Kimberlys’ Predictions for Top Trends in Skincare for 2019
Sheet masks are out.
YAY! For those of you who haven’t seen one; sheet masks are face-shaped masks made of paper, fiber or gel that are soaked in something then laid onto your face. It’s the “something” that one should feel a little uncertain about. Many sheet masks (in particular over the counter) expose your skin to product combinations that are full of fragrance, which is a potent allergen, in an occlusive manor. This just means that more of the allergen will pass through your skin’s barrier. I’m not a fan except for the most hypoallergenic-formulations. That said, there are simple and deeply-hydrating sheet masks, and if you love sheet masks, focus on those. Check with an aesthetician for the best options. Otherwise, if you open one up and it smells lovely, be leery.
Hyaluronic acid is in.
This is not a trend – rightfully so. Hyaluronic acid is the body’s natural hydrator, making it an excellent moisturizer when applied topically. A natural humectant, hyaluronic acid is capable of holding 1,000x its weight in water. If your not already using this you really should be. Pure hyaluronic acid will give you firmer, smoother skin that while delivering long lasting hydration to visibly improve skin texture. My personal favorite is HA Intensifier by SkinCeuticals which can amplify skin’s hyaluronic acid levels by 30%. Since hyaluronic acid plays well with other ingredients in your skin-care routine it’s easy to incorporate into any home care.
Charcoal skin care is out.
Obviously. I mean, who hasn’t seen the horrifying YouTube videos of this by now. It’s messy, drying and ineffective in skin care. Yes, it’s good to use with stomach pumping if someone (or your dog) eats poison – but that doesn’t translate to your pores. What does have staying power as a way to clear clogged pores is clay.Clay masks like the Clarifying Clay Mask by SkinCeuticals. This non-drying mask combines kaolin and bentonite, the highest quality earth clays; botanicals and minerals to help calm the skin; and a hydroxy acid blend to gently exfoliate.
L-Ascorbic Acid (aka Vitamin C) is in.
Known for its superior antioxidant benefits, this potent ingredient helps neutralize free radicals while providing visible anti-aging benefits. 10x award winning SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is my go to personally. However, SkinCeuticals has several choices in vitamin C products to suit any skin type. It features a synergistic antioxidant combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid to enhance protection against environmental damage caused by free-radicals.
Complex skin care routines are out.
Thank goodness! Nobody needs a 10 step skincare program. Instead, work with a reputable aesthetician (such as myself, wink! wink!) to get a custom skin care plan in place. Focus on the skin health, hydration and sun protection. Specific concerns can be addressed based on your specific needs.
Natural skin care is in.
I’m happy to see this but am not necessarily on the bandwagon myself. We should all say goodbye to petroleum-based skin care of old and for some (whom aren’t sensitive to the “all natural” sometimes highly allergenic products) say hello to hydrating botanicals. Extra points for organic ingredients. Be careful though, natural is not all you need to know. Poison oak and ivy are natural! Look for hypoallergenic natural products, and steer clear of botanical allergen essences. These are your best choices for natural skin care.
Squalane is in.
It’s not new, and don’t confuse it with squalene – which clogs pores and goes rancid quickly.
What is squalane? Squalane originally comes from shark livers. However, cruelty-free and environmentally-friendly methods of extracting squalene from plant sources have become popular. In fact, olives are often used. Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Daily Serum contains a combination of squalene and aloe leaf extract along with antioxidants. It’s one of my favorites for improving hydration, providing visible lifting and toning effects. It’s best paired with an Intraceuticals treatment for best results and extends the outcomes of your treatment when paired with the Rejuvenate Hydration Gel and Moisture Binding Cream.
Mineral based zinc oxide sunscreen is the top sunscreen choice
Expert-after-expert sights mineral zinc oxide as your best sunscreen choice. When I say expert, I mean dermatologists, aestheticians and makeup artists. That’s because the days of heavy, white chalky mineral sunscreens are behind us. Now, the best zinc-oxide sunscreens are lightweight and invisible on your skin.
They provide the best, broad-spectrum UV protection in a stable formulation that is also hypoallergenic and non-irritating compared with chemical, sunscreen filters. I’ve said this for years, which shows you the staying power of good ingredients. Top pick here for me is SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. It is a lightweight fluid that combines 100% mineral filters with translucent color spheres for effective broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and an even, radiant finish. Ideal for all skin types, including very sensitive skin.
Retinol is in.
One of the most widely researched and proven skincare ingredients available today, retinol is shown to help improve the visible effects of aging. This potent ingredient helps promote cell turnover to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and blemishes. My favorite is SkinCeuticals Retinols which are formulated with pure retinol and bisabolol (derived from chamomile). SkinCeuticals retinol night creams are designed to ensure maximum efficacy while minimizing irritation commonly experienced by its cousin Retin A (also known as, tretinoin, a prescription) and does not require a prescription.
What Skin Care Trends Will Work For You?
After 15-plus years of experience working as an aesthetician with dermatologist and nurses, I’ve seen what works on my clients first-hand and have developed specific product plans for the best, long-term results.
I’d love to help you find out what’s trending for your skin care needs this year. Stop by for a custom skin care plan with me at Facette medical spa. Have a wonderful 2019! – Kimberly Gray, Aesthetician
