For many, the start of a new year signifies a clean slate, a fresh start, and an overall opportunity to reset. However, for beauty enthusiasts, the new year is a time to establish new skin-care objectives and brush up on the latest and greatest technology the industry has to offer. With this fresh start, it’s not uncommon to want to redefine current beauty routines and explore new products, techniques, tips, and trends.
In 2023, we witnessed the rise of “skinimalism,” a trend that challenged the long-held belief in the beauty community that a 12+ step skin-care routine is necessary. 2023 also hyped up our current societal obsession with anti-aging, which introduced Skinvive, a modified hyaluronic acid filler. The treatment became one of the buzziest injectables on the market because of its results: plump, healthy, and luminous skin that makes it appear more youthful for up to six months.
So, what does 2024 have in store? We’ve tapped some of the most plugged-in and sought-after experts in the industry to give us their take on the top skin-care trends that are poised to take over the year.
Probiotic Skin Care
Here’s the inside scoop: achieving that glamorous, radiant skin isn’t just about slathering on the latest cream or serum — it’s about putting thought and care into the products you’re consuming for inner and outer health. In 2024, this is accomplished through probiotic skin care. “Probiotic skin care is expected to gain prominence, offering benefits like balancing the skin’s microbiome, reducing inflammation, enhancing the skin barrier, potentially aiding in acne management, and improving hydration,” Evelyn Ramirez, master aesthetician, tells POPSUGAR. “The industry itself is witnessing the integration of plant-based ingredients, customization through DNA analysis for tailored products and a holistic wellness focus, addressing factors like stress and sleep for comprehensive skin well-being.”
If you’re more into “food for your skin,” Whitney Tingle, co-founder of Sakara, says that probiotics can help address skin concerns like acne through supplementation and a healthy diet. “When you nourish your gut microbiome with diverse plant-based ingredients that are rich in nutrients like fiber and polyphenols, you are enriching and balancing the gut environment, reducing inflammatory responses, and ultimately your skin health as well,” Tingle says.
LED Light Therapy
It’s no secret that LED light therapy has been a big deal these last few years, and it continues in 2024. If you’re looking to rid your skin of hyperpigmentation, moderate acne, and fine lines, celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden agrees it may be for you. “The initial investment can be a little expensive, but over time, it will save money because of the results it produces in keeping skin youthful and glowing,” Darden says. “An LED Mask is the perfect device to get pro-level anti-aging and skin-clearing benefits at home.”
Epigenetic Skin Care
Our skin, in its infinite wisdom and connection to our DNA, is quite the Chatty Cathy when it comes to telling us about our concerns, particularly as we age. The skin-care industry is riding the wave of this chatter, with brands popping up left and right to address those surface-level concerns of epigenetic aging. But it’s important to remember that it’s not just skin deep. Lucy Goff, the founder of LYMA, has developed the world’s first epigenetic skin science able to treat the root causes of aging, not just the superficial signs. The brand is formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients “hand-picked for their ability to reverse or slow down the causes of skin aging,” Goff says.
Facial Yoga
If traditional yoga is not your thing, you might want to consider “face yoga” this year. Garnering over 2.8 billion views on TikTok and counting, #faceyoga is a quick, at-home exercise regimen that aims to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. It focuses on strengthening facial muscles to preserve skin structure as you age. Many creators, including Shelly Marshall, a professional aesthetician, share various techniques and poses to help you up your practice at home.
Exosomes
2024 is leaning heavily on science to help restore and preserve the skin’s natural radiance through the help of exosomes. Though still the new kids on the block, they have been stealthy undercover allies in your skin-care creams and serums for some time. “There is a lot of new technology and science behind these treatments that will continue to be on the rise,” says Cathay Cheng, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Naked Beauty MD. “There are benefits with using your own bodily resources so that is why exosomes are intriguing and helpful.”