People are becoming more in tune with their skin health and, because of this, their skincare regimens. Here are some top skincare trends you should know about this year.
Skin Cycling Will Continue to Trend
Many are starting to take a broader, cyclical approach to their skincare routine known as “skin cycling.” With this skincare approach, you don’t use the same skincare products every day. Instead, you give your skin “nights off,” where you use minimal skincare products to give your skin a break.
While this term may be trending, skin cycling isn’t a new concept. Many dermatologists recommend strategically using certain products, like retinol, on an intermittent or alternative schedule. On off nights, keep it simple with a moisturizer to give the skin a break and ensure the skin doesn’t lose its natural ability to balance moisture and oil production. You can also layer products that have complementary active ingredients, for example, tranexamic acid and glycolic acid go well together. You may also want to use soothing products, like face oil or moisturizer, in combination with drying products like retinol. Skin cycling can help minimize irritation and maximize results.
Emphasis on the Mind-Skin Connection Is on the Rise
Stress can wreak havoc on our physical well-being, and sometimes, this shows up in our skin. Higher levels of stress are correlated to inflammation, which can manifest in acne, eczema, and psoriasis flare-ups. This year, people are interested in skincare that soothes the mind and enhances their mental state.
“Neurocosmetics” are built around the fact that the brain, nervous system, and skin are all closely connected. These products have certain active ingredients designed to help improve your mood upon application by interacting with the skin’s neuromediators in different ways.
You may have been using neurocosmetics without even knowing it. Lotions containing menthol, for example, create a cooling sensation that can relieve muscle pain. CBD is thought to reduce pain by binding to the cannabinoid receptors in the skin. Incorporating these products into your services can help elevate the experience.
Aromatherapy Takes the Spotlight
Aromatherapy can enhance your mental state and offer additional benefits as some plant chemicals are absorbed through the skin. For instance, lavender helps promote relaxation. Use an essential oil diffuser to create a pleasant aroma that enhances your services and creates a relaxing atmosphere. You may also want to incorporate aromatherapeutic skincare products into your services. Always ask if your client has any allergies before using products with essential oils.
Diverse Skincare Matters
There have been rumors that the FDA is changing its guidelines to require clinical trials on the darkest skin tones on the Fitzpatrick scale. The Fitzpatrick scale is a classification of skin tones based on its reaction to sunlight and UV exposure. Currently, esthetic devices don’t need to verify their safety for Fitzpatrick Types 5 and 6. This can be problematic with heat-based devices like laser hair removal or skin tightening products, which have a higher chance of adverse effects (such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation) on darker complexions. For esthetics students, this change would be a welcome addition to choosing a school with a curriculum focused on providing equitable training across a diverse range of skin types and tones.
As an esthetics professional, it’s crucial to understand the different needs of different skin tones and skin types. You will want to ensure you know how to care for, treat, and recommend products to all clients based on these needs. Getting your esthetics license from a credible institution can empower you to confidently provide skincare for people with all skin types and tones.
Back to Basics – With a Twist
Our favorite tried and true skincare ingredients are being used in new ways. Chemists are discovering new ways to increase the efficacy of certain ingredients and find new uses for others. For instance, using different molecular weights in hyaluronic acid formulations can help target the skin at different depths. Scientists have also found that tranexamic acid, an ingredient typically used to treat hyperpigmentation, may be effective for other skin issues like rosacea.
These skincare ingredients will continue to find “reinvention” in 2024 and beyond. Because of this, it’s important to have a solid foundation of knowledge about these ingredients and the most effective ways to use them.
Keep Up with the Trends as an Esthetics Student at Tricoci University
Are you an aspiring esthetician? Become a skincare expert by getting your esthetics certification at Tricoci University. Here, you will hone your skincare skills, learn best practices, stay updated on industry trends, and more. Plus, with a flexible class schedule, you can pursue your dreams on your schedule.
Contact us now to learn more about our esthetics programs.