To say we live in a world of trends is an understatement. The amount of times I’ve typed “trends” into a Google search would alarm people. Here at The Everygirl, we usually fall somewhere in-between. We love adding trends to our wardrobes otherwise full of basics, adding a beauty trend to our everyday routines, and giving all those crazy workout trends a try amongst our usual regimens. But what about trends in the skincare world?
Skincare trends usually come in the form of ingredients, routines, and products. Hyaluronic acid, CBD-based skincare, using oils to moisturize—those ingredients took the skincare world by storm in 2019. As far as routines go, we all know of double-cleansing by now, and we have at least one friend who swears by her K-beauty 10-step skincare routine. And how could we forget about our skincare favorites—Drunk Elephant’s Babyfacial to my personal favorite (as well as many celebrities and makeup artists alike) Weleda Skin Food—these products can be found in pretty much every bathroom of a beauty-lover.
However, skincare “trends” aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, according to skincare professionals. After speaking with Joanna Vargas, Celebrity Facialist and Founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care, we’re here to announce skincare’s biggest trend for 2020 might actually be that there aren’t any after all.
Skincare is a science, just like any other kind of wellness. What works for you might not work for other people. Doctors rarely recommend the same exact treatment plan for everyone because we all have different needs. Skincare operates in the same vein. So when we all run to the store to buy the same product that’s “guaranteed to cure acne,” it might work for some of us, but it might make others oily and irritated or dry and flaky.
Instead of grabbing a new product based on what everyone around you is using, Vargas recommended doing your research. “I would just say a good rule of thumb is: don’t try something for your face that just looked good on Instagram. Do your own research and make sure you are doing something that has science behind it. There is a lot of information available to you now – take the time for yourself to become knowledgeable,” Vargas said.
Skincare is a science, just like any other kind of wellness. What works for you might not work for other people.
Instead of trends, Vargas explained that people will start looking to science to back up trends rather than companies or trend reports. “I think more and more people are going to realize that science has to back up any “trend” we see. More technologies will influence what clients do to their skin and hopefully, we will get away from choosing how we manage our own beauty rituals based on Instagram posts or brands who make false claims,” Vargas said.
If we’re not focusing on adding trends to our routines, what should we buy?
Vargas recommended choosing products based on your skin type. “I try to focus my energy on science and technology I believe in and treatments/products that yield the best results. I am thoughtful about my menu and skincare collection and won’t put anything out there just because it’s trending,” Vargas said. Vargas explained that there are some skincare ingredients, such as vitamin C, that work for all skin types. However, there are others people should choose based on their own individual skin needs. “Chemical exfoliants, hydrating ingredients and epidermal growth factor ingredients really do depend on your skin and its needs. Instead of shopping for that darling ingredient, I would recommend that clients try to understand their skin better and figure out what their routine is doing to their skin. Then, adding or subtracting becomes much easier a project.”
Instead of shopping for that darling ingredient, I would recommend that clients try to understand their skin better and figure out what their routine is doing to their skin. Then, adding or subtracting becomes much easier a project.
Along with trending ingredients are trending products and routines. Vargas suggested working with an esthetician to come up with your perfect routine and determine what is happening with your own skin. If you aren’t able to work with a professional, no problem—she said to try a product detox. “You won’t know what’s working and what isn’t if your routine is 20 steps,” Vargas said. Then, she recommended paying attention to your lifestyle: diet, exercise, stress levels, etc.
But it isn’t all bad, of course. These “trending” ingredients teach us about new products in the skincare world and open our eyes to the science behind skincare. Vagas just recommends researching these ingredients before you add them into your own routines to make sure they will work for your skin. She said to look at scientific studies for the ingredients you want to try, as it will make “navigating the beauty world so much easier.” You’ll save money in the long run—and maybe even some breakouts.
