20 months on: the lasting hangovers of Covid on our aesthetics

The pandemic has had a ripple effect into almost every aspect of our society – but the impact of Covid has in some cases been more personal than we could ever have initially anticipated. Research from cosmetic innovator Uvence, a naturally based cosmetic injectable that uses one’s own purified cells to rejuvenate the skin, has revealed findings on how increased screen-time during the pandemic has changed our perception of our own appearances.

A report from Ofcom revealed that the average person spent more than 40% of the waking day on their phone during lockdown, with Uvence revealing that over 3 million people across the nation say increased number of Zoom meetings have made them reconsider cosmetic or plastic surgery options.

Key statistics:
38% think that 2020 has aged them more than any year

3 million say that they are now considering a cosmetic procedure in 2020/2021 to combat signs of ageing and stress because of the pandemic

Over 3 million say that the increased number of Zoom meetings and heightened focus on their face have made them reconsider cosmetic or plastic surgery options

23% say that using filters has warped their perception of what they look like, to the point where it shocks them when they see images of their unfiltered face

Over 6 million have considered getting cosmetic treatments, but are mindful of introducing unnatural substances into their body

14% of people in Britain feel that they look at least 5 years older as a result of the stress and anxiety brought about by lockdown and the pandemic

With an increase in the number of people now considering cosmetic treatments and procedures off the back of what as been a difficult period for all, many patients have also become mindful of the properties used in traditional treatments. This comes alongside research from Uvence which reveals over 3 million Brits are considering surgery but do not want to introduce unnatural substances into their body, instead opting for more naturally based options.

Preventative rather than retrospective treatments are thought to be leading the way in the cosmetic arena, especially in preparation for winter. While the idea of pre-emptive treatments is often associated with preventative Botox – in which many patients typically start treatment in their 30s – the arena has diversified significantly in the last decade which has seen the birth of new and innovative treatments that are more naturally based, ranging from PRP to Uvence.

Dr Olivier Amar, leading cosmetic surgeon and CMO of Uvence, discusses the impact of the pandemic on the cosmetic industry:

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, practitioners and surgeons in the cosmetic industry have noticed a spike in patient demand for treatments. This increasing interest is from existing patients as well as individuals who have never previously considered cosmetic procedures before.

One of the most common concerns amongst my patients is skin texture, and it therefore doesn’t surprise me that nearly 40% of the nation said that the reason they use filters on their photos is to address this. Post-lockdown, myself and my peers in the industry have seen a surge in interest when it comes to skin rejuvenating treatments, such as PRP and Uvence, as lots of people feel that the past 18 months has had an adverse effect on the quality of their skin due to stress and ageing.

In consultations with patients, one of my main priorities is to ensure that they are seeking treatment for the right reasons. It is easy for us to become consumed by social media – whether that be through filters or by comparing ourselves to others – and so taking your time to decide whether surgery is right for you is very important. There is no need to rush into anything, and doing your own research before any commitments is vital”.