Skincare is more than just a beauty routine. It is a reflection of our health, wellness, and lifestyle. In 2023, skincare is evolving to meet the needs and preferences of consumers who are looking for products and treatments that do more, last longer, and leave them feeling healthier. From innovative ingredients and formulas to holistic approaches and technologies, here are some of the skincare trends that will dominate 2023.
Skin Minimalism: Less is More
One of the biggest skincare trends for 2023 is skin minimalism, which means simplifying your skincare routine and using fewer but more effective products. According to dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, skin minimalism is driven by the economic recession and the environmental impact of skincare waste. “Minimalism is in. The nine-step regimen is now out of favor. With the introduction of skin cycling, I suspect people will focus on 2-4 skincare products,” he says. Skin cycling is the practice of rotating your skincare products according to your skin’s needs and the seasons rather than using the same products all year round. This way, you can avoid overloading your skin with unnecessary ingredients and save money and space.
Some of the products that are popular among skin minimalists are multitasking formulas that can address multiple skin concerns at once, such as moisturizers with SPF, serums with antioxidants, and cleansers with exfoliating acids. Another trend is using trusted skincare brands that offer affordable and effective products, such as La Roche-Posay and CeraVe. These brands are known for their gentle and science-backed formulas that are suitable for sensitive and compromised skin.
Barrier Repair: Protect and Restore
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin that protects it from external aggressors, such as pollution, UV rays, and bacteria. It also helps retain moisture and maintain the skin’s pH balance. When the skin barrier is damaged, it can lead to various skin problems, such as dryness, irritation, inflammation, and premature aging. That’s why one of the key skincare trends for 2023 is barrier repair, which means using products and treatments that are gentle on the skin barrier and help restore its function and health.
According to dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, products that are gentle on the skin barrier will be trending in 2023. “The skin barrier is important to maintain the health of the skin, and when it is disrupted, it can cause or exacerbate other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne,” she says. Some of the ingredients that can help repair the skin barrier are ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane. These ingredients can replenish the skin’s natural lipids, hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and balance the skin’s microbiome.
One of the brands that are leading the barrier repair trend is Biba Los Angeles, which offers a range of products that are designed to strengthen and nourish the skin barrier, such as the Cream Barrier, a rich moisturizer that contains ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Another brand is Dieux, which recently launched the Deliverance Trinity Serum, a potent serum that combines three types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane to hydrate, brighten, and smooth the skin.
Retinol Revolution: The Ultimate Anti-Aging Ingredient
Retinol is not a new ingredient in skincare, but it is still one of the most effective and sought-after ones. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that can stimulate collagen production, increase cell turnover, reduce wrinkles, fade hyperpigmentation, and improve skin texture and tone. However, retinol can also cause side effects such as irritation, peeling, and sensitivity, especially for those with delicate skin. That’s why one of the skincare trends for 2023 is finding new ways to use retinol and make it more accessible and tolerable for everyone.
Dr. Karan Lal predicts that 2023 will be the year of retinol and retinoid derivatives. “I suspect we are going into the year of retinol and retinoid derivatives,” he says. Retinoid derivatives are modified forms of retinol that have similar benefits but are less irritating and more stable. Some of the retinoid derivatives that are gaining popularity are retinaldehyde, retinyl esters, and hydroxypinacolone retinoate. These ingredients can deliver faster and more visible results than retinol without compromising the skin barrier.
Another trend is using natural alternatives to retinol, such as bakuchiol, a plant extract that has been shown to have similar effects as retinol but without adverse reactions. Bakuchiol is also suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who are advised to avoid retinol. One of the brands that is incorporating bakuchiol into its products is Byoma, which offers a range of natural and organic skincare products, such as the Bakuchiol Booster Serum, a lightweight serum that combines bakuchiol with rosehip oil and vitamin E to nourish and rejuvenate the skin.
Holistic Wellness: Beyond the Skin
Skincare is not only about the appearance of the skin but also about the well-being of the whole person. In 2023, skincare will become more holistic, meaning that it will take into account the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health and beauty. According to The Future Laboratory, consumers are increasingly opting for “science-led beauty formulas and tools that are designed to have direct health benefits.” These products and treatments are not only good for the skin but also for the body and mind.
One of the examples of holistic skincare is lymphatic skincare, which is the practice of stimulating the lymphatic system, the network of vessels and nodes that helps remove toxins and waste from the body. By massaging, dry brushing, or using tools that enhance lymphatic drainage, such as gua sha stones or jade rollers, you can improve blood circulation, reduce puffiness, detoxify the skin, and boost the immune system. Lymphatic skincare can also help relieve stress, tension, and inflammation, which can affect the skin and overall health.
Another example is the TheraFace Pro device, which uses percussive therapy to reduce stress-induced facial tension and ease migraines, as well as cleanse the skin. Percussive therapy is a technique that involves applying rapid and gentle pulses of pressure to the muscles and soft tissues, which can improve blood flow, relax the muscles, and relieve pain. The TheraFace Pro device comes with hot and cold rings that can be attached to the device to provide thermal therapy, which can further enhance the benefits of percussive therapy.
More Than Skin Deep: The Rise of Trustworthy Brands
In 2023, consumers will be more aware and conscious of what they put on their skin and how it affects their health and the environment. They are looking for brands that are transparent, ethical, and sustainable, and that offer products that are safe, effective, and eco-friendly. According to a report by Mintel, 69% of US consumers agree that they trust natural and organic personal care brands more than mainstream ones, and 61% of UK consumers say that they are interested in products that have a low environmental impact.
One of the ways that brands are building trust and loyalty with consumers is by providing full disclosure of their ingredients, sourcing, manufacturing, and testing processes, as well as their social and environmental impact. They are also using third-party certifications and seals, such as USDA Organic, EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, and Fair Trade, to verify their claims and standards. Some of the brands that are leading the way in transparency and sustainability are Tata Harper, Drunk Elephant, and Biossance, which offer high-performance skincare products that are made with natural, organic, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients and packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials.
Another way that brands are gaining trust and credibility with consumers is by offering personalized and customized products and services that cater to the individual needs and preferences of each customer. They are using data, technology, and artificial intelligence to analyze the skin type, condition, and goals of each customer and to create products and treatments that are tailored to their specific needs. Some of the brands that are offering personalized and customized skincare are Curology, Proven, and Skinsei, which use online quizzes, selfies, and algorithms to create customized skincare formulas and regimens for each customer.
Skincare is more than just a beauty routine. It is a reflection of our health, wellness, and lifestyle. In 2023, skincare is evolving to meet the needs and preferences of consumers who are looking for products and treatments that do more, last longer, and leave them feeling healthier. From innovative ingredients and formulas to holistic approaches and technologies, these are some of the skincare trends that will dominate 2023.
