The field of cosmetics, and particularly skincare, moves quickly. It can be hard to tell if your own skincare routine is the best it can be according to modern science, as new studies are always being published, and new treatments are always being devised.
Here’s our roundup of the latest developments in the world of beauty and skincare.
The Latest Innovations
Innovation comes in all shapes and forms, and the beauty industry has always been quick to adopt new technologies, digital, chemical, or otherwise.
Personalised Skincare
Whether yours is dry, oily or sensitive, most of us know that what’s best for one person’s skin isn’t necessarily the best for the next. Because we’re all different, recent times have seen a rise in the popularity of personalised skincare.
Rather than following a set regime of skincare practices, personalised skincare accounts for these interpersonal differences, providing a bespoke, tailored routine. Recently, technology has facilitated some significant advancements in this area.
Using a combination of camera-based apps, huge reference datasets, and expert insights, many skincare brands are offering personalised skincare solutions which can help you find the right combination of products without the expensive trial and error process.
Sustainability
With such a strong societal focus on environmental sustainability, it’s not surprising that many manufacturers of beauty products have begun producing a variety of eco-friendly skincare products to replace those predecessors which were famously harmful for the environment.
Packaging is central to the beauty industry’s environmental revolution. Consumers have made it very clear that they want recyclable packaging, rather than the single-use plastics which were, until recently, very common.
The products within are also potentially terrible for the planet, containing a range of toxic ingredients which has the potential to have devastating effects on marine life. Other non-eco practices were, until recently, also rife within the skincare industry, such as the overuse of water, contributing to air pollution, and the abuse of animals.
Fortunately, modern beauty brands have created products that contain a greater number of organic materials, which are ethically sourced then manufactured and packaged in environmentally friendly ways, reducing the footprint of the companies themselves, as well as those of the end users.
Massages & Exercises
Now, we know that massages aren’t a new invention as such, but their importance has been widely reported on in modern literature, which is great for those of us whose skin types are sensitive to products.
Massages have the ability to kick our skin and follicles into action, and even in the stimulation of hair growth. Massages are great for treating dry scalp problems, and are particularly well suited to those who prefer a natural, wavy look.
Similarly, facial massages can reduce puffiness and encourage collagen production, which can in turn reduce the appearance of fine lines and ageing.
So effective are massages that, according to many dermatologists, they are now a recommended part of all skincare routines. They also serve to relax us, which can benefit many elements of our health, including the appearance of skin and hair.
It can be hard to find the time to wind down and enjoy a massage but, with autumn drawing in, we’d recommend relaxing by playing some games, such as bingo without wagering requirements, combined with some facial exercises or perhaps a massage from a partner. With no wagering requirements, you can enjoy the social element that makes bingo great, then withdraw your winnings to keep!
Mod-Cons and Our Skin
In evolutionary terms, our bodies haven’t had anywhere near the time it takes to adjust to the environments which we have built for ourselves. We spend an increasing amount of time indoors, where our skin is damaged by central heating and dehumidification systems, both of which are prime culprits for causing dryness.
But there’s good news! Modern hydrating lotions, as well as face and hair masks, are great at counteracting these effects, replacing the moisture lost to dry indoor environments.
The Natural Approach
All-natural lifestyles have been on the increase for years, but some recent developments, such as the legalisation and improved accessibility of CBD, have helped to reshape the skincare industry.
CBD and hemp oil are derived from the cannabis plant, and both have been shown to have an incredible range of medical applications, particularly where skincare is involved. These oils have been found to be effective in the treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis and more.
Other effective oils include argan, rosehip and grapeseed. Jojoba possesses qualities in common with our skin’s natural sebum, protecting it from environmental factors like pollution. Tea tree oil has long been known to be effective against acne, thanks to its antibacterial properties, and evening primrose is used in the treatment of hormone-related skin issues.
The Extra Mile
Those who aren’t afraid of the occasional needle have even more options at their fingertips!
Microneedling is a procedure which involves pricking the skin with very small needles in order to encourage the production of collagen, which in turn causes skin to tighten and firm up. It’s also been found to be effective in the reduction of acne scars and wrinkles.
Whilst microneedling (also known as derma needling) used to require a trip to the dermatologist’s clinic, it can now be done at home using derma-rollers. These are simple devices with a handle on one end and many small needles attached to a rotating wheel.
It’s important that the device is sterilised before use, and that it’s only used according to the instructions. Derma-rollers are relatively new, but they’ve been around for long enough that their effects are documented and reliable.
Medicine Meets Technology
AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) have made a big splash across many industries in recent years, enabling immersive gaming, allowing surgeons to test their skills before entering theatre, facilitating the attendance of concerts from the other side of the planet, and now, showing you how you might look if you were to try out a new look!
Through augmented reality apps, beauticians, stylists and individuals can now ‘try on’ different hairstyles, costumes and cosmetics without spending the time and resources it would otherwise take.
By using these apps, which superimpose a digital representation of a look, professionals can explore more adventurous styles, experiment with new combinations, and envision the end result without making any physical adjustments to the subject.
Also, consumers can test out new types of makeup, new shades of eyeshadow and new styles of eyelashes without making any investments. These apps are growing rapidly in popularity, and it’s easy to see why!
What the Future May Hold
The skincare industry continues to grow rapidly, and is forecast to hit new heights in the coming years. It’s clear that technology in its many various forms will become an even more central part of the beauty industry, which has always been prepared to embrace innovation.
As these technologies develop, we’re likely to see even more personalised skincare systems, augmented reality apps, and groundbreaking eco-friendly product formulations.
What the distant future of skincare technology may bring is anyone’s guess. The only certainty is that the beauty and skincare industries will strive to remain at the forefront of innovation, as they always have done.