If 2020 gave us anything, it was the ability to reinvent self-care and DIY everything during lockdown! That and new ways of living a protected life(hello, masks!) have given rise to some of the most transformative beauty and skincare trends for 2021. Today, we look at what will be big in the world of skincare this year and how you too can jump straight on the trend-setting wagon.
1. Everything Hands
2020 was the year when we appreciated, even fought over the last few bottles of hand soap at the supermarket. And while good hygiene will reign supreme in 2021 too, we look forward to doing it more consciously! Whether that means being kinder to the environment with better (and cleaner) packaging or using luxurious ingredients that enhance the hand care experience, this industry is only set to grow.
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2. Doctor Approved and Transparent Formulas
2020 gave us enough time to experiment and read up on what we were using on our faces and bodies. It also made us value experts including doctors and dermatologists as trusted resources of information. This is why doctor-approved or scientific formulations are going to be BIG this year. Users will go with proven ingredients that work well and quick! This also means that labels on bottles will count more than ever and consumers will want to know what they are applying on their skin – good or bad.
3. Blue Light Protection
All that time we spent in front of our screens in 2020 has given rise to innovation in the HEV(High Energy Visible Light) blocking category. Blue light or HEV is emitted from screens and from the sun. When this blue light penetrates our skin, it can lead to damage including pigmentation and spots. Remember Niacinamide? This favorite new skincare ingredient is also known to fight HEV rays, which means you are going to be seeing a lot more of it!
4. Injectables will become the norm
All those hours pouring over our faces during zoom calls have made our fine lines even more evident. It has also given users enough time to evaluate what cosmetic procedures are essential and give a natural appearance. So, be ready for a year that celebrates subtle tweaks, natural lips, baby Botox, and natural-looking fillers. Profhilo, or youth in an injection as it is often called will be one of the most sought after options in this category with a promise of subtle but glowing results.
5. Natural is back
From wearing your hair naturally or in braids, to leaving your makeup light, 2021 is going to be all about embracing as natural a look as possible. People will move away from jargon such as Instagram-filter perfect to cleaner skin, inner glow, and visible freckles. Slow Beauty is where it’s at!
6. Microbiome and Probiotic Skincare
All that buzz around acne and microbiome skincare? It’s only going to grow! Probiotic skincare will be a big trend in 2021 with products combining both pre and probiotics to balance the microbiome on our skin. You’ve possibly seen this growth in K-Beauty with new ingredients such as radish ferment and lactobacillus ferment being introduced in their skincare. Keep your eyes open, as this skincare trend is here to stay!
7. All Things Mask
With mask-wearing becoming the norm, everything resulting from all that friction will remain trendy. So, whether it’s mask-ne or focussing on your eyes through eye care, eyebrow embroidery, eyelash extensions – it’s all staying put. Lipsticks that don’t budge under the mask will continue to trend as will emollients that keep your chin area well hydrated.
8. Scalp Care Will Reign Supreme
There’s a newfound focus on the scalp! Whether it’s down to us dealing with dry skin, dandruff, and scalp troubles at home or the merging of hair and scalp care as a new product category, the fascination for the skin under our hair will only grow. This means users will not only invest in clinical formulations for the skin on their face but also their scalps. Get ready for a slew of new brands and doctor-approved products that will help with hair loss, hair health, and counter other mane-related troubles you may have. Â
Read more: Look out for these aesthetic trends in 2021
Science of Pretty 