2021 Skin care trends brought to you in 2022

This is why I have decided to start a new series of articles and other materials that analyze the current trends and try to anticipate the new directions for the upcoming year in the field of skin care.

Why has the beauty industry evolved so fast in recent years?

Firstly, because we have a much greater level of connectivity through the virtual environment, the digitization of our world has allowed major brands to know exactly why we love certain ingredients and what products we prefer. Emerging brands have used this information to launch new products, directly created to the liking and needs of consumers.

Secondly, we have technological progress, whether in research to increase the effectiveness of active ingredients, or in various cosmetic interventions, through devices, tools, and other technological devices for skin care. You can use these tools now at home too, not only at an esthetician’s office or beauty salon.

Maybe this moment is also due to the pandemic, which boosted our creativity and allowed us to invent new terms like “spa at home”, “home treatments”, or “me time”. Then, we have an accurate picture of this recent emphasis on personal care, sustainability, organic products, and natural-look, all dedicated to you, those around you, and our planet.

To these factors are added topics like environmental pollution and daily stress, which have shaped the trends of the past decades. We had to rediscover ourselves, to learn more about our own well-being, and to explore new methods, rituals, ingredients and products for skin care.

What is ‘skinimalism’ and what benefits does it bring to your skin?

A trend supporting minimalist approaches, whether we’re talking about a few products or ingredients applied to skin or getting a natural look through makeup. In a thin layer, you can still apply foundation or concealer.

When it comes to ‘skinimalsim‘, the most important part is to accept your natural beauty, to embrace your uniqueness, rather than hide it under makeup. It means to gradually free yourself from the multiple pressures of society and online, to be able to focus on being yourself.

This trend proposes to consume less products and is part of the ecological cosmetic movement. It supports the health of the skin, based on the proven efficacy of active ingredients and teaches us when it is time to let the skin recover itself.

What is this direction towards ‘clean beauty’ and ‘clean skincare’? Why are there some confusions?

Over the last few years, this movement for clean, non-toxic, transparent, and organic beauty & skin care has become increasingly popular among consumers looking for conscious, healthier choices.

This trend aims to avoid irritating and toxic ingredients such as: sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), artificial colors, synthetic perfumes, parabens, mineral oil, plus other similar ingredients. It has been proven that such ingredients can sensitize the skin, so there has been a greater need for skin barrier restoration products, more scientific research on transepidermal water loss, skin microbiome and many other topics.

Therefore, the big cosmetics manufacturers anticipated these needs and developed a “clean” product line. A number of brands claim to not test on animals, while others label themselves as sustainable, commonly known as ‘green beauty’.

Clean beauty promotes various methods of protecting and improving the condition of the environment, seas and oceans, through reusable packaging, biodegradable products, without plastic and waste. And in the case of SPF creams, they do not contain harmful substances to the marine environment (reef-safe).

The term ‘clean beauty’ urges us not to resort to abundance to get results, still at the same time it can be subjective. Inevitably it means something different for each of us, including brands. For this reason, the most important step in caring for your skin remains the choice of products with effective active ingredients and dedicated to a green-conscious environment.

What is Slow Beauty and why is it a more conscious direction of clean beauty?

Slow Beauty is a movement and philosophy that helps people develop a sustainable self-care practice based on nature, health, and well-being, which includes the use of multi-sensory products, tools, and resources to support a happy way of feeling. and to be in the world.

Slow beauty means investing in products that have been lovingly made using sustainable methods and ‘smart’ ingredients. It refers to the application of the active ingredients as little as possible and to reduce unnecessary consumption and waste.

This new beauty movement wants to slow down certain processes to help our skin, our overall well-being and that of the planet. You can look for waste-free packaging, multifunctional or hybrid formulations and inclusive brands.

What trends in K-beauty have influenced the cosmetics industry in recent years?

Korean beauty products are a great success for this industry worldwide, not only because of the innovative formulas and technology they prove, but also because they have always been an inspiration in skin care. Thus, many trends have developed here with the specifics of obtaining an ideal skin.

A term used for a long time and very popular in Korea is “Honey Skin“. Describes a skin that looks like honey, which is shiny, smooth and elastic. It focuses on organic and natural ingredients, good for nourished and healthy skin.

This is where the glass skin trend really came from, with the difference that ‘glass skin’ refers to the texture of the skin and a flawless, translucent, clear final look, with no visible pores, with a uniform tone and a radiant skin.

Glass Skin being a trend born in Korea was brought through the K-beauty routines in 10 steps, approximately 5-6 years ago:

• double cleansing
• exfoliating
• toner
• essence
• serum
• moisturizer
• masks and other detoxification treatments
• rejuvenating products, anti-wrinkle, night masks, eye or lip masks (sets and patches), plus other type of face masks, such as LEDs, along with other devices, which will stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin
• SPF protection

Cream skin is similar to ‘glass skin’ if we refer to the results, but in this case fewer products are used, requiring only a toner and a moisturizer. It’s a more realistic look and generally applies to a single product, which can be 2in1 or hybrid. This way you can focus on softening and moisturizing your skin.

Other terms derived from these skin care trends developed over the years:

• Mirror Skin
• Milk Skin
• Yoga Skin
• Buttery Skin
• Honey Glow
• Dumpling Skin

Liquid Gold Skin is a newer trend, more inclusive for all skin tones, especially brown skin. Unlike glass skin, which promotes a much brighter look.

Are you familiar with custom skincare products? What does this mean for your skin type and condition?

How can you not love a product created just for you? In addition adapted to your specific skin type and conditions.

As we know, the flow of information generated by consumers has increased in recent years, through the abundance of information online and through social media content.

Manufacturers have taken a step forward and studied consumer behavior in more depth, looking for solutions tailored to their specific needs, while providing clear and visible benefits. The idea of a personalized product exclusively designed for your skin needs will continue in 2022 as well.

image source: shutterstock.com