Naomi Watts’ new brand Stripes aims to normalize the discussion of menopause symptoms — like collagen loss and skin dehydration — in addition to addressing them: The Dew As I Do daytime moisturizer and The Power Move Plumping Serum contain complexion-quenching squalane and hydrating ectoine to temporarily restore volume. And it follows on the heels of brands like Pause Well-Aging, whose Cooling Mist is now a classic for fighting the feeling of hot flashes, and Womaness, whose Daily V Soothe lotion combats frustrating vaginal dryness.
And even classic brands are launching whole lines dedicated to skin-care concerns during and after menopause: Vichy’s Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum targets the wrinkles and loss of firmness caused by reduced collagen and lipid production that begins in perimenopause (the early stage of transitioning into menopause), and No7 factors menopausal skin’s sensitivity into their Menopause Skincare range, which includes a ceramide-rich eye cream and overnight cream.
4. Skinimalism Reigns Once Again
In 2023, maximalist morning skin-care routines will officially give way to highly curated arsenals. We are entering the era of skinimalism: quicker, more efficient, and potentially more affordable regimens. Efficiency isn’t the only reason people are leaving 10 ten-step routines behind. Dr. Engelman says COVID-19 has caused tides to turn.
“During the pandemic, we saw a significant uptick of impulse online shopping-driven by mindless TikTok scrolling and lack of access to dermatologist. Now that we’re (somewhat) back to regular scheduling, there is less time to be doing the 12-step day and evening routines,” explains Dr. Engelman. She also notes that along with more streamlined routines, consumers are also looking to get the best value for their products — especially since they’re now more conscious of what’s in them: “Patients are significantly better educated about skincare and also on how they spend their money. If they know they have a set amount of money to spend, they want the treatment that will give them true results.”
Dr. King points out the growing market for skin-care products that hydrate and have a subtle shimmer for extra glow. Also destined for success amongst Gen Z-ers devoted to keeping it simple: fragrance-free moisturizers, multi-use balms and facial oils, and makeup-skincare hybrids like tinted moisturizers for a hydrating radiance that mimics a social filter. According to Tiffany Libby MD, a double-board certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, this desire to let our real, healthy skin shine through our makeup means less products but more sunscreen layering, which is always a positive. “Multi-tasking products like makeup products for eyes and cheeks that have SPF will maintain popularity,” she predicts. “It’s important that you have a base layer of SPF first, as makeup with SPF is never enough [sun protection].”
5. At-Home Skin Tech Will Keep Getting More Sophisticated… and Smaller
Much like Airpods, phones, and virtual assistants, at-home skin devices get more sleek and efficient with every passing year. The SolaWave Advanced Skin Care Wand, an Allure editor favorite and Beauty Box alum, now offers microcurrent, LED, and heat therapy in one teeny stick that could fit in your smallest purse. Dermaflash recently upgraded its classic device and launched the optimized Dermaflash Luxe+: It quietly pulses at 14,000 vibrations per minute for more efficient hair removal, and its new microfine blades get even closer contact for a smoother shave and better exfoliation. And not long ago we were introduced to one of the most versatile at-home devices to hit medicine cabinets: the Therabody TheraFace Pro. Aside from helping to temporarily sculpt the face with microcurrent, the handpiece comes with three percussive therapy attachments to relieve jaw and neck tension, three LED light rings to provide users with different benefits, and a cleansing ring to break up oil and debris. And for those seeking something tried, true, and time-tested — but also upgraded — the NuFace Trinity+ recently became a two-time Best of Beauty Award-winner; it now includes a button that increases the device’s microcurrent power by 25% for areas that need extra attention. At this rate, we’re predicting pocket-size Fraxels by 2024. You heard it here first!
6. Your Skin Will Maintain Firmer Boundaries
TikTok is full of trends you want to avoid. (Rubbing jalapenos on your eyes to cure styes? We’ll pass.) But one of them is far from a scroll in the pan… it’s quickly become a dermatologist-approved approach to skin-care that will be par for the course forevermore (or at least for the next year). Yes, we’re talking about skin cycling, a regimen that hinges on balancing exfoliation and recovery to help protect the skin barrier. Dr. Whitney Bowe, a MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, created the strategic method to let skin rest after it’s exfoliated. “It’s a four-night cycling schedule: exfoliation night, retinoid night, recovery night, recovery night, repeat. You will get the most out of the active ingredients in your skin-care products while minimizing irritation by building in those needed recovery nights,” Dr. Bowe previously explained to Allure.