The skincare industry is booming, with the UK market forecast to reach a value of £19.5 ($24.37) billion by 2024 as consumers become more knowledgeable about skin properties and the effects of available products and treatments.
Yet despite this growing knowledge and awareness, a survey conducted by the British Skin Foundation found one in five respondents unhappy with their skin, with less than half willing to seek professional advice.
To help customers in need, Kiehl’s launched its Instant Skin Reader in 2022. Users are required to snap a photo of themselves on their phone or desktop and watch the tool scan their faces. The expert beauty technology then identifies problem areas to target and recommends a skincare routine customised just for them.
Kiehl’s analysed the data from its Instant Skin Reader from February-December 2022 to identify the UK’s biggest skin priorities.
‘Large pores’ is the biggest skin priority, according to the results of 10,943 respondents. Most people with this skin priority used the tool in April (3,076).
Your pores may become enlarged due to excessive sebum production, loss of skin elasticity, UV damage and large hair follicles. While, of course, it is impossible to eliminate pores altogether, there are ways to make them appear smaller.
Fine lines and wrinkles are the second biggest skin concern, with the Instant Skin Reader identifying it as the top priority for 9,758 respondents.
Slow skin cell production, thinning skin layers and a lack of collagen proteins cause wrinkles to form on your skin. Other activities, like smoking or too much time in the sun, can also contribute to increased wrinkles.
While excessive sun exposure is often accredited to wrinkle production, cold weather can also be to blame. As there isn’t much humidity or moisture in the air, the skin can dry out, worsening the appearance of fine lines.
In third place, 8,312 respondents found ‘dark pigmentation’ as their top problem. Dark pigmentation, or hyperpigmentation, is when the skin’s colouring is darker in some places than others.
Completing the top five customer skin priority areas are ‘under-eye fine lines’ and ‘lack of firmness’.
Gerwyn Powell, National Education Manager at Kiehl’s, commented on the findings:
“It’s interesting to see the broad range of skin priorities our Instant Skin Reader has identified.
“Everyone’s skin journey is unique but external factors like changing seasons can make specific concerns more prevalent, as shown in the study.
“Spring is an important time to review your skincare and boost water levels in the skin following months of exposure to cold weather and central heating that can be incredibly dehydrating.”
“Improving skin hydration will not only strengthen the skin barrier, but can also improve its overall appearance.”
“Remember, if you’re having problems with your skin, you aren’t alone. At most of our locations across the country, our ‘Skin Pros’ are available for a Healthy Skin Consultation that uses advanced assessment tools to measure your skin’s hydration level and skin barrier strength to assist them in recommending the best products and plan of action for you”.
Here’s the best step-by-step skincare routine and products for anyone tackling the UK’s most prevalent skin priority – enlarged pores caused by over production of oil:
#1 Exfoliating cleanser
“People with large pores can reduce their appearance by caring for the skin with the correct habits and skincare to keep them clear.”
“Visible pores prone to congestion from an overproduction of oil benefit from an ingredient called Salicylic acid. It works to unclog pores, purifying them of oil and skin cells, helping pores look less visible and reducing future build-up that may lead to blackheads and break out whilst exfoliating the skin.”
“Wash your face twice daily, morning and night (avoiding the eyes), with a purifying face wash like our Rare Earth Pore Minimising Cleanser to leave your face feeling soft and pores looking smaller.
#2 Toner
“After cleansing, try adding a gentle toner that doesn’t strip the skin of essential hydration and still helps to control oil, like the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner or Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner.
“Apply a small amount to a face pad and sweep over your skin (avoiding the eyes) to help remove excess oil, impurities and trapped sebum left behind after cleansing.”
“A good toner will not only reduce the appearance of enlarged pores but balances the skin’s moisture levels and leave you with a healthy, smooth complexion. This is certainly not a step you should miss – especially if you have oily skin”.
#3 Retinol
“Incorporating a retinol product into your routine can be a great way to reduce the appearance of large pores.”
“Retinol works to increase cell turnover, which, in turn, prevents pores from becoming blocked and makes them appear smaller.
“For best results, apply a pea-sized amount evenly onto your skin every other day during your night-time routine after you cleanse and tone, before moisturising”.
#3 Light Textured or Oil-free moisturisers
“Lighter textured oil-based (for combination skin) or oil free gel (for combination or oily skin) moisturisers are best for those with concerns about congested pores. Many avoid this step for fear of making the skin oily again, but if a moisturiser isn’t used the skin can often produces more oil to defend the skin barrier, trying to lock in vital hydration – so this step helps to regulate oil production.”
“Just as cleansing the skin helps to purify the pores, using a lightweight oil-free or gel-based moisturiser, such as our Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, helps balance the skin and controls oil and shine, strengthens the skin barrier and boosts hydration.
“Using upward strokes, dab the moisturiser onto your face with both hands and rub gently into your face and neck, avoiding the eyes. Twice a day, in the morning and at night”.
#4 SPF
“Protecting your skin from the sun and environmental damage is always crucial in maintaining its health, but those experiencing pore issues should be extra vigilant.
“Look for hydrating SPFs of 30 or above that can be used as your moisturiser and provide protection from the damaging effects of daylight and environmental exposure. Aqua Gel SPF50 PA++++ would be my recommendation as we head into the warmer months.”
#5 Face mask
“Finally, adding a pore-cleansing mask to your routine at least once a week can be beneficial.
“Clay-based masks can help to draw out oil and impurities from within the pores and leave it feeling refreshed and shine-free. Remember they can be used on the whole face or only in the T-Zone which is where most people exhibit signs of congestion.”
“Apply a thin layer to cleansed skin and leave on for the recommended time, before removing with lukewarm water and pat to dry.”
