Shift towards personalised, clinically-backed solutions in dermatology: Report

Team L&M

In recent years, the Indian skincare industry has continued to witness significant growth owing to rapid urbanisation and increasing awareness of skincare routines. With the ever-evolving consumer landscape, there is a surge in demand for personalised care leading to a substantial increase in innovative products and services.

Clinikally, an e-pharmacy platform specialising in skincare, haircare, and wellness has recently unveiled some interesting insights to understand the growing personal care habits, concerns and preferences of consumers in India.

Highlights of the report include:
The trend of teledermatology is growing exponentially as consumers now prefer remote access, connecting with dermatology care providers online over offline;

A significant rise in the demand for the telecare segment amongst the elderly, i.e. 40+ has been recorded this year; especially in the tier-II & tier-III cities

Shift towards medically-backed solutions, driven by a demand for transparency and scientific backing;

Global brands are capturing higher market share as compared to Indian homegrown brands;

Ingredient trends in derma care as consumers are more self-educated and conscious about their choices

As part of the report, Clinikally highlights a growing trend of teledermatology which is transforming healthcare in India. Nearly, 76 per cent of consumers prefer remote access to teledermatology solutions, majorly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Since 2020, Clinikally’s virtual dermatology consultations have grown approximately 4 times as the platform’s high-resolution imaging and AI diagnostics adopt a patient-first care approach. Hence, investing in specialized telehealth platforms is essential to capitalise on this expanding trend.

Since its inception, Clinikally has been making significant strides in creating an inclusive ecosystem for all, seeking skincare and personal care solutions. The report highlights a 55 per cent growth in Clinikally’s elderly telecare services in underserved regions. Attributed to its AI-enhanced diagnostics, it ensures high-quality care, making it crucial for brands to expand these services, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities, to capture the growing demand.

The report unveiled personal care shopping peaks in the morning focusing on essentials and evenings usually on luxury products while weekend shoppers browse longer and spend more on their choices. Around 70 per cent of purchases are made via smartphones, ultimately leading to Clinikally focusing on the optimization of mobile experiences for peak times to engage consumers effectively.

The pandemic era has pushed Indian consumers to become more conscious about their health and skincare preferences. As a result, the trend report highlights that consumers are moving away from over-the-counter products and seeking more prescription-based treatments for long-term efficacy.

Another notable finding of the report is the growing popularity of personalised skincare solutions to meet individual needs. Consumers now favour dermatologist-recommended products, driven by a demand for transparency and scientific backing. Clinikally’s AI-powered tools and consultation-driven solutions cater to this rising demand, offering a more holistic and result-oriented skincare experience.

With shifting consumer trends in their preferences, Furthermore, to stay competitive, Indian brands can innovate with authenticity, while global brands should localize their offerings.

In the ever-evolving industry trends, ingredient trends play a pivotal role in shaping consumer preferences. As indicated by Clinikally’s report, key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides maintain year-round demand for their hydrating and skin barrier properties. On the other hand, niacinamide sees an uptick in popularity during the summer months due to its soothing and brightening effects. Additionally, ingredients such as peptides are also gaining traction for their anti-ageing and skin-repairing benefits.

Seasonality plays an instrumental role in shaping consumer preferences, driving fluctuations in product demand throughout the year. Sunscreens continue to surge in popularity during the summer, while moisturizers are in high demand during the colder winter months. Similarly, the monsoon season often leads to increased demand for anti-fungal products to protect skin from humid conditions.

To capitalise on these seasonal shifts, the report suggests that the brands should align their product offerings and marketing strategies accordingly. By anticipating these predictable trends, businesses can optimize sales, ensuring they deliver the right products at the right time and resonate with consumers’ evolving needs throughout the year.

“As the skincare industry continues to evolve, our latest Telehealth/Teledermatology Industry Trends Report for 2024 highlights the shift towards personalised, clinically-backed solutions. We have also seen a surge in our teledermatology and AI-powered diagnostics which demonstrates our commitment to provide holistic solutions that allow consumers to make informed choices and enhance their personal care routines,” said Arjun Soin, Founder, Clinikally.

What’s next?
The future of skincare and haircare is set to be revolutionized by new-age trends focusing on both innovation and holistic well-being. Exosomes with regenerative properties will continue to gain traction for their potential to rejuvenate skin and hair growth. Additionally, the skincare approach is shifting towards a more holistic mindset, along with minimalist and more streamlined routines. Apart from this, regenerative medicine is also poised to transform both skin and hair care, tapping into the body’s natural healing processes to promote long-lasting beauty and vitality.

In 2025, the report projects to witness a significant rise in the demand for advanced skincare solutions driven by emerging trends. Teledermatology will continue to rise to offer convenient access to dermatological care through virtual consultations. Anti-ageing and products for blemish-free skin will dominate the market as consumers seek to maintain youthful skin health, making these products indispensable in everyday beauty routines.