While 2023 was the year of glass skin, slugging and retinols, 2024 is gearing up to be even bigger. We’ve chatted to the experts in skincare and they’ve let us in on what they believe will be huge in the skincare realm. We’ve considered the full realm of skincare, from the aesthetician’s offices and at home. Without further ado, here are the skincare trends in 2024 that will be all over your feeds this year.
Meet the experts: Dr Alek Nikolic is an aesthetic medicine specialist and owner of SkinMiles. Amy Knoetze is a Medical Aesthetic Therapist, Director of AQ Skin Solutions SA and Founder of Pulse Dermatology and Laser.
Growth factor technology
Growth factors are on top of the list for skincare trends in 2024. They’re substances that naturally occur in your body. And they help manage essential tasks like replicating cells, reducing inflammation, and stimulating collagen production.
“We’re looking at growth factors that are naturally produced by the body. These are applied to your skin with the intention of manipulating or ‘tricking’ the skin into thinking that it is young and healthy,” says Dr Nikolic. “In return, it will regenerate and repair itself”.
“Growth factors are great for every skin type, including sensitive skin. And most people don’t experience any adverse reactions when using skin care containing growth factors,” he adds. Plus, we tried. Intrigued? Read our review right here.
READ MORE: “I Tried GFIT: The New Treatment Rivalling The Vampire Facial”
Edible Skincare
Per experts, skincare will begin to take an inside-out approach in 2024. With it, we’ll see the rise of edible skincare going into the mainstream market, says Dr Nikolic.
“In conjunction with topical treatments, getting the right nutrients internally can do major things for the health of the skin. Ideally, one would get all the vitamins and minerals needed from your diet, but even the healthiest eaters can benefit from a supplementation boost,” explains Dr Nikolic. “A supplement regimen can work in synergy with your diet and regular topical skincare routine for optimum skin health.”
Fat Grafting
Not quite what you think it is. Fat grafting is a plumping procedure that can ease wrinkle lines, correct thin lips and even provide facial contouring. It takes place under mild anaesthesia and uses your own fat deposits.
“Fat grafting is a procedure that can restore fullness and volume to certain areas of your face through a combination of fat liposuction and reinjection using your excess fat deposits,” says Knoetze. “It can be used to correct a variety of issues like depressed scars, thin lips, hollow areas of your skin and laugh lines. Fat grafting is typically performed under a light anaesthetic. Initially, an appropriate amount of fat is harvested from another part of your body, typically the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or buttocks. Because your own tissue is used for fat grafting, there is no need for allergy testing. The harvested fat is processed and purified. Fat cells can then be injected into the face through a fine needle, precisely enhancing volume in the desired area, including facial creases, among other uses.”
Skinimalism
This trend gained popularity in 2023 and will continue to rise in the new year, says Dr Nikolic. “More people are looking for multi-purpose products that combine powerful ingredients with minimal effort. We can expect a shift towards more concentrated beauty formulations, highlighting the era of mindful consumption and maximising results,” says Dr Nikolic. “Not only is this cost-effective but it will also have a positive impact on your skin barrier as you are moving away from the heavy layering”.
Minimalist routines also mean that we will be seeing an increase in concentrated formulas entering the market. Think: products that require a smaller amount when applied to the skin, resulting in a knock-on benefit for companies reducing packaging waste. A win-win? We’re here for it.
Skin Boosters
“This product is growing in popularity faster than any treatment since Botox was first launched,” says Knoetze. “Skin boosters are perfect for patients aged 30 to 60 years old who don’t want fillers, but still want to achieve a visible change in their skin.”
Skin boosters are injectables that improve skin texture, elasticity, hydration and overall appearance. Treatment involves injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) which is a soft, gel-like substance under the skin, which improves the skin’s elasticity, firmness and radiance, giving an overall skin quality.
Skin Boosters increase hydration in the skin and stimulate the production of collagen, improving fine lines and wrinkles. It also produces firmer and younger-looking skin. In contrast to fillers, skin boosters help improve collagen and elastin.
READ MORE: What Skincare Should You Follow In Your 30s
Skin Barrier Health
This skincare trend in 2024 started the previous year and is showing no signs of slowing down. It figures, since caring for the skin barrier is one of the most important steps of a well-rounded skincare routine. Dr Nikolic believes that the importance of a healthy skin barrier will be a key focus for skincare. We’ll start seeing products and tips centred around protecting this aspect.
The skin barrier is the outer layer of the skin’s surface, consisting of cells and lipids. “The barrier function is an extremely important concept in skin care,” says Dr Nikolic. “Describing the strength and ability of our skin, the barrier is our protection against our external environment. A highly functioning and healthy skin barrier will allow ingredients to effectively treat and maintain the skin.”
When the skin barrier is healthy, we typically experience a smooth, clear, even-toned complexion with a naturally healthy glow. If your skin barrier is damaged, you’ll experience redness, irritation, breakouts, rashes, burning sensations, broken capillaries, dryness, and even tightness.
At-home skincare technology
A skincare trend in 2024 that’ll take off? At-home technology. Per experts, this technology will continue to develop and innovate. We can expect huge shifts in what is available to the mainstream market. This means more microcurrent, LED and ultrasound therapy devices being used.
These tools are an investment but will help you recreate a professional-level skincare experience at home. “These at-home skincare devices can help you achieve healthier skin as long as you use them correctly and consistently,” adds Dr Nikolic. They are also more accessible and less pricey than in-office treatments.
Michelle October
Michelle is the features editor at WH. She’s immensely curious about the world, passionate about health and wellness and enjoys a good surf when the waves are good. Find her on Instagram here.
