According to a newly released report from The NPD Group, October 2009 was no different from every other month in the past 12 months as far as prestige skin care is concerned. But while the category experienced its 12th straight month of dollar and unit declines—both were down -1%—the drop was the lowest of the year.

Prestige skin care had the best dollar and unit performance of the three prestige beauty categories (skin care, fragrance, and makeup).

Skin care average price was flat at about $38. In terms of year-to-date sales (Jan-Oct ’09), skin care was also in the lead with performance of a -5% decline in dollars and units.

There were only two segments to experience positive dollar results for October 2009. Sets and kits grew +6% in dollars and +2% in units, while hair grew +1% in dollars and +3% in units.

Sets & kits has had positive or flat dollar growth for all but two months, June was down -15% and September, -5%.

The remaining three segments, face, body, and sun, all experienced both dollar and unit declines. Sets and kits and sun both saw increases in average price (+4% and +2%, respectively).

Face was flat in average price, while body and hair average price declined (-8% and -2%, respectively).