Reflecting on the Year That Was in Skincare Trends: What's Here to Stay and What's Falling Out Of Favor?

IN THIS ARTICLE:

• 01 Our Thoughts on the Skincare Trends of 2024
• 02 Skin Minimalism
• 03 Preventative Skincare
• 04 LED Light Therapy
• 05 Glass Skin
• 06 Collagen Banking
• 07 Overexfoliating
• 08 Science-Backed Approaches
• 09 Nature Inspired Beauty Ingredients
• 10 Trust and Transparency in Marketing Trends
• 11 The Takeaway: 2025 Skincare Trends

5-minute read

Our Thoughts on the Skincare Trends of 2024

2024 has witnessed exciting shifts in the skincare industry, blending innovation with tried-and-true principles. Trends like skin minimalism and preventative skincare have gained significant traction while LED light therapy continues to be a favorite for its versatility and efficacy. 'Collagen banking' is also rising a crucial practice for maintaining youthful skin. The move from over-exfoliation highlights a growing awareness about the importance of our skin barrier. This trend is further complemented by a preference for science-backed techniques and nature-inspired ingredients such as algae and snail mucin.

Conversely, some trends are falling out of favor. The 'glass skin' phenomenon, now seen as a marketing term rather than a sustainable skinacre approach, is losing appeal. Overall, 2024 reflects a more informed and balanced approach to skincare, setting the stage for future advancements.

Skin Minimalism

We are big believers in skin minimalism at Project E Beauty - so we are glad gone are the days of the 10-step skincare routine. Skin minimalism has emerged as a popular trend focused on simplifying skincare routines. By using fewer, high-quality products, consumers can reduce the risk of irritation and avoid overloading their skin. Subtle enhancements, like undetectable beauty products, support this minimalist approach. Skin minimalism also supports introducing multi-functional beauty devices that replace certain topical products. Skin minimalism is also about investing in products that will work and last - I think this trend will really stand the test of time. For now, it appears minimalism is here to stay, offering a more sustainable and budget-friendly skincare approach.

Preventative Skincare

We all know the expression prevention is better than cure - and the same very much goes for anti-aging skincare. Preventative skincare focuses on maintaining skin health to prevent future issues by using SPF, antioxidants, and early anti-aging products. It’s easier to prevent wrinkle formation than it is to reverse them. As consumers become more informed about long-term skin health, preventative skincare remains crucial.

Here are some key preventative skincare trends 2025:

• Personalized skincare - AI-driven routines tailored to individual needs
• Ingestible beauty products
• Regenerative ingredients - exosomes for skin quality and longevity
• Microbiome support - products promoting beneficial bacteria for skin health
• Oxygenation - enhancing skin oxygen levels for a healthy glow with high-frequency wands for example
• Sun safety- focus on mineral sunscreens and antioxidants
• Holistic wellness - integrating mental and physical health benefits

LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy especially at-home LED facemasks has experienced a meteoric rise in the context of at-home home beauty technology. And the trend shows no signs of slowing down - people want a little more than topical skincare - but frequent salon visits may not be an option- 10-minute LED light therapy treatments from home offer a good middle ground. As the trend grows, at-home devices are becoming more and more sophisticated and include advanced wavelengths such as infrared light therapy and deep infrared light therapy for intense skin rejuvenation. We also see a rise in full body panels, LED wands, and LED light therapy for neck wrinkles and other body parts. We are very confident LED light therapy will continue as one of the top beauty tech skincare trends 2025.

Glass Skin

The 'glass skin' K-beauty skincare trend which promotes a flawless, dewy, glass-like complexion is increasingly seen as more of a marketing concept than a realistic skincare goal. While it’s natural to want a radiant, flawless complexion, every skin type is unique. Chasing heavily edited images of perfect skin isn’t always the confidence boost we need when facing our personal skin challenges. As consumers move towards appreciating natural skin textures, simple routines, and more attainable beauty standards, the 'glass skin' trend is losing traction. A skincare approach focused on your skin’s unique needs is the best solution.

Collagen Banking

We are big fans of collagen banking, which involves preserving and boosting our existing collagen stores to prevent signs of premature aging. Collagen banking involves using products and treatments that stimulate collagen production to maintain youthful, firm skin. This trend focuses on long-term skin health and resilience, crucial for boosting skin elasticity and fighting signs of aging. Somewhat connected to preventative skincare, collagen banking is all about future-proofing your skin. Red light therapy, microneedling, ultrasonic skin tightening, and oral collagen supplements are all ways to ‘bank’ collagen for the future. Vegan and animal collagen are certainly set to continue as oral skincare trends for 2025.

Overexfoliating

Overexfoliating is out and skin barrier repair is in. This shift is also connected to the movement away from multiple skincare steps - the frequent use of harsh actives to exfoliate the skin can cause more harm than good, causing serious damage to the skin barrier. The good news is that the skin barrier can be repaired, with some products and treatments designed to gently restore the skin's protective function. One study showed that just 10 minutes of red light therapy was enough to speed up skin barrier repair. Exfoliation is still important, it is just essential to adopt a gentler approach and seek professional advice on the appropriate method and frequency of exfoliation for your specific skin type. For example, dryer skin types benefit from less frequent exfoliation than oilier skin types.

Science-Backed Approaches

Consumers increasingly favor science-backed skincare approaches for their proven efficacy. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, are supported by extensive research. Consumers are generally more conscious and aware of what they are purchasing and the science behind it. This is likely fuelling the rise in at-home beauty technology such as LED light therapy, radio frequency skin tightening, and ultrasound skin therapy - consumers are no longer interested in gimmick skincare. Although social media can often be a double-edged sword when it comes to (mis)information, it is also a great platform for dermatologists and skincare experts to encourage science-backed solutions and debunk common skincare myths.

Nature-Inspired Beauty Ingredients

Natural ingredients like algae and snail mucin increased in popularity due to their nourishing properties and natural origins. Algae, known for its hydrating and anti-aging benefits, is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Snail mucin, renowned for its healing and regenerative properties, helps to improve skin texture and hydration. Skincare consumers are generally becoming more environmentally conscious coupled with the rise of ‘clean beauty’ natural, ethically sourced ingredients are on the rise. This trend looks to be continuing to gain momentum for 2025 and beyond.

Trust and Transparency in Marketing Trends

In an age where consumers are increasingly well-informed, trust and transparency in marketing have become essential in the skincare industry. Brands are now more committed to providing clear, honest information about their products, including ingredients, sourcing, and efficacy. This openness builds consumer confidence and loyalty, as people are more likely to support brands that are transparent about what goes into their products and how they are made

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The Takeaway: 2025 Skincare Trends

Skin minimalism, collagen banking, LED light therapy, and science-backed skincare approaches are all here to stay. The common thread of 2024 skincare trends is science and simplicity. Consumers are seeking out skincare interventions that are simple, affordable and effective. That is why LED light therapy in particular has found itself in the spotlight in recent years.

   written by Sophie Flair