According to Bernardin, the marketing of products claiming to treat the ageing process in the West is either focused on eliminating the signs of it in older generations or by keeping wrinkles and lines at bay in younger consumers.
In the East however, particularly Japan, getting older is celebrated, and lines and wrinkles are considered as adding character, a gain of wisdom, of stable life and mental beauty.
In fact, the expert says both young and older Asian generations are focused on preserving the skin in the best way possible through life, rather than trying to work against the clock.
Thus, brands will need to keep this in mind when marketing products if they want to avoid losing out to domestic ones who are well versed on the mentality of consumers on the region.
“Apart from Korea, the attitude in Asia is less about wrinkles and more about radiance,” Florence tells this publication.
Positive attitude to ageing
The AP expert goes on to explain that in Korea women want to look like they are in 20's, that the status of ageing is not accepted as much.
When it comes to China and Japan, Florence says the emphasis is on keeping the skin in good health – re-balancing and energizing rather than fighting the ageing process.
Half of the women in Japan are above 50 years old and brands like Kanebo and Shiseido have already recognized this and capitalized by launching websites
that promote 'a young at heart generation'.
"With Japan, the number one supplement or beauty drink is collagen based as consumers believe in re-plumping and keeping the skin healthy from the inside out," says Florence.
Asia in Focus - bringing you all the latest from the region
Asia in Focus is a series that hones in on the segments offering the most opportunities for the industry.
Now in its seventh edition, this series looks at how best to enter Asia's markets and hones in on specific consumer trends and behavioural pattern breakdowns with our experts on the ground, in the region.
Florence Bernardin is the CEO of 'Information & Inspiration', an agency that specialises in all that is the cosmetics industry in Asia, and will be back on the region next month reporting on what matters.
If you would like to see our expert look into specific topics on their next trip, please contact us via the editor button below for consideration.