The Signal: Every year, it seems, scientists are on the verge of one extraordinary breakthrough or another that would reverse the effects of ageing. While we wait for the miracle cure, the ~$50B anti-ageing industry continues to grow — and grow fast. It is expected to reach a whopping ~$80B by 2024. 

Two trends worth watching:

  • Non-invasive, or non-surgical, aesthetic treatments (e.g., botox, chemical peels, fillers, and microdermabrasion) are becoming more popular. This is not surprising: they are cheaper, faster, and less daunting than surgical alternatives. The market for these treatments was worth $6.6B in 2018, and is expected to hit $10B by 2026. 
  • Rather than waiting to reverse the signs of ageing, younger demographics are investing in preventative treatments in the hopes of delaying the process altogether. Preventative botox, for example, is on the rise: 1.5m injections were given to people under the age of 40 in 2018. This represents a 4.7% increase from 2017. By comparison, total botox injections increased by 2.9% over the same period. 

Enter microneedling: a relatively new, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that is used to treat and prevent wrinkles, acne scarring, stretch marks, enlarged pores, and other skin conditions. The treatment uses a device called a “derma pen” that has tiny needles which create miniscule wounds in the skin. This triggers the body’s wound response and the production of new collagen and elastin. Treatments cost between $200-$700 per session, and most people need 3-6 sessions for optimal results.