the consumer who is seeking the guidance offered by these specialists in aesthetic health. These professionals recognize that they must be well-versed in lifestyle practices inside and out that influence the health or lack thereof which their clients present. They are learning to recognize the significance of diet and influencing factors such as environment and mental health as well as incorporating the use of products that have proven efficacy. They are free to practice a holistic style of care that lends to the education of those who entrust their wellness and well-being to them.
Taking the Plunge
SPA, as the acronym for Solus per Aqua, meaning ‘healing through water’, incorporates the value of touch through facials and body treatments while, today’s thermal spas remain with high user confidence, the healing baths of ancient times that benefit both mind and body.
Meeting recently with Stephan Mayer-Klenk, I learned about a long-time world leader in the beauty and wellness sector. Initially focused on the manufacture and sale of products for cleaning private and municipal swimming pools, water care and disinfectants as well as analysis technology, particularly in photometry, Kemitron GmbH was founded in 1977 by his father, Bernhard Mayer-Klenk in Walldorf, Germany. Shortly after starting the family-owned business, focus shifted away from the pool market and their efforts were clearly directed in the wellness market. They led the way in creating the experience shower which they named, the “Adventure” Shower. Born out of their early production of fragrances and needing a way to feed the fragrance into the steam or the sauna, they developed dosing pumps, fully electronic dosing systems for small quantities as well as control systems for experience showers and whirlpools. Another unique dosing system they developed out of need indiscernibly injects the disinfectant and cleaning products into whirlpools. Relocated to Wendlingen am Neckar, Germany in the 1980’s today their work in control systems for experience showers and whirlpools is highly regarded and employed by top providers in the spa industry globally. The 1990’s brought introduction of fragrances for wellness facilities and devices for room aromatization infusion systems for saunas. Today the company boasts over three hundred fragrances available to their customers. The brine inhalation system was also introduced, and the functions of dosing pumps were further developed during this period.
In the early 2000’s, the technical products received UL approval and a hammam foaming device was added as a new technical product. Production was modernized and the US market was opened up in cooperation with Kemitron Inc. Steam bath control systems were developed and produced, and new dosing pumps and control technology based on SMD technology were developed. Event fragrances were introduced and electronic controls, which were controlled via a processor and freely programmable, replaced the previous ones. An XML-based programming language was introduced. Today, in maintaining family values held by its founder, Kemitron GmbH is managed by Bernhard’s wife, Ingeborg Mayer-Klenk and the next generations, son, Stephan Mayer-Klenk and the youngest family member, Emely Keilich.
More to Come
Aesthetic Medicine continues to evolve with global indulgence in appearance altering technology and clinically proven products. Patients are provided elective procedures that require pre-treatment, recovery, and post-treatment maintenance. They are also being offered long term prevention interventions. Ireland based, aesthetic medicine pioneer, Dr. Patrick Treacy, longtime leader, and award-winning expert is the author of numerous books and the development of interventions now practiced worldwide by his peers. Dr. Treacy’s goal is to demystify the world of aesthetic treatments and support the continued evolution of the field he knows saves lives on many levels.
Considering healthy eating, nutrition, and weight loss, according to the GWI report, the growth in this area now accounts for $1,079 B. Holistic practices are now better understood and fast becoming a way of life incorporating necessary diet, supplement, and alternative interventions like fasting, and IV infusions.
Lifestyle practices and mental health focus are tied into the NEW way of life. Meditation, sleep practices, hallucinogenic interventions (mushrooms, CBD, controlled THC) and other psychedelic drugs, and wearable technology are driving a population that is interested in total and measured health and wellness.
Something to think about
The Global Wellness Economy Report also identifies wellness travel as a large part of this new way of being. Estimated at $651 B the industry has grown in the post pandemic period and due to younger generations, who hold a stronger view on lifelong health and wellness practices than any other generation to date. Wellness travel can include hiking from your own backdoor to beyond the SPA of recent times. An actual revisitation to ancient practices that, now tested and found true, are driving those who are invested in their health, to destinations that offer cold plunge therapy to hot springs, salt baths, inhalation salt rooms.
References
Global Wellness Market Analysis: The trends defining the $1.8 trillion global wellness market in 2024/McKinsey and Company, January 16.2024
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/the-trends-defining-the-1-point-8-trillion-dollar-global-wellness-market-in-2024?cid=other-eml-dre-mip-mck&hlkid=c04b0e76a5be435c8008db907b363489&hctky=1474722&hdpid=f247ad84-d7ed-4a60-8cd5-beca10be9494
Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2023, Global Wellness Institute. Released November 2023
https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/the-2023-global-wellness-economy-monitor/
