From Amino Acids to Radiofrequency: Skincare Trends to Watch Out For

Consumers in the US are showing a big interest in keeping their skin in tip-top shape, with women and men spending similar amounts on beauty to keep looking young and fresh ($44 per month vs $39 per month, respectively). What was once a three-part daily routine (cleanse, tone, moisturize) has turned into an elaborate ritual, inspired by Korean beauty and its long, detailed routines that can involve 10 steps or more (featuring a bevy of serums, oils, and facial sprays). However, routines have made a big shift over the past year, with many dermatologists recommending a more minimalist approach once again. If you are a beauty buff and you love incorporating the latest skincare treatments and products into your daily routine, keep abreast of the following trends, which will be bigger than ever in 2022 and 2023.

Medical tourism has been big on the plastic surgery scene over the past decade, but these days, consumers aren’t shy about traveling interstate while checking out a new city or town and getting a coveted treatment (think a vampire  or oxygen facial). You can enjoy a weekend away and return home with a refreshed complexion if you do your research before committing. If you live in a typically expensive city like New York, LA, or Miami, then getting away to a different city for dermatology services – think Atlanta or San Diego – can be a way to cut costs. For instance, fat transfer (a popular choice for natural-looking fillers) can cost you around $27,000 in San Francisco, while in Atlanta or San Diego, you can expect to pay in the region of $6,000 to around $7,000 or $7,500).

Inflammation causes a host of health problems and when it comes to skin, it can cause irritation, swelling, and puffiness. Many consumers are therefore seeking gentler care that moves away from invasive treatments like acid peels or Retin-A. The aim is to restore skin to its optimal condition by embracing an anti-inflammatory (Mediterranean-type) diet and by using skincare made with natural, organic ingredients that are free of harsh chemicals and fragrances. Ceramides and essential fatty acids, which strengthen the skin’s barrier, will play an important role in keeping skin strong against stressors like the sun and pollution.

After years of watching what seemed to be the impossibly long skincare routines of celebrities like Elizabeth Chambers or Paris Hilton, the world of skincare has taken a turn and is now promoting simpler routines that do the jobs without exposing skin to too many active ingredients. Be on the lookout for gentle cleansers, enzyme-rich exfoliators, and skincare containing amino acids like arginine, histidine, methionine, lysine, and proline. These acids strengthen the skin’s surface, smoothen fine lines and wrinkles, and have powerful antioxidant properties.

Because the focus is on approaches that really work from inside-out, lasers will be huge in 2022 and 2023. Just a few to watch out for include tried-and-tested favorites like Fraxel and Fractora (which are great for tackling pigmentation, acne scarring, and wrinkles), cold lasers (for skin rejuvenation), radiofrequency and ultrasound treatments (to give skin a lifting effect and to boost collagen and elastin formation), and bio-dermal injections like Profhilo, Ellansé, and Radiesse. These boost bounce, elasticity, and plumpness and can be used in various areas, including the face, neck, and upper chest.

The world of beauty has taken yet another turn, with skincare experts recommending minimalist routines that don’t stress skin out. Ceramides, essential fatty acids, and gentle cleansers are just a few recommended products, as are amino acids, laser, radiofrequency, ultrasound, and bio-dermal injections. Because some of these treatments (particularly those involving injections and laser or ultrasound) can be expensive, consumers are also embracing the beauty tourism trend. Doing so enables them to combine tourism with skin rejuvenation and relaxation.