South Africa Aesthetic Devices Market Size

South Africa Aesthetic Devices Market Analysis

South Africa aesthetic devices market is anticipated to record a CAGR of 11.51% during the forecast period.

The healthcare system in South Africa witnessed enormous challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All outpatient treatments were postponed or restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the risk of viral transmission, as most chronic therapies were regarded as non-urgent. Several aesthetic procedures were delayed during the pandemic due to fear of infection. For instance, as per an article published in January 2021 in PLoS One journal, South Africa had five levels of differing lockdown regulations, which strictly closed all non-essential services, including beauty and tourism. Due to the increased shutdown of cosmetic clinics and aesthetic centers, the demand for aesthetic devices notably reduced, impacting the market growth during the pandemic. In the post-pandemic situation, the market is experiencing steady growth due to increased consciousness of improving physical appearance and the emergence of advanced aesthetic products in the South African market.

One of the significant factors contributing to the growth in the demand for aesthetic devices in South Africa is the high burden of skin diseases and the growing obese population. For instance, a study by the University of Cape Town published in July 2022 indicated that a lack of physical activity and increased consumption of unhealthy food was the leading cause of the rising trend of obesity in South Africa's women of childbearing age. Also, as per the World Obesity Atlas 2023, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in the African Region is predicted to rise rapidly from 2020 to 2035, with girls, particularly, seeing a significant increase from 5% to 14%. For women, obesity is anticipated to rise from 18% to 31% (nearly a third of all women) by 2035. As a result of the increase in obesity cases, the number of people obtaining cosmetic procedures in South Africa is likely to rise, leading to the growth of the studied market.

Some opportunities for market players are the increasing trend in fashion and growing awareness of self-beauty and personal care. The other reasons that help in the growing demand for aesthetic products include the rise in the yearly cosmetic procedures. For instance, according to a study published in June 2023 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, black African patients were interested in aesthetic treatment for a variety of conditions, in which the patients with darker skin in South Africa were found to benefit from treatment with fillers, neurotoxins, and energy-based devices. Although the rate of growth in the country is low, the fact remains that people are becoming more concerned about their image, especially with the increasing standard of living that also boosts market growth during the forecast period. Furthermore, the increase in the use of social media among the South African population is likely to create a demand for aesthetic products and devices as it can help to educate patients and the public regarding the availability and advancements in aesthetic devices, which is expected to be a notable growth factor for the market growth over the forecast period.

Furthermore, the presence of key market players and their strategic activities are expected to increase the demand for aesthetic devices in South Africa. For instance, in March 2021, L'Oréal inaugurated its new Research & Innovation Center to study African hair and skin specificities and sub-Saharan consumers' beauty routines and expectations. The Research & Innovation Center in South Africa is the Group's 7th R&I hub globally, which hosts product development, evaluation, and advanced research teams.

Thus, due to the increased burden of obesity, the rise in demand for cosmetic procedures, and the strategic activities of the key players, the studied market is expected to witness significant market growth over the forecast period. However, the high cost of aesthetic procedures and the poor reimbursement scenarios are expected to slow down the development of the market.