Chalifah Fatihah
The landscape of aesthetic treatments is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from dramatic, noticeable alterations towards a more understated, natural, and refreshed appearance. This evolving trend is particularly pronounced among Generation Z, who are increasingly integrating skincare and aesthetic procedures into their lifestyle not just as corrective measures, but as a proactive approach to long-term skin health and a desire to maintain their youthful vitality.
The shift signifies a departure from the earlier pursuit of overtly enhanced features, with a growing preference for results that appear inherently healthy, vibrant, and authentically oneself. This has led to a surge in demand for a variety of aesthetic procedures. Treatments such as skin boosters, fillers, and collagen stimulators are becoming increasingly popular, often used in combination to address individual skin concerns and facial structures.
The Rise of the Natural Aesthetic and Gen Z’s Role
For Gen Z, the concept of beauty has evolved beyond simply fixing imperfections. This generation, having grown up in an era of constant digital connectivity and readily available information, is more informed and discerning about their choices. They view aesthetic treatments as an investment in their well-being and self-care, akin to maintaining physical fitness or healthy eating habits. This proactive mindset stems from a desire to not only look good but also to feel confident and maintain a healthy complexion throughout their lives.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global aesthetic market size was valued at USD 10.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3% from 2022 to 2030. This substantial growth underscores the increasing global interest in aesthetic procedures, with a notable segment of this growth attributed to younger demographics. The report also highlights a growing preference for minimally invasive procedures, aligning with the natural aesthetic trend.
The Importance of Personalized Aesthetic Approaches
Despite the expanding array of treatment options, navigating the world of aesthetic procedures can be overwhelming. Elizabeth Lisa, Founder of Beauty Sister Clinic, emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in aesthetic treatments. "Every individual has a different skin condition, facial structure, and aging process, which necessitates a personalized approach," Lisa stated during a media briefing for the "Unlock the Natural Combination Treatment PLLA-SCA & NASHA-OBT" event in Jakarta.
She further elaborated on the crucial role of expert evaluation. "A doctor will determine the priority of treatments after assessing each person’s needs. No two faces are the same. We must check the skin condition, facial shape, facial proportions, facial symmetry, including expressions, because everyone has a different type, including their aging process." This individualized assessment ensures that treatments are tailored to enhance existing features and address specific concerns without creating an artificial or unnatural look.
Understanding the Aging Process and Early Intervention
The conversation around aesthetic treatments often includes the question of when to start preventative measures. Aging is an inevitable biological process characterized by a gradual loss of skin elasticity and firmness, leading to signs such as sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. A primary driver of these changes is the decline in collagen production. Collagen, a vital protein, provides the skin with its structural support. As collagen levels decrease, the skin loses its tautness and suppleness.
Furthermore, a reduction in subcutaneous fat volume contributes to the appearance of facial hollowness in areas like the under-eyes and cheeks, accentuating existing lines and contributing to a more aged appearance.
Dr. Lisa, a proponent of early intervention, points out that collagen loss begins as early as the age of 20. "From the age of 20, collagen is lost by about 1% every year. By the age of 40, about 20% of collagen has been lost. Therefore, it is better to undergo preventative treatments than to wait until signs of aging become more pronounced, which will ultimately require a larger investment," she explained. This perspective encourages a proactive approach to skincare, framing treatments not as a reaction to aging, but as a strategy for sustained skin health.
Navigating Trends and Seeking Professional Guidance
The proliferation of beauty content on social media has undoubtedly fueled interest in various aesthetic procedures. However, Lisa cautions against blindly following viral trends. She strongly advises individuals, especially those new to aesthetic treatments like Gen Z, to prioritize professional consultation. "The selection of therapy should be based on individual needs through consultation with a competent doctor, so that the results obtained are not only optimal but also remain natural, harmonious, and safe," she asserted.
This emphasis on professional guidance is paramount. A qualified practitioner will not only assess the skin’s condition but also consider the intricate anatomical features of the face, including proportions, symmetry, and even dynamic expressions. This holistic evaluation ensures that any intervention complements the individual’s unique facial architecture, leading to a balanced and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
The Growing Popularity of Combination Treatments
The field of aesthetic medicine has seen significant advancements, leading to a greater emphasis on combination treatments over single-modality approaches. One particularly sought-after combination involves collagen stimulators like PLLA-SCA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid-Sterile Carboxymethylcellulose) with fillers utilizing NASHA and OBT technologies.
According to Dr. Lisa, PLLA-SCA works by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. This process gradually firms the skin, enhances elasticity, and provides a subtle lifting effect over time. This is a key differentiator from treatments that offer immediate, but potentially less enduring, results.
In contrast, fillers with NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid) and OBT (Optimized Balance Technology) offer different properties suited for various facial areas. NASHA is typically used in areas requiring more structural support, such as the cheeks or jawline, while OBT is preferred for more mobile areas like the lips or nasolabial folds due to its flexibility.
"With these two technologies, doctors can perform personalized treatments, resulting in outcomes that are more natural, proportional, and tailored to each patient’s specific needs," Dr. Lisa explained. "Fillers provide an immediate effect to address volume loss in areas like under the eyes, cheeks, chin, or jawline, while collagen stimulators work gradually, with results becoming more apparent over time."
The synergistic effect of these treatments is notable. The collagen-stimulating benefits of PLLA-SCA can last up to approximately 25 months, offering a longer-term improvement in skin quality. Its compatibility with fillers allows for simultaneous application, as they target different mechanisms and areas. This combination approach is increasingly favored for its ability to deliver comprehensive results, effectively addressing signs of aging while preserving a natural and harmonious facial appearance.
The implication of this trend is a more sophisticated understanding of beauty and aging. Instead of chasing fleeting trends, individuals are investing in treatments that promote intrinsic skin health and subtle enhancement, aligning with a philosophy of graceful aging and authentic self-expression. The focus has undeniably shifted from dramatic transformations to the cultivation of a healthy, radiant, and naturally beautiful appearance.
