As 2024 comes to a close we’re taking a look at some of the best and worst trends of the year, here’s your chance to find out which ones were just hype and which ones give us hope for better skin. From skin cycling to banana Botox and barrier betterment, reporting on the dermatology trends actually worth knowing about is a balm to our soul. We loved it when retinol sandwiching became a thing, as this method (moisturising before and after your retinol application) is something our skincare experts have been recommending for decades. Let’s take a closer look at the skincare trends of 2024 . . .
SKIN FLOODING
The skin flooding trend is essentially skin layering but serum is applied to damp skin. The theory being that the serum will soak in with the water for a skin hydration boost.
Our verdict: MOSTLY HYPE
Our sophisticated AlumierMD formulas mean there’s no need to trick your serum into working harder, it does it all for you. Skin flooding fails to consider the pH of serum formulas which is KEY. For example, L-ascorbic acid needs to be in a pH formula of 3.5 or less to get over the skin barrier and start its deep-down brightening and protecting work. Water has a pH of 7, so if you’re applying L-ascorbic acid serums like our EverActive C&E® + Peptide to damp skin, it simply won’t be able to do its job. Apply it to dry skin as instructed and vòila all the brightening, protective and anti-ageing benefits are provided.
BARRIER BETTERMENT
A strong barrier protects the more vulnerable layers of skin below as well as making our skin look smoother and brighter. The stronger your skin is, the more your skin can take, so expect your skin pro to take your in-clinic treatments deeper and enjoy longer-lasting results if you’ve already spent time improving your skin barrier.
Our verdict: HOPE
This is a trend we are fully behind; it means stronger skin that looks more radiant, and it can help you get even better results in-clinic too. For barrier SOS reach for our Recovery Balm and for long term barrier betterment our secret is a daily dose of Ultimate Boost Serum. Don’t forget your skin pro can give you personalised advice, and check out our Skincare Scaries blog for more information on building your barrier.
MENOPAUSAL SKIN
We are SO on board with the openness, help and advice that’s increasingly available around menopause symptoms and changes. Hormones govern almost everything in our body and as the body’s largest organ, skin is hugely impacted by the hormonal changes that occur in perimenopause and menopause.
Our verdict: MEGA HOPE
It’s true that in the first 5 years of menopause natural collagen quickly decreases, while the body produces less oil which impacts skin hugely. Understanding what’s happening to your skin is the first step and working to replace this natural moisture can make a big difference. Our skin pros are experts in menopausal skin and can guide you through every change you need to make to your skin routine. You can read more about menopausal skin in our blog, Navigating Menopause Skin Changes.
BANANA BOTOX
Rubbing a banana peel all over your skin for the same benefits as “Botox”.
Our verdict: HYPE
You guessed it, this one is not for us! While all fruit contains natural antioxidants, it’s best ingested rather than applied topically - why? Unlike our skincare there are no delivery systems, no bio-identical molecules and no going deep into the skin, let alone the muscles. Want to target fine lines and wrinkles? Try Retinol Resurfacing Serum instead, with clinically proven retinol in a time-release delivery system that takes it where it’s needed. If banana Botox works for you on a surface level – crack on! But don’t expect medical grade results; banana skin simply isn’t going to reach the muscle so it can’t be compared with neurotoxin injections.
MINDFUL AESTHETICS
Stress, hormonal highs and lows, and sleep deprivation are just some of the issues we’re all managing, and these all have an impact on our skin.
Our verdict: HOPE
Mindful aesthetics helps us to notice our needs and make impactful choices around self-care and skincare. When you work with a pro to find a skincare routine that’s tailored to your skin’s needs and lifestyle, your AM and PM routine becomes a quiet moment of self-care. We’re delighted that this has become a trend and it’s one we’ve long been working with, as you’ll know if you have ever had a skin consultation with one of our skin pros. Find out more in our blog, When Self-Care Meets Skincare.
REGENERATIVE INGREDIENTS
This trend centres on the power of skincare to help us age better than ever before. It’s about regenerating the skin alongside preventative skincare and signals a shift away from invasive corrective procedures.
Our verdict: HOPE
We’re all about improving skin quality and this approach puts skin health and its natural abilities to repair and rejuvenate front and centre. Our hybrid skincare formulas, like Ultimate Boost, Calm R and Intellibright® Complex, with regenerative ingredients, are created to work in synergy with your skin. Combined with your own personal skin pro, our approach hits this trend in the heart. Read more in our blog, Power Up with Regenerative Ingredients.
To work out which trends are worth investing in, make an appointment with your skin pro and get your skincare working even harder for you as we move into the new year.