Remember when the words "hyaluronic acid" still sounded otherworldly? How about when Foreo's Luna was the buzziest new skincare device on the market? A lot can change in a couple of years, and when it comes to the skincare industry, things tend to double-time. What this means, on the other hand, is that getting the luminous complexion of our dreams has never been easier (or less expensive, for that matter).
This year, expect to see the innovations reach a breakneck pace, as dermatologist-grade skincare treatments come home with us via smart, handheld devices, and the industry's buzziest ingredients become the drugstore norm. But don't just take our word for it: We asked some of the leading dermatologists in the business to give us their predictions for the New Year—and let's just say that they might be even more excited than we are.
Keep scrolling for the top skincare trends to look out for in 2017!
1. GREAT SKIN STARTS IN THE GUT.
"In 2017, probiotics will continue to be at the forefront of the beauty industry," says NYC-based dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD. "I'm a huge advocate of probiotics and have conducted my own research in this area over the last few years, which has given me the opportunity to see their remarkable results firsthand. I even have a book coming out that will be highlighting the benefits of probiotics (both topical and ingestible) when it comes to skin.
"Research has shown that the bacteria in your gut interacts with your immune system, which leads to changes in your skin. Harmful bacteria in your gut can lead to inflammation—like redness, acne, and rosacea. I always tell my patients to incorporate foods and drinks that are rich in probiotics, like yogurt, miso soup, sauerkraut, and kombucha. I also recommend taking a supplement. Using a topical probiotic is beneficial, as it offers a protective shield and triggers the production of natural moisturizers in the skin."
2. HYALURONIC ACID SWEEPS DRUGSTORE SHELVES.
Expect to see this highly buzzy ingredient go even more mainstream in the New Year. "Last year we saw renewed emphasis on hyaluronic acid, and it will continue to be popular in 2017," says Rita Linkner, MD.
3. OUR CLEANSING HABITS GET A MUCH-NEEDED OVERHAUL.
"I also think the way we clean our skin will change a lot this next year," notes Rachel Nazarian, MD, an NYC-based dermatologist. "New research has shown that the pH of our skin is incredibly delicate, and harsh cleansers strip natural hydrators and barriers of the skin, flaring inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. The trend seems to be to clean smarter, not clean harsher. Products like Dove, and Cetaphil, and Aveeno, will take center stage again. Harsh scrubs and beaded cleansers are going to take a backseat. Facial cleansing tools like Foreo are going to be softer and more gentle, and aggressive makeup-removing techniques are going to decline. All those crazy find-it-in-your-kitchen cleaning techniques on Pinterest? They'll be replaced by more intelligent cleaning options that are pH balanced and less likely to disrupt the natural normal healthy flora we need on our skin."
4. AT-HOME SKINCARE DEVICES START TO RIVAL IN-OFFICE TREATMENTS.
As technology and the beauty industry continue to intersect, expect to see increasingly effective skincare devices hit the market. "I've seen a huge surge in new tools and devices for at-home use in skincare," says Nazarian. "Companies are finding ways to put the power in the hands of the patient, allowing them to access laser and light technology at home with handheld devices. There are acne-treating lights from companies like Tria, ultrasound technology, and of course, we've seen a major increase in hair removal lasers that can be used for at-home use in recent years. I think the trend will certainly continue in 2017 but start expanding for the treatment of many other conditions."
5. INGESTIBLE BEAUTY GOES MAINSTREAM.
According to Debra Jaliman, MD, the ingestible beauty trend—as well as the realization that proper diet and great skin are directly related—is just getting started. "2017 will be the year of beauty from the inside out," she says. "Consumers are starting to recognize the effects that their food and beverage choices have on their skin, and to have your skin looking its best, it's not only about what you put on the surface but what you ingest as well. One way to improve the clarity and health of your complexion is to ensure that you are getting the proper amount of antioxidants, as well as hydrating your skin. My secret is incorporating antioxidant-rich beverages like Core Organic into my daily routine. Processed sugar also glycates collagen, which stiffens and ages the skin. It's best to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables with a high concentration of antioxidants instead."
6. RETINOIDS ARE THE NEW HYALURONIC ACID.
As hyaluronic acid becomes mainstream knowledge, Linkner predicts that retinoids and retinols are set to take its place as ingredients on the rise. "I recommend starting a topical retinol to all my mid-twenty-something patients," she says. "Personally, that was when I started to notice fine lines around my eyes, which motivated me to start a topical regimen with a vitamin A cream as the focal point. Simply, it exfoliates the skin. This micro-peeling effect helps skin cells turn over faster and is the easiest way to treat fine wrinkles, acne, acne scars, and sun damage.
