Medical aesthetic products. Lotte Duty Free loses bidding race for operational rights of duty-free stores at Incheon Airport 

THE WHAT? Lotte Duty Free has lost out in the first round of assessment of bids for the operational rights of duty-free shops at Incheon Airport, according to the Korea Herald. 

THE DETAILS Rivals Hotel Shilla, Shinsegae DF and Hyundai Department Store Duty Free were instead shortlisted for the licensing bid for the five duty-free zones in the airport. 

Due to the result Lotte is withdrawing its business from the airport for the first time since it opened in 2001. 

THE WHY? According to industry insiders Lotte’s partial withdrawal of its business in 2018 was part of the reason it lost out in the bidding process, with the company voluntarily withdrawing some stores to only operate in DF 3. 

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.