After our last two years that were best described as “unprecedented” and “uncertain,” predicting the future can feel a bit puzzling. But, when it comes to beauty, just like medicine and science, it’s safe to say that the trends have evolved with the times. Remember, both 2020 and 2021 were about taking hygiene to the next level and “maskne” products. 2022 appears to be a year of experimentation…from scientific haircare treatments for hair loss to robots that paint your nails and fragrances that hack your mood.
1. Scientific Haircare with a Focus on Hair Loss
The “skin-ification” of haircare represents the overlap between haircare and skincare, especially with the new focus on the scalp (which is also skin after all). With all the scalp concerns that have come up during the pandemic, particularly post Covid-19 hair loss, in-office treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and at-home treatments such as Vegamour and Better Not Younger are rising, as well as, an inside-out approach to haircare, an example being Nutrafol.
2. Robotic Treatments
Can you imagine scheduling your next self-care appointments (nails, hair and lashes) with R2-D2, C-3PO or BB-8? Well here’s a fellow robot, Nimble.
It’s a device that could hack the nail industry by providing efficient and accurate manicures in a quarter of the time it usually takes. Nimble uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, micro cameras, 3D image processing and algorithms to paint your nails for you. It works by scanning each individual nail to identify where the nail starts and ends. After choosing and loading your capsules of base coat, color and topcoat, the hands are placed into the Nimble chamber, where the magic is performed in 10 minutes. Voila…a perfect manicure with a precise amount of polish. Nimble integrates a warm airflow system to speed up your nail-drying time also.
Introducing beauty experience automation: LUUM
LUUM uses robotics, computer vision and Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is changing the game for lash-lovers and lash-providers with technology to delicately and safely apply stunning extensions in a fraction of the time it takes today. Experts are predicting this AI wave will make beauty treatments faster, cheaper and more popular than ever.
3. Nailscapes
Art appreciation…everywhere! According to Pinterest Predicts 2022 report, more people will paint or have painted landscape-style designs, especially galaxy nail art and ocean nails. Also trending is geode, desert and constellation-inspired nail art.
4. Wellness Fragrances
Since the dawn of time, the traditional mentality is that we wear scents to smell attractive to others. The current thinking in the fragrance industry is shifting to focus on the wearer. This discussion is not just about aromatherapy but on “wellness fragrances,” which are aimed more at the scientific level, and thus, to change mood. Recall Ani Liu, who is an internationally exhibiting research-based artist working at the intersection of art and science. She has made personalized perfumes that smell like a specific person, helping the mind reconnect to a memory.
And, there is a brand specializing in mood-hacking scents, The Nue Co., which uses patented neuroscience technology to tap into different parts of the wearer’s brain and deliver different benefits. The brand’s Functional Fragrance is a fragrance with a function, designed to help you reset at times of high stress. Developed using data insight and research into the connection between cognitive function (the mind) and the olfactory system (the sense of smell). This is an anti-stress supplement delivered in the form of a unisex fragrance. Understand that smells can trigger both emotional and physiological responses. Put simply, scent is one of the fastest ways to alter your emotional state.
5. DNA-Based Skincare
As a review, in health and beauty, genetics only accounts for 20 percent of what can manifest in you. Environmental factors certainly play a part, to the tune of 80 percent. Even at a 20 percent contribution, the truth is that your genes largely determine how you age, as well as, your predisposition towards pigmentation and sensitivity.
Given the above statement, that’s why a growing number of beauty brands are capitalizing on DNA-based skincare. Nomige is one of these brands that recognize this statistic: “86 percent of women have skin issues and advanced aging because the products they use do not match their DNA.”
At Nomige, you submit a DNA sample, and a high-tech online test will gather information about your genetic makeup, analyze variations in your DNA and translate that data into a customized skincare regime. You get the “perfect” skin with products made specifically for you. These global DNA-based skincare products are expected to reach a value of nearly $10 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.
6. Emphasis on Skincare Application
In general, quality skincare is expensive, which is why we go to extreme lengths to stretch out our products as long as possible. However, it seems many of us pay much less attention to how much of our moisturizers/hydrators and serums are actually getting absorbed into our skin. Because the skin and its barrier are excellent at keeping things out of it, only 10 percent of topical products absorb beneath the skin’s surface. Given this fact, it has led to adjuncts of skincare, like the skincare rollers that help skincare penetrate, being more popular than ever.
Beyond the jade rollers and the handheld micro-needling tools are two interesting devices, Droplette and Réduit.
Not just another facial mist, Droplette is MIT-developed and funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. It combines fluid physics with beauty. Thus, this physics-powered device transforms skincare ingredient capsules into a powerful, high-velocity micro-mist, allowing for the delivery of skincare deep into your skin.
