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Let’s get things straight, we love our Daily Doser and when it comes to healthy skin, champion a simple, consistent science-led routine. But that’s not to say we’re adverse to a sprinkling of newness, a look-at-me ingredient, a hot new cleansing ritual or trending TikTok video that looks at skincare in a new light. 

On a sliding scale, the trends that get Skin + Me the most excited are the ones that come from the science-led wisdom of our Dermatologists directly. From the skincare clinic to research conferences and having an expert ear-to-the-ground, our Dermatologists are the first to know what’s breaking.

We’re already leading the charge for personalisation, skinimalism, ingredients that you can’t buy over the counter, microdosing, vegan products, skin celebration and more. But of course, part of the fun of Skin + Me is that we continue to research, develop, converse with our community and the beauty and skincare industry to seek out – and shout about – the trends that make a difference.

So as we kick off 2022, we start by asking Consultant Dermatologists, Dr Malvina Cunningham and Dr Ben Esdaile the skincare trends they’re predicting will take off this year and beyond.

Dr Malvina Cunningham’s Skincare Predictions 2022
  • Sunscreen

Innovation in SPF formulations and filters are coming. This is an ever-evolving space in which we’ll see clever new products being launched.

  • Minimalist skincare

Clever formulated treatment products will continue to be popular. Think targeted, well-formulated skincare that leads to results with ingredients including retinoids, azelaic acid and niacinamide.

  • Barrier protection and repair

Products protecting the skin from external damage continue to be hot topics at conferences. Those containing barrier protective and repairing ingredients will be key.

  • Menopause

Menopause skincare is a hot topic and products that focus on menopausal skin will be a key trend in 2022.

Dr Ben Esdaile’s Skincare Predictions 2022
  • Celebrity skincare

Whatever you think of the trend, celebrities can, and are, successful skincare influencers so expect more celebrity skincare brands to launch this year. Also collaborations between brands and celebrities will continue to shape the industry.

  • More personalisation in terms of actives

Look out for active ingredients that are custom-prescribed for optimal effectiveness.

  • Skin microbiome and skin barrier protection

So important, we’ll mention it twice. Expect a greater understanding of how to maintain and protect the skin microbiome and skin barrier, with even better moisturisers in the pipeline.

  • More environmentally friendly packaging and refills

Skin + Me advocates for sustainability with recycled and recyclable packaging. Expect other brands to wake up to the urgency of change needed to cut waste and do better across the industry.

  • Better availability for acne treatments for teenagers

More effective skincare for young adults with spots and acne will become more accessible.

  • Vegan skincare

Skin + Me is proudly vegan and cruelty-free. Of course this is a conviction and not a trend but this month, Veganuary raises awareness around how we consume products more mindfully. It asks us to examine the origin story of what we put on our plates, our homes and our faces. Want to make a change? It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, better awareness and informed decision-making can only be a good thing.

  • Menopause skincare

Dr Malvina Cunningham mentioned this, so we thought we’d explain a bit more. Products that are mindful of menopausal, perimenopausal or postmenopausal skin’s unique needs are being developed in the skincare space. The industry is growing to cater for the unique needs of multiple issues that come with skin affected by falling oestrogen levels which can sensitise skin, challenge your skin barrier or result in spot breakouts. ‘Meno’ skincare will be a targeted package that could include ingredients from microdosed retinol to skin barrier builders and more.

  • The rise (and rise) of skinfluencers

From the heroes of our #PositivePersonalProgress campaign (launching this January!) to personalities with internet-breaking social followings; If you’ve got something to say about skincare, there’s a whole world out there that wants to hear it. Think experts and editors like Caroline Hirons to Sally Hughes to our fab community members on The Collective – go forth and support others on their skincare journeys, share your wisdom and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re all in this together.

  • More holistic routines

Skincare is self care and the ‘wellness’ industry – and all that encompasses – will continue to grow. What does that mean as a trend? Well, treating your skin better through bespoke nutrition, supplements, multitasking dual-action products, the rise of ancient philosophies such as ayurvedic skincare and more are on the horizon. 

  • Beauty in the metaverse

Hot on the heels of major luxury brands, expect to see beauty-tech growing in the once fringe virtual world – the metaverse. 

Digital assets representing real world objects and creations, are known as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) – imagine if you can, a NTF Daily Doser for your gaming or social avatar. Believe the hype, these things may be fantastical fantasy for some, but brands testing in digital beauty and virtual spaces by partnering with gaming, social and metaverse platforms is very real. Personalising the skincare routine of your avatar? You heard it here first.

Watch this space, it’s going to be an exciting year for skincare – make sure you stick around for the ride.

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