"Differin 1% gel is a great topical retinoid that was previously prescription-only but has just been FDA-approved to be sold over-the-counter. The reason I recommend Differin is because it walks that fine line of gently exfoliating without causing too much skin irritation. Most importantly, it's very effective and has a strong following in terms of being a product favorite for my millennial patient base for both acne and anti-aging.
"If you are looking for a retinol product combined with more antioxidants, then SkinMedica's branded retinols are my go-to. Coming in three strengths ranging from 0.25 to 1.0, SkinMedica's retinols also have vitamins B and E to provide an antioxidant boost to your skincare regimen. Another strong drawing point for this product is all the hydrating, soothing ingredients like ceramides, triglycerides, and chamomile extracts, which help to prevent any peeling, redness, or irritation that can commonly come when starting any vitamin A product."
Cleanses skin with Bioderma face wipes, £4.73
Victoria religiously applies her Victoria Beckham Estée Lauder Morning Aura, £72
Cleanses again with Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse, £44
Also loves to cleanse with Lancer - The Method: Polish, £60, which she swears by for giving her skin a gritty, deep clean
Several times a week she uses the Sarah Chapman 3D Moisture Infusion Mask, £43
Uses a jade roller to contour the product into her skin
After she's polished and cleansed, she uses the Crème de la Mer Mosturizing Soft Lotion, £180
Swears by her good friend and dermatologist Dr Harold Lancer's new product, the Lancer Caviar Lime Acid Peel, £90
When she travels, she uses Sarah Chapman Stem Cell Collagen Activator Duo, £149
Applies her Victoria Beckham Estée Lauder Morning Aura, £72
On a day when she's 'hanging around the house with the kids' she just likes to use Sarah Chapman Skin Insurance SPF 30, £49
For more of a 'look', she reaches for Burberry Fresh Glow Foundation, £35, and Cashmere Concealer, £25, and has occasionally used La Mer foundation, £85
Mrs Beckham avoids an overly contoured look and instead uses her own Morning Aura Gloss, £30, on lips, cheeks and eyelids, down the centre of her nose and on the bow of her lips to make them look fuller. If she wears something strapless, she will add some to her collarbone.
When she's at home with the kids, she just likes to use Sarah Chapman Skin Insurance SPF 30, £49. She has occasionally used La Mer foundation, £85
To contour she uses her Estee Lauder Skin Perfecting Powder, £55
'I think a lot of people focus on the darker color to get that look. But it’s important to blend it in with a lighter color around the jawline, the nose, the center of the face, underneath the eyes, the top of the cheeks, and the forehead,' she said.
Victoria likes to use Estée Lauder Victoria Beckham Skin Perfecting Powder, which she said helps to achieve a matte, blended finish.
'Think about it - if you’re shading, like making a painting, you’re not just going to use a dark color, you’re going to use a light color that complements the dark color,' she explained.
On her eyes, she uses her Estee Lauder Eye Kajal, £30
On her cheeks, she uses the Estée Lauder Cheek Crème, £46
She uses her own Morning Aura Gloss, £30, on lips, cheeks and eyelids, down the centre of her nose and on the bow of her lips
The mother-of-four swears by £1 Mentadent SR Toothpaste, which she says is 'old school but so English'
Victoria is low maintenance when it comes to her hair, opting to use just Oribe’s Shampoo and Conditioner, which costs around £40, and bathes with Epsom Salts
For long, luscious lashes and full brows, Victoria uses the prescription lash growth serum Latisse. The treatment was recommended to her by celebrity brow expert and beauty entrepreneur Anastasia Soare.
'My brows have completely grown back,' she said.
Victoria sees a nail technician in LA called Tom Bachik and religiously applies cuticle oil.
Victoria's body secret is Weleda Skin Food, £6.95. She revealed that she loves it because of its 'buttery' formula, its reasonable price tag and because it helps her maintain a tan.
'I’ll mix it with coconut oil - the same you use to cook with - and cover my entire body with it. I suppose some people may not like the greasiness, but it helps me hold on to the color,' she said.
The star spritzes her skin with Byredo perfumes, which cost around £95 each