Réduit is the winner of Pure Beauty’s 2020 and 2021 awards for “Best Special Innovation.” Réduit‘s one-of-a-kind application system (Smartpod) significantly increases penetration and absorption of actives, thanks to their proprietary technologies: Ultrasonic Diffusion and Magnetic Misting.
7. Clean and Transparent Skincare
Enlightened by quizzes and surveys, many skincare brands are touting ingredient transparency, and this is gaining popularity. Biodegradable and sustainable claims are more than a bonus…they’re a requirement. This consumer-driven demand has pushed companies to move in the direction of more sustainable formulas, whether via packaging, formulations, or reducing their carbon footprint.
According to Barbara Paldus, PhD, Codex Beauty Labs Founder and EWG Board Member, “If you can’t make the sustainable choice when creating a product, even if it costs you more, you don’t deserve to be creating a brand.”
FYI: Codex Beauty Labs is a biotech company grounded in science, dedicated to supporting the microbiome, and pioneering products having clinically proven meaningful skincare benefits. Before making your skincare choices, here is a valuable resource, the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep®. EWG‘s Skin Deep® database gives you practical solutions to protect yourself and your family from everyday exposures to chemicals.
8. Do-It-Yourself…Need A Little Help?
During the height of the Pandemic in 2020 and the following year, 2021, the DIY mentality was a top trend and a form of “beauty survival!”
With the closure of salons/spas, we were forced to become our own aestheticians, dermatologists, hair specialists (style and color) and manicurists overnight.
This year, 2022 is offering some support. At-home treatments aren’t going anywhere any time soon, but there is some remote access to professional help. Here are examples.
The Inkey List’s ”myINKEY” is an example of a free 24-hour, 7-day-a-week hotline with a 1-on-1 coaching program. The hotline is for anyone to ask skin, hair or scalp questions and receive answers from skincare professionals.
The period-tracking app Clue recently partnered with L’Oreal to offer personalized hormone-related skincare advice from dermatologists.
Also, L’Oreal developed Color&Co, a personalized at-home color service that aims to take the risk out of DIY hair color.
And, the dental tech app Toothfairy connects patients with licensed dentists and allows real-time assessment of your teeth.
9. Body Contouring
Body contouring continues to trend in popularity (up 35 percent according to Yelp‘s 2022 Beauty Trend Forecast Report), and for those looking for similar results without the surgery, non-invasive procedures are expected to be all the rage.
Even when you work hard to maintain a healthy weight with your diet and exercise routines, you can still end up with nagging bulges of fat that refuse to go away.
The FDA-Approved CoolSculpting is a permanent and non-invasive fat loss series of treatments that can be experienced in Metairie, LA at my colleagues’ practice, Bopp Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery. This innovative device kills fat cells by freezing them, yet it doesn’t harm surrounding tissues.
10. Booming Grooming Industry
According to Cosmetics Business, male-marketed beauty and grooming is on the rise and is a sector expected to generate global sales of $81 billion by 2024. The reason for this growth stems from more emphasis on self-care for men, along with product choices that can help them achieve that. For what it’s worth, several male celebrities are following suit.
Harry Styles, an English singer, songwriter, actor, and former member of One Direction launched the unisex beauty brand Pleasing. Machine Gun Kelly and Lil Yachty, both American rappers, and AJ McLean, a member of the Backstreet Boys, all have launched nail polish brands.
Just remember…your skin is your largest organ, and the one that protects all of your other internal organs. Keep your skin in the best shape possible with some of the 10 beauty trends of 2022, as you see appropriate. As an Ophthalmologist and Lifestyle Medicine Physician, I have had personal and professional experience in the realm of skin. And, I enjoy guiding people to safely achieve the looks and physical/skin wellness they strive for.
My mantra: “Be Healthy…Look Better…Perform Well.”
If I can be of any further service either in Shreveport (pairO’docs Bio-Rejuvenis) or the Greater New Orleans Area (Bopp Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery) please reach out to me by completing the Healthspan Quiz at www.drkarenpendleton.com
DISCLAIMER:
All of the information found in this article is based on the opinion of the author Karen M. Pendleton, M.D. The information is meant to motivate readers to make their own health decisions after consulting with their own health care providers. All readers should consult a doctor before making a health change, especially those that are related to a specific diagnosis or health condition. No information in this article should be relied on in determining a diet, making a medical diagnosis or determining a treatment for a medical condition. The information in this article is not intended to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare practitioner and is not intended as medical advice. No information in this article should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.