Last year was an overwhelming one for me in terms of how many beauty products and trends I’ve had the privilege to try–in the best way possible of course. Of all the beauty trends I tried, I mostly enjoyed trying new skincare trends, products and formulations. From those convenient little sunscreen sticks that made reapplication (much) easier to the rise of at-home LED light therapy devices that not only look cool but are also efficient, here are eight of the most interesting skincare trends that made the rounds last year and are sure stand strong throughout 2024:
Barrier Repair
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In 2023, we went from experimenting on the skin to caring for the skin; shifting from exfoliants like glycolic acid and AHA/BHAs to barrier repair ingredients like ceramides and peptides.
Ceramides not only restore barrier function but also provide relief to excessively dry skin while helping manage conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Similarly, peptides work at repairing damaged skin cells, increasing collagen production and improving elasticity. And it’s safe to assume from the ongoing popularity of the Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid and the d’you In My Defense Ceramide Moisturiser that ceramides and peptides are still well-loved. Moreover, because skinimalism is here to stay, so is the focus on barrier-repair.
Sunscreen Sticks
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Sunscreen has always held its crucial place in our skincare routines but 2023 reiterated the importance of sunscreen reapplication. And didn’t sunscreen sticks steal the show? These compact, easy-to-use sticks fit perfectly in everyone’s bags, making on-the-go reapplication a breeze.
But what truly set them apart was how seamlessly they apply over makeup without moving it or giving an unflattering white-cast. From Thank You Farmer and Shiseido to Beauty Of Joseon and The Face Shop, there are some of the great picks available in India.
Snail Mucin
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Snail mucin is that sticky ingredient that everyone has been slathering on their faces, claiming to get clear, hydrated skin. Well, it is a collagen-boosting, plumping ingredient that calms irritated skin and reduces redness. The presence of hyaluronic acid in it helps to lock in moisture and facilitate barrier repair, making it perfect for those with a dry skin type. It is also suitable for acne-prone skin, helpful at every stage of acne–from prevention and treatment to fading of its scars.
While CosRX was the pioneer of snail mucin, many homegrown brands have since launched products with snail mucin. So one thing’s for sure, this ingredient isn’t going anywhere.
LED Light Therapy
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LED Light Therapy devices claim to provide anti-ageing and skin rejuvenating benefits while tackling acne, wrinkles and fine lines. Light therapy also works on improving cell function on both the skin and the scalp, making LED hairbrushes a sought-after beauty tool. While this is quite popular in in-clinic facials, skin tech is slowly but surely becoming more accessible with at-home devices. It will be fun to see if it’s going to be one of the sought-after skincare trends of 2024.
Lip balm
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Blame Hailey Bieber for making something as simple as lip balm take over everyone’s wishlists. As much as last year was about bold makeup, it was also about prioritising skincare; so much so that lip balms have now replaced lip glosses for many. With new launches like Hyphen’s Vanilla and Peach Lip Balms or the Benefit Cosmetics tinted Butter Balms, it’s exciting to see that brands are going beyond the unscented or transparent offerings with products that look and feel good, while doing the needful.
Pharmacy Skincare
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While there is an overwhelming amount of skincare products out there, I turn to pharmacy products whenever I need a no-brainer skin fix. And last year’s pharmacy skincare hype has led me to believe that I’m not alone. When the skin hits its worst, we all look beyond aesthetic packaging and focus on safe formulations.
From the calming Hylugel Plus gel and the exfoliating Glyco-6 cream to the hydrating Sebamed lip balm and the trustee-old Emolene, pharmacy skincare products have got you covered.
Food-based Skincare Ingredients
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While the internet and experts stay divided on the use of food-based ingredients in the skincare, their popularity convinces one to take notice. 2023 was the year when many ingredients like caffeine and kombucha hit the beauty aisle and a few did make a cut.
Caffeine, found in The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution, is packed with antioxidants that can help combat the damaging effects of free radicals on the skin. These fight off environmental stressors and promote youthful-looking skin. Kombucha, seen in so many fresh beauty products, is known to reduce inflammation, improve skin barrier function and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Who knows which ingredient is the next?
Skinimalism Trend
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Sun protection and barrier repair took centre stage in 2023 because we finally understood the importance of foundational skincare steps after the extravagant actives and tools frenzy. The Skinimalist skin trend leans heavily on simplifying routines with an emphasis on hydration, barrier repair and protection; and because this routine shows consistent results, it is sure to stand the test of time through 2024.
While skincare trends are fun to try, with proper patch-testing of course, it is extremely important to have a consistent skincare routine that works well for your skin type. With what we read on the internet, the importance of consulting a dermatologist cannot be over looked. When it comes to skincare, less is more and informed decisions are regarded.
