The past two years have taken a toll on us in more ways than one, and from a surge in stress and anxiety to an increase in fine lines and wrinkles, many of us are feeling as if we’re starting to look old before our time.
Our skin, as the largest organ in the body, is one of the biggest indicators of our overall health, as well as one of the first to give us away when that youthful glow begins to fade. From external influences like the state of the world, to environmental stressors like UV exposure and pollution, skin has a lot to contend with on a daily basis, so if you haven’t started giving yours the attention it needs and deserves, then 2022 is the year to do it.
As the new year gets into full swing, we can expect to see a greater focus on skincare and aesthetics than ever before, with anti-ageing and health-boosting treatments taking centre stage. If your skin could do with a little pick-me-up – or perhaps a complete overhaul – then these are the trends worth checking out this year.
Anti-inflammatory skincare
We’re becoming increasingly aware of the role inflammation has to play in our overall health, and from chronic pain to digestive issues, failing to keep it in check can result in a plethora of unwanted issues that we could be taking steps to prevent. Many of these issues are visible on our skin, and acne, rosacea and the like can leave us feeling stressed on the inside as well as looking it from the outside.
Popular anti-ageing skincare ingredients like retinol have long been hailed for their abilities to slow the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – but this year, we’ll be moving away from trends that can irritate and upset the skin – even when it’s a case of short-term pain for long-term gain – and looking for ways to keep our skin soft, smooth and happy instead.
Thankfully, there are ways to get the best of both worlds, and by putting a focus on strengthening our skin rather than stripping it back with acidic peels, we can also strengthen its function as a barrier organ and our microbiome, too. Anti-inflammatory ingredients will be big news in 2022, so look for the luxury products that prioritise ceramides and essential fatty acids for your healthiest-looking skin yet.
Aesthetic medicine
Sometimes, even the most rigorous of skincare regimes won’t cut it, and an increasing number of us are turning to aesthetic medicine as a means of boosting our confidence and correcting minor imperfections we would, in the past, have had no choice but to live with.
According to Dr. Darren McKeown, in 2022 we’ll be looking for aesthetic medicine professionals who offer far more than just the treatments themselves, and provide education about skincare and lifestyle to empower us to make the right choices both now, and in the future. We’re demanding more from the clinics we visit, and facial fillers, facelifts and other aesthetic medicine treatments will continue to be popular in 2022 for the establishments and professionals who respond effectively to the high-end customer’s needs.
LED Light Masks
LED light masks took the world by storm in 2021, and as skincare related technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even better benefits from them this year. While these are traditionally offered within clinics by professional aestheticians, a new generation of at-home masks could make improving the appearance of acne, regulating natural oil production, stimulating collagen and elastin and minimising redness and wrinkles easier than ever – and with certain wavelengths having also been shown to reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone, an LED mask could be one of the best investments you make for your skin in 2022.
