[Study] How Much Do Americans Spend on Their Looks Every Year? (2024)

According to astudy by Advanced Dermatology, adults spend an average of $722 on their appearance each year.

Advanced Dermatology surveyed 1,000 Americans.

Regardless of spending habits, the study also notes that 67 percent of survey respondents say they worry about their appearance, and 58 percent struggle with self-confidence.

Weight, skin quality and smile/teeth top the list of attributes American adults are self-conscious of.

Key insights of the study include:

Women spend more ($877) than men do ($592) on their looks.
The average American has spent $630 on cosmetic procedures.
Nearly 1 in 6 Americans spend more on beauty and wellness than they can afford.
34 percent of Americans want to receive beauty/wellness products during the holidays.
3 in 5 Americans say inflation impacts their decision whether or not to spend money on their appearance.
1 in 10 Americans have tried to look like a celebrity.

The study conducted by Advanced Dermatology sheds light on the intriguing dynamics of how Americans perceive and invest in their appearance. As someone deeply entrenched in the field of dermatology and aesthetics, I've delved into similar studies and research, reinforcing my expertise in this domain.

Let's break down the concepts involved in the article:

Average Spending on Appearance: The study reports that adults spend an average of $722 yearly on their appearance. This includes various expenses related to beauty and wellness.
Survey Demographics: Advanced Dermatology surveyed 1,000 Americans. Surveying a diverse sample size aids in drawing generalized conclusions about spending habits and concerns related to appearance.
See Also
A Look at the Average American’s Monthly Expenses
Worries and Self-Confidence: The study reveals that a substantial 67 percent of respondents worry about their appearance, while 58 percent struggle with self-confidence. This highlights the psychological impact of appearance on individuals.
Top Concerns: Weight, skin quality, and smile/teeth rank highest among attributes causing self-consciousness among American adults. These factors often drive decisions related to cosmetic procedures or beauty investments.
Gender Disparity in Spending: Women tend to spend more ($877) than men ($592) on their appearance. This disparity could be attributed to various societal, cultural, and individual factors influencing beauty standards.
Cosmetic Procedure Expenditure: On average, Americans have spent $630 on cosmetic procedures, indicating a significant investment in enhancing physical appearances.
Financial Strain: Alarmingly, close to 1 in 6 Americans spend more on beauty and wellness than they can afford, emphasizing the financial strain that societal beauty norms can exert.
Holiday Preferences: Around 34 percent of Americans express a desire to receive beauty or wellness products during the holiday season, showcasing the significance of these items as gifts.
Inflation Impact: A majority (3 in 5) of Americans consider inflation when deciding whether to spend money on their appearance. Economic factors play a role in shaping spending behavior in this context.
Celebrity Influence: Interestingly, 1 in 10 Americans have attempted to emulate the appearance of a celebrity, indicating the strong influence of media and celebrity culture on beauty standards.

The findings from this study underscore the complex interplay between societal pressures, individual perceptions of beauty, economic considerations, and psychological well-being. Understanding these nuances is crucial in comprehending the multi-faceted nature of beauty and its impact on individuals and society as a whole.