Fifty-five percent of women surveyed who see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon said the declining economy has not changed their skin care spending or frequency of in-office procedures

According to two new skin care surveys, women are not scaling back on their anti-aging skin routine, despite the current state of the economy. The Economic Impact on America’s Skin Care Habits, sponsored by Obagi Medical Products, Inc. (Nasdaq: OMPI), a leader in physician-dispensed topical aesthetic and therapeutic skin health systems, reported that many continue to spend their hard-earned money on favorite at-home regimens, continuing with regular visits to the doctor and sacrificing other luxuries in order to do so. Further supporting this study, a recent article in Global Cosmetics Industry (GCI) magazine published a forecast from Mintel, a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence, that stated they expect a 20% increase in anti-aging skin care sales over the next five years.

The Economic Impact on America’s Skin Care Habits survey found the majority (98%) of women 25-54 years of age surveyed who see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for their skin care needs say that they currently spend up to $500 a year on facial procedures and half (50%) would be willing to spend up to $300 on a personalized skin care regimen. Yet even those women, who are still spending money for in-office procedures at their dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office, are looking for ways to save money. According to the women surveyed, such savings come in the form of choosing a professional skin care regimen that helps to extend and enhance the benefits of their in-office procedures.

“The results of this survey clearly demonstrate that women are still spending the money that it takes to maintain their appearance in this uncertain economy,” says Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist and Medical Director at the Dermatology Cosmetic Laser Associates of La Jolla. “As a physician, I want to give my patients the best results for their money. I strive to optimize their results and extend the benefits of their procedures with a personalized, at-home skin care regimen.