While plastic surgery procedures have increased significantly over the past decade, it is no surprise that the simplest form of cosmetic enhancement, cosmeceuticals, has increased as well if not more. Applying a topical lotion, cream or serum to prevent, improve or cure cosmetic concerns has been used since Egyptian times. Retail sales of cosmeceuticals in the U.S. was nearly $10 billion in 2011 and undoubtably will be higher in 2012. It is estimated that the growth of cosmeceuticals will exceed $12 billion in the next few years. Besides the aging baby boomer population, younger generations have grown up and are bombarded with image-conscious marketing and the value of preventative health care strategies. These younger patients have opened up a whole new sales market that was not as expansive or as great in numbers as just a decade ago. Both the old and young, and everyone in between, is rapidly expanding the cosmeceutical market. This has led to a bewildering array of products to choose from which, understandably, baffles most consumers. The providers that can help consumers dissect through this product maze is a great asset.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana