As the beauty industry keeps evolving, skincare remains at the forefront of the evolution, with its marked increase in presence since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. The global skincare market is expected to reach sales of $207 billion by 2028. With the public consciousness towards skincare showing no signs of slowing down, we are seeing a multitude of skincare trends across the board. From different kinds of technology to science-backed formulas and innovative ingredients, let's take a look at the top 5 skincare trends that can shape your skincare routine.

"Skinimalism" aka skin minimalism

Gone are the days of 10-step skincare routines, overdosed with all different actives. Even the Koreans, who were the master of 10-step routines are stripping off steps from their routines. Consumers are now looking for efficiency and efficacy and are paring back on the number of products they layer on their skin. With more skincare knowledge out there than ever before, they are realizing that less is more when it comes to skin health. Too many steps in the regimen can actually do more harm than good. Hence, there will be an uptick of affordable efficacious products that target skin concerns, hydrate and protect the facial skin.

Bettering the barrier

2023 is seeing a shift of focus on the health of the skin barrier. Consumers are seeking out gentle ingredients and formulations that will nourish and protect the skin barrier and the microbiome of our skin. In case you were wondering, the skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin, which is the first line of defence against foreign bodies, pathogens, toxins and many more. It is often described as a brick wall in terms of defence. Disrupting the barrier can lead to or exacerbate conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema etc. So, it is imperative to maintain, strengthen and repair the barrier to not only ward off harmful things, but also to hold in the nutrition. Products with barrier-strengthening ingredients such as ceramides, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol etc. are just what you are looking for.

Hybrid multi-ingredient products

As our society tries to grapple with the realities of the cost-of-living crisis, along with rising environmental concerns and a general move toward minimalistic skincare, consumers are now looking for formulas that have more than 1 hero ingredient. Skincare enthusiasts and junkies are coming off the trend of using single-ingredient products as they can lead to more waste and excessive layering can lead to skin irritation. Instead, they are now opting for products combining synergistic and efficacious ingredients in one bottle, making the whole regimen more affordable.

The natural, glowy look

Whether you call it glass skin, laminated skin or glazed doughnut skin; at the end of the day, we are striving to have healthy skin that radiates optimal health and a dewy moisturized finish. Hence, the natural look is still going strong in 2023. There is a greater interest in hydrating the skin and trapping in hydration using hyaluronic acid serums, products with glycerine and hydrating toners and essences. Focus is also being redirected on the skincare steps before makeup application, using minimal makeup products with lighter coverage and a celebration of a healthy complexion. Brands are now coming out with skincare-makeup hybrids such as skin tints with SPF, serum foundations with hyaluronic acid and other nourishing ingredients and many more to help you look the part alongside benefitting your skin.

Body care

In the past, the skin on our bodies was often neglected due to our hyperfocus on facial skin. But we are seeing that change in 2023. Millennials and Gen Z have realized the importance of the adage "prevention is better than cure" and thus opting for ways to preserve and protect not only the skin on their face but also the skin from down below the neck. There is an uptick in body serums and body products with actives such as AHAs, retinols, collagen and peptides to target skin concerns of the body.

In a nutshell, the trends point to the general public's concentration on nourishing, repairing and maintaining the health of the skin, both on the face and body.