Medical aesthetic products. Sasa to open ‘handful’ of stores amid pessimistic tourist numbers forecast

THE WHAT? Sasa has revealed that it will open just five to seven stores across Hong Kong and Macau this year, despite shrinking its network by a third over the course of the pandemic, according to a report published by Bloomberg.

THE DETAILS The Hong Kong-based perfumery chain’s conservative store opening schedule reflects Hong Kong’s continuing low tourist numbers – down 74 percent in February compared to 2019 figures as well as the emergence of rival shopping hubs in Macau and Hainan.

THE WHY? Sasa is exercising caution in the face of uncertainty in the Island’s ability to tempt back tourists now China’s zero-Covid policy has been lifted. CFO Danny Ho said that sales aren’t expected to return to pre-pandemic levels for at least three years.

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.