There are very few champagne problems as intimidating as nailing down the right skincare routine for you. There are a million products out there and if you try the wrong one you’re likely to damage your skin and need another product just to undo that. It’s an ever-evolving landscape, propelled by a lot of voices (I’m looking at you, Tiktok), and it’s hard to know what’s right for you. So let’s take a look at some tried and true steps in getting that routine down.
Clean and Sustainable Beauty: Clean beauty is no longer just a trend; it’s become a movement with a whole set of ethics behind it. And that’s a good thing! Consumers are doing their research and becoming increasingly scrutinizing when it comes to what they find on ingredient lists. Ethical and sustainable sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and cruelty-free practices are becoming the norm, aligning skincare routines with environmentally-conscious values. Some companies that take their clean status seriously are Kosas, Acure, and Raw Elements. If you want a whole list of clean beauty brands, check out this masterlist.
Personalized Skincare: Thanks to advancements in technology and data-driven algorithms (which I’m not typically a huge fan of, but we’ll let it go if it’s helping our skin thrive), personalized skincare is on the rise. Brands are offering tailored products and routines based on individual skin types, concerns, and lifestyles. This trend acknowledges that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to skincare. Plus, who doesn’t love a fun shade match or routine quiz. Check out brands like The Ordinary or Il Makiage for some personalized recommendations.
Probiotics and Microbiome Care: Your girl is a big fan of all over beauty and care, which makes me a huge fan of probiotics and supplements that not only strengthen the mind and body, but that lend to a little bit of oomph in the beauty department. The connection between gut health and skin is gaining recognition, leading to the rising popularity of probiotic skincare products, like those from Tula. These products aim to balance the skin’s microbiome, promoting a healthier complexion.
Inclusive Beauty: Diversity and inclusivity are reshaping the beauty industry, including skincare, and it’s about time that we started to see that shift. Brands are expanding their shade ranges, marketing strategies, and product offerings to cater to a wider range of skin tones and types. Representation matters, and inclusivity is no longer an option but a necessity. And let’s be very clear here: inclusivity stretches so far behind skin color, it’s gender, it’s financial status, it’s the internal policies of the company, and this author would encourage you to take a look into the brands that you’re supporting while you head off on your beauty journey. Check out brands like Fenty, MOB Beauty, and Bobbi Brown.
Retinol Alternatives: I love my retinol. You would have to pry my retinol out of my cold, dead hands (here’s the one I use). However, it’s no secret that while it’s known for its anti-aging benefits, that it can be harsh on the skin. In response, the skincare industry is introducing gentler alternatives like bakuchiol, a natural retinol substitute, and other innovative ingredients to combat signs of aging.