Core Viewpoint - The high-end skincare industry is facing significant challenges as consumers increasingly compare the value of expensive skincare products with medical beauty treatments, leading to a shift in spending preferences [3][4]. Group 1: Price Competition - A price war is intensifying in the medical beauty sector, with many institutions lowering prices to attract customers, resulting in a significant drop in treatment costs [8][10]. - Platforms like Meituan and JD are actively promoting medical beauty services, contributing to a downward trend in pricing and making services more accessible [10][12]. Group 2: Changing Consumer Demographics - The consumer base for medical beauty is becoming younger, with the post-95 and post-00 generations emerging as the main spending force, while the average spending per visit has decreased by 10% in 2024 [12][14]. - The shift towards more affordable medical beauty options is increasingly appealing to younger consumers, who are prioritizing cost-effective skincare solutions [12][18]. Group 3: Market Competition and Mergers - Competition among medical beauty companies is intensifying, with a focus on mergers and acquisition of agency rights, indicating a period of expansion in the market [13][14]. - The medical beauty market is projected to grow rapidly, reaching nearly 370 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.4% since 2020 [14][18]. Group 4: Impact on High-End Skincare Brands - High-end skincare brands are losing market share, with over 20 billion in revenue lost over the past 4-5 years, as consumers question the value of premium products [14][16]. - The spending patterns of high-end beauty consumers are shifting, with entry-level and some mid-tier consumers moving towards medical beauty options, impacting the traditional luxury skincare market [16][18]. Group 5: Consumer Preferences and Decision-Making - Consumers are increasingly favoring medical beauty treatments that offer immediate results and scientific backing over traditional high-end skincare products that rely on emotional branding [23][24]. - The demand for effective and affordable medical beauty solutions is reshaping consumer decision-making, leading to a preference for treatments that provide better cost-effectiveness [23][24]. Group 6: Strategies of High-End Brands - High-end skincare brands are exploring new strategies, including enhancing product technology and integrating medical beauty channels to capture a share of the growing market [24][30]. - Some brands are adopting a differentiated approach, focusing on unique value propositions and exclusive services to retain high-net-worth customers [32][36].