NEWS FROM THE BODY SHOP

Beauty isn’t skin deep for British women

Lacklustre state of nation’s skincare laid bare in the Nutriganics™ Skin-spiration Report

British women are hoarding more than 50 million* redundant skincare products in their bathroom cabinets, according to research released today by The Body Shop® new Nutriganics™ organic skincare range.

Despite British women spending an average of £5,940** on skincare products over their lifetime, 55% admitted having a skincare product they have never used and more than three quarters (81%) hang onto two or more skincare products they have no intention of ever using. One in ten (11%) women also admits to owning products that are over four years old.

The Nutriganics™ Skin-spiration Report which was commissioned to investigate the skincare routine and habits of British women, also reveals that half of the nation’s women (49%) spend only five minutes or less on their skincare regime per day, with one in 20 (5%) not devoting any time at all to their complexion.

From oily to dry, 93% believe they know their skin type and 85% are confident they are using the right products, despite more than two thirds (67%) never having had a skincare assessment. Almost 15% use the same skincare they used as a teenager, while one in ten (10%) women between 45 and 54 years old has been using the same products on their face for more than three decades.

Women even admit to sharing products with husbands and boyfriends with almost a third (32%) prone to sharing skin creams and treatments with the men in their lives.

Skincare Product Director from The Body Shop International, Stephane Chambran: “This research shows that many women are worryingly unaware of the importance of looking after their skin throughout their lives. While many ladies wouldn’t think twice about going to their hairdresser, having a manicure or dedicating time to their make-up routine, this study reveals that many women have never had a skincare consultation – with almost a fifth (18%) admitting they don’t know what a skin consultation is.

“Factors such as age, health, hormones and even the weather can all have an effect on women’s skin, making skin consultations and regular skin check-ups important at whatever time in life. The right skincare regime is just as important to health and beauty as the right bra, shampoo or foundation.”

To help the nation face up to their lack of skincare knowledge, The Body Shop is offering free skincare consultations. Available in all stores and online at www.thebodyshop.com, the simple skin care diagnosis will help find a natural solution to meet all skin care needs.

Stephane continues, “We realise how daunting it can be to find a new skincare regime, as well how infuriating and costly it can be to try a new product only to find you don’t like it. At The Body Shop we offer complimentary skincare consultations where women can take home free samples to test their effectiveness and with over six ranges, we cover all skin types from teen to post menopause.”

The Nutriganics™ range features independently organically certified formulas by ECOCERT and at least 95% of ingredients are of natural origin. The first certified organic range from The Body Shop, Nutriganics™ helps to meet the growing demand for organic skincare ranges with clinically proven results.

-Ends-

For further information on the report or case studies please contact
Frank PR on Tel: 020 7693 6999 or email bodyshop@frankpr.it

Notes to Editor

THE SKIN-SPIRATION STUDY

Survey conducted on 1,886 British women by Tickbox, March / April 2010



· * Calculation of the adult female population of the UK based on Office for National Statistics: Key Population and Vital Statistics 2007

· ** Calculation based on average spend per month (£7.50) x 12 months x average female life expectancy according to ONS (minus 16 years)