Contents
From the huge variety of trends in the beauty sphere and skin care, I have chosen a few of the most global ones. And I have to admit, I really like them. I hope you enjoy it too, please share your thoughts in the comments.
1 | Beauty = natural radiance = well-groomed = healthy look
All caring cosmetics today are aimed at emphasizing and revealing the natural beauty of the skin. If the health of the hair is judged by its shine, then the well-being of the skin is indicated by its natural radiance. And this radiance is not the beautiful words of marketers, but a scientific fact.
The horny layer of the skin (its surface) consists of corneocyte cells (from the Latin cornibus – “horns”). These keratinized, dead cells, as if lining the surface of the skin, together with the hydrolipid mantle, constitute the main protective barrier of the skin.
The picture shows five layers of the epidermis, the uppermost stratum corneum consists of corneocytes.
If the corneocytes are well glued, they fit tightly to each other, forming a smooth surface, then the skin is moisturized and nourished. Reflecting from it, the light is refracted in such a way that the same natural radiance appears.
The natural radiance of the skin has become the standard to which they aspire. Fortunately, it is achievable.
A well-known “developer” of radiance is vitamin C. It can not only improve complexion, but also increase skin elasticity, its resistance to adverse external influences.
2 | Microbiome/Skin barrier
A lot depends on them – the inhabitants of our skin. And first of all, its protective barrier. The composition of the microbiome varies on the face, body, hands, and scalp. But probiotics (Do they still know what it is? Just in case, a link) are able to maintain the harmony of the entire universe, which we literally carry on ourselves. A few examples of probiotic products:
Attention to the protective barrier of the epidermis (and its microbiome) is a logical continuation of the general trend towards emphasizing and cultivating the natural beauty of the skin. It is no longer enough for us to see the visible effect. We want to understand how and why cosmetics work.
3 | Natural Ingredients
Interest and increased requirements for ingredients on the part of advanced users are also one of the noticeable trends. The composition of the funds should be clear, as natural as possible. Hyaluronic and salicylic acids, clay, charcoal, ceramides, vegetable oils and extracts (aloe, centella, rose, calendula, etc.), vitamins B, C, probiotics already mentioned – especially “authoritative” ingredients that are already being used with might and main in skin care, providing cleansing (detox), hydration, nutrition.
Ingredients of natural origin – one of the sides of the eco-approach to life.
Of course, all kinds of high-tech components and patented complexes are still in demand, but “green chemistry” is of great interest, which makes it possible to obtain biologically, for example, hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, which were traditionally synthesized in cosmetics. By the way, the introduction of seemingly “simple” ingredients, such as aloe, chamomile, calendula, sometimes requires the most real high-tech solutions to create a convenient, modern cosmetic product.
4 | Sustainability and conscious care
The skin also has its own “ecology”, and careless handling of it will certainly lead to undesirable consequences.
The skin, of course, is updated every 3-4 weeks, but it does not forget anything, and all the damage it has ever received may sooner or later appear. For example, it is known that sunburns received even in childhood do not go away just like that, besides, such damage tends to accumulate. The consequences of improper care in the form of insufficient hydration, insufficient or, conversely, excessive cleansing inevitably appear with age. Conscious care implies an understanding of the needs of the skin and means striving not only for visible external improvement (and decorative cosmetics can hide a lot), but also for a deeper effect, for healing and harmony. Beauty is thoughtful and high-quality care.
5 | Skinification of hair
Perhaps for many this is still a new word, it comes from the English skin (“skin”) and means the same conscious and attentive hair care as skin care. In a certain sense, the stratum corneum of the skin – a coating of accumulations of dead cells – is very similar to the hair cuticle, which also consists of horny scales and which we also try to smooth out, restoring its shine. An attitude to hair care that is similar in care and thoughtfulness to facial skin care is an absolutely natural way.
Before our eyes, the range of products for hair care is gradually expanding. Not so long ago, there was a revolution when a conditioner (or balm) made up a couple of shampoos. Then came the leave-in treatments, masks, serums, scalp scrubs, etc. In fact, each step in skin care corresponds to a step in hair and scalp care.
Scalp care (scalp care) is now considered the “new skin care”. But the skin of the scalp is often remembered only if it causes some kind of discomfort – it flakes or itches. And if there are no problems, like dandruff or itching, then you can not think about it. But we don’t treat facial skin like that… Skin requires care in all areas, as it suffers from poor ecology, stress, etc. Advanced hair care can make them look perfect, fill voids with keratin or hyaluronic acid, give them shine, splendor, volume, but this does not affect hair growth or their quality in the root zone. This requires skin care.
6 | Massage techniques
A very pleasant trend that continues to gain momentum. Even a simple application of the cream becomes not so simple, but a meaningful step in self-care, if you spend an extra minute or two on it and apply the cream or serum slowly and smoothly along the massage lines. And here, by the way, is a mini-master class from Valeria Khokhlova, an expert in skin care from Lancôme:
Gouache, jade or quartz rollers – all this can also be considered the development of a trend for natural skin care, natural rejuvenation. We at Healthy-Food have no doubt about the great power of massage and self-massage.
To summarize, the current trends in skin care, in my opinion, are a conscious, rational, careful attitude to the skin, an understanding of its needs and the awakening of natural beauty.