Skincare experts on cosmetic procedure boom and social media's role
Mother-daughter skincare experts from Harley Street discuss rising demand from men and younger clients, and the impact of social media and Zoom calls on self-image.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Two skincare experts from a Harley Street clinic have said the industry has changed dramatically over the past two decades, with more men and younger patients seeking cosmetic procedures.
Lesley and Sophie, a mother-daughter team who run the Harley Street Skin Clinic, now based in Devonshire Place, spoke about the growing demand from men. Lesley said that when she started, the clinic had 'literally one male client' and the rest were female. Now the waiting room is often split 50-50 between men and women.
They also noted a rise in patients in their early 20s, which they attributed to social media and the effect of video calls. Sophie said that social media is 'a great thing but a terrible thing' because people see themselves at unflattering angles and become overly critical. Lesley added that since the pandemic, younger people have started coming in, partly because of 'Zoom face', where people stare at their own image during calls.
The pair also discussed their podcast, which they started to talk about intimate treatments that clients feel embarrassed to ask about. They said many people do not want their partners or families to know about their insecurities, but will discuss them openly with the clinic.
The conversation also touched on the taboo around certain procedures, such as liposuction for 'male boobs', which Lesley said is a huge treatment. The experts emphasised the importance of starting treatments early to prevent deep wrinkles, and said they often tell younger patients they do not need work done yet.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | GB News |
|---|---|
| Many new patients are in their early 20s. | |
| The clinic now sees a higher proportion of male clients than when it started, sometimes 50-50. | |
| The rise in younger clients is linked to social media and increased video calls since COVID. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The segment is a light-hearted interview, mixing skincare advice with personal banter and a pub-themed game. It highlights the experts' observations about industry changes, including more male clients and younger patients, and the role of social media and Zoom in driving self-criticism. The tone is conversational and informal, with the host also asking for personal skincare tips.
- “we see so many men now”
- “they are in their early 20s”
- “social media is a great thing but a terrible thing”
Broadcast Timeline
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