BEAUTY 101
Skincare Trends to Know in 2022
BY HIRANMAYII AWLI MOHANAN
During the global pandemic, 2021 saw the importance of health and wellness and an emphasis on skinification – people being empowered about the ingredients that they use on their faces by studying a product before buying. Consumers now turn to active and hero ingredients to rejuvenate the skin at a more meaningful level. Cult-favourite creams and serums were replaced by cult ingredients as people sought to broaden their skin-care knowledge in 2021. Below, we predict the skincare trends 2022 has in store for us.
# ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SKINCARE
The term anti-inflammatory are on people’s radar now and they are aware how inflammation triggers problems with our overall health and causes skin dysfunctions. This simply means that we’re moving away from certain trends like Retin-A or acid peels, in order to strengthen the skin as an organ, strengthen skin barrier function and our microbiome. Instead, we’re transitioning to an anti-inflammatory skincare routine and lifestyle that’s better for our health and kinder to our skin.
# SKINIMALISM
Skinimalism, or a minimalistic approach to skincare and skincare routine is what we’ll see more of in 2022. After having time at home to experiment, many are starting to realise that less is more when it comes to skin care and that using too many products doesn’t guarantee effective results. Sometimes, it can even do the opposite. Simply keeping your skin hydrated and protected can make a big difference.
# AT-HOME TREATMENTS
In 2020 and 2021, when beauty parlours and centres were forced to close, people turned to at-home treatments and we predict that this trend will continue to rise in popularity. There is certainly a rise in orders for face masks, overnight rejuvenating treatments, hydrating and chemical-peel-like masks.
# SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen will never lose its fame especially since its the most important secret to anti- ageing. Its vital use is recognised, widely recommended and emphasised by doctors, aestheticians and beauticians as being one of the most important skin-care requirements.
# AN ‘INSIDE OUTSIDE’ APPROACH
With more people embracing the ‘inside out’ approach to skincare, our beauty forecast for 2022 says that it’s here to stay and may see more emphasis. More education is needed for people to understand their own skin, especially since people often buy the latest skin-care products without considering their skin type or concerns and what their skin actually requires. Once you’re well-informed about your skin, try to adopt the mantra less is more and stick to the essentials.
# JAPANESE INDIGO
Used by brands such as Tatcha, the Japanese Indigo is a new ingredient which has healing and anti-inflammatory properties and is especially good for skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. We will probably start to see this pop up more and more in skin-care products.
# LED LIGHT MASKS
LED light masks are another trending treatment that will follow us into the new year. Originally developed by Nasa for plant growth experiments, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have since been found to have healing, rejuvenating and stimulating properties for skin. Granted, LED therapy is probably most effective in a clinic or beauty room, but LED light masks at home can offer excellent results – it just might take a little more time to see them.
# KINDER SKINCARE ROUTINE
The new year is for more targeted but kinder skin routines. Think balance and simplicity or treat and repair rather than all guns blazing. While we all love a quick and immediate results, shift towards a long term mindset and steady ‘skinvestment’ that works the best.
# CERAMIDES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
There will be more focus on barrier repair and supporting the skin’s microbiome this year. We need to support and balance the skin’s bacteria, not strip it. Enter ceramides and essential fatty acids — the go-to recommendation from skin professionals, as well as gentler cleansing, next-generation enzymes, which give a gentle but thorough exfoliation and collagen-boosting amino acids.
# FOCUS ON SKIN
Skin will remain a big focus in 2022, with less makeup and being more aware of one’s skin condition. People have also started to recognise that the skin is a barometer of internal health and general wellbeing — a radiant, clear complexion is a strong indication that the body is in a healthy state. An increased awareness of mental health issues and the stress and anxiety from lockdowns have also affected many people’s perspectives and that people are looking after themselves in different ways, with self-care becoming an ever more important part of our regimes.