The global skincare market is expected to be worth $135 billion by 2021, with innovative products enticing customers to turn back the hands of time and guard themselves against issues such as skin cancer. Some of the big sellers promising to hit our stands include new cosmeceuticals, laser-based scar reduction, and supplementation. We highlight the latest trends to watch out for.
Cosmeceuticals making it big
Cosmeceuticals are products containing natural, active ingredients with medicinal properties. They offer deep penetration and faster results, often using nanotechnology, chemistry, and physics, to enhance penetration and activity. This category is not new per se, since oligopeptides, Vitamin V, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera are classic ingredients in many top-selling creams. Newer cosmeceuticals, however, include products aimed at photoaging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and hair damage. These products contain ingredients such as Niacinamide (a type of Vitamin B3 that fights redness and irritation), heparan sulfate (which promotes collagen synthesis) and a new retinoid called AlphaRet (which increases skin stability and promotes the passage of skincare products through the skin). Just a few companies manufacturing products with cosmeceuticals include Mary Kay, Shiseido, Clarins, Chanel, and Beiersdorf.
Fractora for acne and scarring
Fractora is one of the most advanced fractional radio-frequency treatments used for anti-aging for various years, but these days, it is also being seen as an alternative to dermatological treatments for acne. In essence, many products aimed at acne dry out the skin, increasing its sensitivity to the sun and other environmental toxins. Fractora both reduces active acne and smoothens out scarring, making it an increasingly popular treatment for younger as well as older patients.
Anti-aging supplements
So-called ‘nutraceuticals’ are supplements that provide internal support for the skin. Some hot sellers at the moment include glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps the skin rid itself of toxins but also protects the body from diseases such as cancer and heart disease. When taken orally, it helps improve the appearance of skin. If you prefer to forego supplements, you can source glutathione from foods such as olive oil, almonds, kale, or spinach. Other top nutraceuticals include MSM (another superb free radical scavenger) and carnosine (which stops free radicals from forming dangerous compounds that age skin).
Probiotic skincare
The past two years have seen the launch of numerous skincare products containing probiotic ingredients. Probiotics help curb inflammation, which impinges on every organ, including our skin. These products are aimed at preventing specific conditions such as breakouts, rashes, eczema, and rosacea.
New trends in skincare are seeing both a penchant for natural products, as well as those like laser, which enable consumers to steer clear of the harsh effects of some medications. Probiotics, nutraceuticals, and antiaging supplements are seeing customers demand a more integrated approach to beauty; one that begins within.