We care a lot: skincare and wellness trends of 2024
This year, we’re taking a more holistic approach to skincare, from top to toe.
It was only March, and now here we are. The past few months have been full of surprises. We have seen how lip balm, once a humble hydrating essential, soared to viral fame with a glossy update. At the same time, derma fillers with immediate results took a quiet back seat to lunch break treatments like Potenza, Morpheus8 and Thermage that go beyond superficial enhancements. In 2024, we are all about taking a more holistic approach to our skin, prioritising its health over beauty (standards), with a little room for extra sweet indulgence.
BARRIER BOOST
Whether you’re committed to a ten-step routine or a “skinimalist” one with four products on the shelf, the goal should be the same: a healthy skin barrier that defends against daily stressors, locks in hydration and delivers essential nutrients, keeping the good in and the bad out. When compromised, the skin becomes more reactive and that can lead to dryness, redness and inflammation. Ceramides, peptides and fatty acids remain the most reliable for repairing and strengthening the skin barrier, while gentler, non-physical exfoliants are recommended to tone down irritation. Sometimes, a simple reset and stripping things back to basics can be the best way.
MINDFUL MOMENTS
If you’ve ever fallen for a formula because of the way it feels on the skin or its calming aroma, you’re already tuned into the rise of neurocosmetics. Rooted in the notion of brain-skin connection, neurocosmetics explore how sensory experiences can improve the skin’s health and appearance. This approach goes beyond a formula’s feel-good texture or scent; it’s backed by scientific studies. For example, neuropeptides and betaendorphins, which can be triggered by neuroactive ingredients (many of which are botanical) can strengthen the skin barrier by relieving stress.
TRUSTY TOOLS
Once upon a time, our regular treatments at facial spas felt like a distant luxury and we relied on beauty tools to keep our skin in check. Quickly becoming staples in our routine, they have continued to evolve. Medicube, for one, brings togethersix technologies in one wand for its latest Age-R Booster Pro versus CurrentBody’s 4-In-1 LED Face Mask that targets up to 18 skin concerns using five different wavelengths. At the other end of the spectrum, gua sha, the traditional Chinese healing tool, has also solidified its spot in our modern skincare arsenal. Crafted from unique materials with different shapes that hug the facial contours, the gua sha lifts and relaxes the muscles for an extra dose of wellness.
BODY BLISS
Body care is becoming a bigger priority, as it should. From body acne to keratosis pilaris and dryness, we can now get our hands on dedicated formulas for these concerns just as easily as we can for our facial skin. While the same ingredients playbook applies — exfoliating BHAs and oil-control niacinamide for pesky sebum-clogged bumps, moisturising fatty acids to smooth and plump, and collagen-boosting retinol to firm — body care formulas are designed to meet the sensitivity and tolerance of body skin. Fans of The Ordinary have been doubling the Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner as an exfoliant for the body; the brand recently stepped up with a body range, comprising a serum, an emulsion and a lotion for all skin types.
TRESS TREATS
The skinification of hair has taught us the importance of extending the same TLC we give our skin to our hair. Haircare is now more personalised and requires a better understanding of both scalp and strands — they can have different needs, after all. For many of us, what looks like an oily scalp with dry ends can benefit from proper cleansing and regular exfoliation to keep the scalp fresh. The lengths and ends could use moisture from ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter and hyaluronic acid. And let’s not forget breakage, dullness, sensitivity and other common concerns. We will likely see the rise of more targeted formulas.
