Dedicated Sun Protection Asia conference a hit as interest peaks

The inaugural Sun Protection & Anti-ageing Skin Care Conference Asia kicked off in Singapore and was received positively overall as attendees agree that catering for particular demographics needs dedicated scenarios.

Sun protection has long been an area of concern in Asia particularly as Asian skin tends to produce more melanin when exposed to UV rays and can be easily damaged and prone to hyperpigmentation.

The two day conference, held at the Hilton Hotel Singapore, featured a panel of 17 speakers and delegates received insight into recent advancements for sun protection and anti-ageing technologies, testing methodologies, claims substantiation, and worldwide regulations and practices for the skin care industry.

"We wanted to cater to Asian audiences and create a dedicated setting where these industry professionals can grow their knowledge, exchange insights, and make new connections,” says Sue Trousdale, Managing Director, Summit Events, the conference organiser.

“Judging from the positive delegate sentiments, these objectives have been met, and the results have certainly met our expectations."

Positive interest

More than 80 industry professionals from the region and beyond converged at the event which took place earlier this month.

Delegates from 18 countries, with a majority from Asia, attended the conference and with interest expressed in signing up to another similar event, the conference organisers are expecting to announce the next installment soon.

"Overall, we are very pleased with the success of this debut event, and we will be planning to bring the Sun Protection & Anti-ageing Skin Care Conference Asia back again next year," adds Trousdale.

Sun protection

Sun care in Singapore recorded value growth of 5% to generate sales of S$21 million in 2013, according to Euromonitor figures, and this is attributed to new innovations in sun protection with added benefits, driving up the average unit price of the products.

Sun protection is the largest contributor to sun care products, and the category is expected to increase by a constant value CAGR of 3% over the next 5 years.

The category is expected to see a stable demand as consumers are more aware of the harmful effects caused by UV rays, such as skin ageing and skin cancer.

Companies are likely to educate consumers on the importance of using skin protection products on a daily basis instead of only on sunny days, says the market researcher.