‘Tis the season for merriment and joy, but also time to reflect and recapitulate as the calendar year winds towards its end. What better way to finish 2022 than to recap the skin trends of the year past as we look toward 2023.
Though many trends come and go, 2022 seems to have brought more consumer interest in ingredients, simplicity, and environmental reverberations.
Anti-inflammatory Skincare: The past year has seen a rise in the interest of skin health. Anti-inflammatory products and ingredients that focus on strengthening skin health led to a focus on the skin barrier function and microbiome. Consumers’ interest has been moving away from aggressive Retin-A prescriptions and chemical peel services that result in downtime because of the potential for inflammation.
Skinimalism and At-home Treatments: The trend of “minimizing” saw a return to popularity in 2022. Opting for simpler skincare routines, consumers are holding a preference for products that are more effective and multi-functional (and free up counter space). Though daily routines were condensed, there is an increase in the practice of home treatments. Born from esthetician withdrawal (fear of aging) in the first few weeks of lockdown, the practice of at-home treatments is one trend that has claimed its spot in the medicine cabinet (or countertop). Consumer cravings for results were satiated with a rise in face masks, overnight rejuvenating and hydrating treatments, and mild chemical-peel-like products.
*Disclaimer: Lira Clinical has ALWAYS recommended home treatments be professionally guided so as not to cause unnecessary inflammation.
Healthy Skin, Science-Driven, Ingredient-Focused Skincare: Both female and male consumers are now aware and primarily focused on skin health. Rather than covering and concealing problem skin, a move to strive for healthy skin has challenged the skincare industry to “prove it” – enter science-driven skincare. With the incredible medical advances of the past few years and the use of “science lingo” creeping its way into a common conversation, we are all aware of the powerful influence of science. Consumers feel more confident in understanding results and are interested in the science behind ingredients. As online searches for specific active ingredients increase, so does the demand for products that have ingredients they believe will deliver results for THEIR skin. Where Vitamin C, Retinol, and Niacinamide were voted most popular in the 2022 skincare yearbook, buyers are not fooled into committing to just any brand. Skin health seekers look for brands they can trust with transparency a top consideration.
Sustainability and Broader Protection: Purchasers are also heavily influenced by a brand’s commitment to small (the smallest) carbon footprints. The catch is marrying the demand for results with global impact. “Cleanical” is where clean beauty meets clinical results. Effective ingredients that yield skin results with minimal environmental impact – like plant stem cells – are preferred to traditional (inconsiderate) ingredients. The change in the global climate also brings awareness that broader protection may be required. UV damage is no longer the only degradative aging nemesis with an expanded focus on pollution, germs and viruses, and constant exposure to blue light.
Lira Clinical has never been influenced by trends, but rather has always focused on skin health, effective products, and advanced ingredients, all while holding an appreciation for the earth’s precious and finite resources. So, is Lira Clinical trendy? Nah! The leading edge in product formulation? Absolutely! Stay tuned for many new things coming in 2023, it is sure to be a Bright and Beautiful year!
Listen to our podcast as the owners talk about skincare trends in 2022 and what we can expect in 2023: