What do you think of when you hear the words “personal care”?
Facials? Manicure? Pluck out wild hair in some (brutal) way or let it go?
For many of us, personal care routines involve a glamorous group of products, potions, and people to achieve that “I woke up like this” glow.
However, these days personal care goes beyond beauty and hygiene to include overall health and well-being.
A recent global trends report of more than 10,000 people found that three out of four people consider proactive measures for healthy aging and long-term health as part of their personal care routine.
Everything from taking supplements to wearing sunscreen is part of changing daily practices that focus on prevention and feeling good—not just looking good.
This shift toward conscious choices for better health occurs across generations.
Here’s a look at some key findings from the global survey and how personal care routines can impact quality of life.
Routines for real impact
Personal care can mean different things to different people, but a successful routine can be life-changing.
Around 9 in 10 people surveyed said their personal care routines had a positive impact on their mental health, particularly their self-esteem and confidence.
Also good news: You don’t have to spend a lot of time to reap the potential benefits of a body care routine.
The majority of survey participants who said their personal care routine had a big impact on their overall health spent less than 30 minutes per day on the routine. And nearly half of people who spent more than 15 minutes on their routine rated their health as “good.”
However, given that personal care routines are important, giving up a routine can have a negative impact on mental health. Participants reported feeling a range of emotions – disappointment, guilt, anxiety – and body image issues when they didn’t stick to their routines.
Personal care priorities by generation
It’s probably no surprise that people of different generations have different views on personal care routines.
The survey covered a wide age range: Generation Z (ages 13-28), Millennials (29-44), Gen X (45-60) and Baby Boomers (61-79).
Overall, participants from all generations agreed that improving or maintaining health and well-being was the biggest benefit of a personal routine. However, there were interesting differences between younger and older generations.
Notable differences included:
- The majority of baby boomers said their personal care routines focused on health rather than appearance, and Generation Z placed more emphasis on appearance-related routines
- Generation Z and Millennials placed more emphasis on preventing the effects of aging than Generation X
- Generation Z and Millennials were more likely than older generations to recognize the connection between personal care routines and well-being
- Generation Z and Millennials expressed more regret than older generations about not starting grooming earlier in their lives
- Generation Z and Millennials were more likely to have targeted products compared to older generations
- Generation Z used social channels more than older generations
Differences aside, personal care routines were popular across the board. In fact, about four in ten people wanted to spend more time on their personal care in the next year.
Read: 6 tips for real self-care >>
Healthcare providers and family members are trusted sources
iStock.com/AleksandarNakic
Despite the popularity of social media, only about 4 in 10 people said they trust advice from influencers. In fact, more than 6 in 10 people said they were worried about getting advice online from someone who wasn’t an expert and that they feared getting counterfeit products online.
However, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming the go-to source for recommendations based on routines, products and other ways to improve personal care routines. But despite the trust in AI, family is still the primary motivator of health routines for all generations
But when it comes to who do people trust the most when it comes to advice on personal care routines? Participants of all generations reported that health care providers (HCPs) were the most important trusted source in decision-making regarding personal care routines. And that’s great news.
Survey Says: Personal Care Routines Prevail
There are tons of influencers and “get ready with me” tutorials on social media, but the truth is that personal care routines don’t necessarily have to be fancy or a big production. Maintaining a simple routine can have a big impact on your health and emotional well-being. A little self-care can go a long way.
This educational resource was created with support from Kenvue, a member of the HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council.
From your website articles
Related articles on the Internet