Skincare Trends That’ll Be Huge In 2021, According To An Expert

Reviewed by Dr. Sravya C Tipirneni

Dermatologist & Cosmetologist | MBBS, MD, D.V.L., AMPH (ISB)

Written by Sumona Bose20th Jan 2021
 Skincare trends that’ll be huge in 2021, according to an expert

It is a new year, a new beginning, and we wanted to honour it by looking at some of the skincare trends that will be huge in 2021. Coming straight from one of our absolute fave skin expert, Dr Sravya C Tipirneni, MD DVL, these trends will be leading the charge when it comes to how we will be caring for our skin in 2021. Some are a direct result of the changing lifestyles due to the pandemic. Others are trending because of a renewed interest in beauty treatments and ingredients used in them. Take a look at some of the trends that we have discussed in detail...

 

01. ‘Maskne’ Solutions

PRP treatments

‘Maskne’ is a new name given to frictional acne and is caused by constant mask-wearing leading to sweating and occlusion in the area under the mask. New or worsened breakouts are noticed on the cheeks, upper lip region, chin and jawline. Few dermat approved tips and trick to help deal with ‘maskne’ are: Avoid heavy, oil-based formulations, greasy products, too many serums or makeup in the mask area. Allow your skin to breathe to avoid clogging of pores.

  • Use a very light, non-comedogenic and gel-based moisturiser under the mask.
  • Using a salicylic acid face wash for oily skin to de-clog the pores and regulate sebum production.
  • Use prescription medication or benzoyl peroxide to help dry out these breakouts.

 

02. Skin immunity

PRP treatments

Skin immunity refers to the health of the skin barrier, which is the outermost layer of the skin called the epidermal barrier. From maintaining hydration, water content, preventing invasion from external organisms (bacteria and viruses), and responding to external aggressors (smoke and pollution) - your skin immunity plays a considerable role in keeping your skin protected and healthy. It also protects your skin from UV exposure and free radical damage. A compromised skin barrier leads to dehydration, loss of elasticity, fine lines and signs of stress.

Apart from boosting skin immunity, you also need to get rid of skin-damaging factors that can hurt your skin -

  • Sulphates in hair and beauty products.
  • Over-exfoliation with chemical exfoliate like salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
  • Triclosan and other antibacterial ingredients.
  • Phthalates, parabens and formaldehyde infused products.

 

03. Blue light protection

PRP treatments

Blue light protection is skincare is more relevant now than ever. The pandemic had us spending more time in front of gadgets. Blue light has a high wavelength and can penetrate the skin, even more than UV rays, and age your skin much faster. The simplest solution is to reduce screen time. However, if that’s not possible, Dr Sravya recommends applying a very good physical sunscreen that reflects blue light off the skin. “Look for ingredients like titanium dioxide, iron dioxide and silicon dioxide. Mineral sunscreens, with similar particles, are also helpful with the same. Products formulated specifically for blue-light protection with ingredients like antioxidants, marine extracts and other plant-based extracts in combination with hydrating ingredients can be used as well,” she says.

 

04. A focus on the skin’s microbiome

PRP treatments

Skin microbiome refers to the numerous bacteria, fungus and virus present in each square centimetre of our skin. A healthy balance of good bacteria is crucial, THE disturbance of which can lead to issues like psoriasis, acne, dry skin, inflammation, rashes, infections and other kinds of skin conditions. Several different types of bacilli (bacteria) can help repair and protect damaged skin. Some strains can even help reduce signs of ageing, which makes these products so in demand. Good skin habits like being gentle on the skin and avoiding over-exfoliation can further help maintain microbiome of the skin.

 

05. Trendy alternatives to popular ingredients

PRP treatments

2021 will see many alternatives for rentinoids, antioxidants, anti-ageing and brightening ingredients. Some ingredients that have already emerged as a major trend are:

01. Bakuchiol: A plant-based oil rich in vitamin A and can be used for anti-ageing purposes for people who are sensitive to retinol. But unlike retinol, it also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as well.

02. Centella Asiatica: An Ayurvedic herb that is very popular in Chinese and Korean skincare. It is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, amino acids and phytochemicals with neuro tonic effects. It consists of vitamin C, A, B1 and B2, beta-carotene, making it an excellent ingredient that provides benefits like protection from sun damage, reducing inflammation and brightening the skin tone.

03. Rosehip oil: An antioxidant-rich ingredient with anti-ageing properties, rosehip oil has gained immense popularity among beauty buffs. Rich in vitamin E, A & C, omega acid and linolenic acid, this ingredient has a collagen re-stimulating property that many so desire.

04. Resveratrol: A plant-based compound found in grapes, berries and peanuts, and is a powerful antioxidant. It works by fighting premature signs of ageing and helps with new cell growth, cell rejuvenation and proliferation. It can also help brighten dull skin and reduce redness and skin irritation, making it perfect for those dealing with rosacea.

05. Matrixyl 3000: Yet another trendy anti-ageing ingredient, Matrixyl 3000, is known for stimulating collagen and elastin. It targets fine lines and wrinkles and boosts hydration as well. It is known to be far more gentle than retinol and helps your skin stay supple and healthy.

 

06. PRP treatments

PRP treatments

Popularised by the likes of Kim Kardashian in the form of vampire facials, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is very in-vogue in 2021 for its fast results and minimal pain. PRP treatments are carried out by collecting your blood in a test tube, treated with growth agents in a centrifuge and injected back into your skin. This concentrated plasma is used to target specific areas and injected superficially under the skin, under local anaesthesia. Some of its benefits are improvement in skin texture, minimising pores, anti-ageing, collagen building, skin rejuvenation, skin brightening and hydration. The treatment is extremely popular because you need just a few sessions to significantly improve your skin’s health!

Sumona Bose

Written by

Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!

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