Which Popular Skincare Trends Are Worth the Hype?

Fact-Checking Popular Skin Health Trends

If there was ever a modern equivalent to the “fountain of youth,” trendy skincare products, ingredients and routines are it.

But before you say “yes” to the latest trend, let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones and check whether they meet the hype.

Skinimalism: Getting Back to the Basics

For some people, a skincare routine that starts with a cleanser and doesn’t end until several bottles of product are empty has run its course. Stepping into its place is “skinimalism,” a popular trend that prioritizes fewer but higher quality products for simpler routines and better results.

All-in-one care products dominate this trend, as do those with a succinct list of versatile ingredients, often including ceramides, peptides, exosomes and/or retinols. Homemade products, especially sunscreens, are also growing in popularity among those who are most eager to strip their skincare routines down to the essentials.

Skinimalism has some merits. It’s true that using too many skincare products can lead to dry, irritated skin, and popular ingredients like ceramides and retinols have solid research supporting their effectiveness, but homemade products are a different story. These can vary drastically in quality – some could even be harmful, depending on their ingredients – and are generally not effective alternatives to currently available products.

Skinimalists are also right to emphasize fewer products that pack a bigger punch. Using a daily moisturizer, especially right after bathing, can help keep skin from drying out, while slathering on a fresh layer of SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen every day before you leave the house, even if it’s cloudy outside, can protect your skin from harmful sun exposure.

Does Skin Health Start in the Microbiome?

By now you’ve probably heard of the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria populating your intestinal tract that plays an essential role in your digestive and overall health.

But you may not know there’s also a skin microbiome, which works in much the same way: A delicate ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and other microbes living on the surface of your skin that aids in this important organ’s essential protective and immune functions.

A happy microbiome often means skin that looks tight, bright and healthy, and skincare companies have taken note.

Over the past few years, many pre-, pro- and postbiotic-based products have entered the market, promising healthier looking skin by working directly with the microbiome.

While the skin health benefits of probiotics and prebiotics show some promise, the trend so far has outpaced the research. More studies and regulatory work are needed to confirm the effectiveness of microbiome-based skincare products.

Diet, Hydration and “Skincare-from-Within”

The “skincare-from-within” trend reflects a growing preference for more “natural” health and beauty products, putting less emphasis on what goes onto the body and more on what goes into it.

In that spirit, many people are reimagining their diets to make room for more skin-healthy foods, drinks and products (such as vitamins A, C and E supplements, among others).

There’s little doubt diet plays an important role in skin health, but the health benefits of dietary supplements are still being studied. Instead of rushing to the medicine cabinet for your preferred vitamin, opt instead for a well-balanced diet that contains skin-healthy whole foods.

Some options include:

• Leafy greens like kale, spinach and collards
• Fresh fruits like oranges, kiwis and strawberries
• Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines
• Healthy fats like avocados, almonds and flaxseeds
• Probiotics like kimchi and sauerkraut

Aside from good nutrition, skin thrives on proper hydration, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. While individual needs will vary, a good rule of thumb is 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women.

At the end of the day, choosing the right skincare depends on your individual health needs. Consider talking to your primary care team about starting a skincare routine that’s right for you.