Year 2022 has been full of surprises, learning, adaptation and developments. Despite the economic slowdown, we are seeing a boom in the cosmetic market and skin care demand. As a rule of nature, where there is a demand, supply increases. So, here we are bidding goodbye to 2022 and welcoming 2023 with open arms. What will we leave behind in 2022 and adapt in 2023? What will work and what not? As a practicing dermatologist for two decades, and having seen beauty trends come and go, I can only guess what 2023 has in store for us. Let’s see how 2023 should unfold:

Beauty trends that will trend in 2023

1. Skincare ingredients will become people’s best friends in 2023

There are so many new ingredients in the skincare market which don’t exist in our pharmacology textbooks, such as placental extracts, bakuchiol, green tea extracts, peptides, cica, astaxanthins, crystal tomato, Phytofluorenes etc. We have moved from AHA and BHA to many more new ingredients. Hence, skincare ingredients seems to be something that will drive the skincare market in 2023.

Skin biome and microflora-friendly skin care products seem to be topping the charts. Face masks, sanitisers, hand care creams, sunscreen and anti-acne products seem to be on top of the line. This has especially surfaced post Covid-19 due to immune regulatory defects in the skin. There are many unexplained changes in skin that we see these days. It is refreshing to see so much development in skin care.

2. DIY treatments will continue to attract people in 2023 and beyond

Self home-care peels and DIY skincare have boomed in the last few months like never before. Masks, facial kits, at-home lasers and LED devices seem to be the current trend and will sail through smoothly to the next year as well. However, a dangerous trend of in-house services like lasers, peels etc could backfire. Lasers are not a treatment that can be done at home. These are medical treatments to be done with protocols in a clinic setup under the supervision of a dermatologist. We already see so many unhappy patients who have been lured to these services due to attractive pricing and packages but are not at all happy in long run. So, be careful about these treatments.

3. Social media influence will continue to make a mark

In 2023, the beauty industry will be driven by social media influencers, bloggers, and YouTubers. We already see a huge influence and how it is turning the whole aesthetic products and treatments profile. However, since many dermatologists and cosmetic practitioners have taken to social media, this would turn out to be a game changer.

4. People will resort to clinical aesthetic treatments more than ever

There is an alarming increase in acne as well as lower face slimming procedures like HIFU, radio frequency as well as fillers and Botox. Stress is causing lots of hair loss across age groups. So in clinics, PRP and stem cell treatments for hair are on a rise. People are no more shying away from facial slimming procedures like HIFU, Ulthera, radio frequency and threads. Self-awareness and the desire for beautiful skin are also driving patients to cosmetic clinics. Lip fillers, tear trough injections and baby Botox are more likely to become a favourite in 2023.

5. Online medical care will continue to boom

With online consultations becoming a trend now, it seems like it’s here to stay in 2023 too. Every individual needs a customised plan according to their skin and what better than checking in with your skin specialist over a video call? This gives an insight into patient psychology and the determination to reach out to experts and seek the right treatment.

6. Immunity boosters for skin brightening will gain prominence

With all the focus on boosting immunity, oral supplements and antioxidants, the trend is going to continue in the coming year. Not only will it be beneficial for your health, but your skin as well. Vitamin C, Glutathione, crystal tomato, celergen, asthaxanthin, curcumin etc., give great results for skin brightening.

Also Read: What’s the difference between skin lightening and skin brightening products?

7. People will focus on the body along with the face

It seems 2023 will be the year when people pay attention to the body as much as the face. For long, the skin below the neck has been ignored. However, that has changed in the past year. Starting with laser for permanent hair removal to de-tan and skin tightening, there is a sharp rise in popularity in these treatments. Cryolipolysis for localised fat reduction and radio frequency treatment for skin tightening will rule the market.

Needless to say, 2022 has seen lots of innovation, research as well as survival. No better time to put to test the theory of Darwin’s theory: Survival of the fittest or to say “survival of the best beauty trend”!