The beauty industry is rapidly evolving, with influential voices—from beauty editors to dermatologists and models to actors—leading the charge. This transformation reflects a broader shift toward health-conscious beauty practices, where confidence in one’s skin takes center stage. According to industry experts, the future of beauty is rooted in nourishing skincare rituals, effective treatments, and embracing a holistic approach to skincare.
Changing Beauty Standards: Embracing Healthy Skin
Model and actor Jessica Vander Leahy discusses how beauty standards have shifted over the years. “Beauty standards have changed a lot since I was a teenager. I try to balance beauty and aesthetics with the perspective of appreciating good skin,” she explains. This change underscores a growing recognition of skin health as the foundation of beauty, with many industry leaders, including the popular skincare brand No7, advocating for products that promote long-term skin wellness.
1. Hydration Is Essential
Vander Leahy emphasizes the importance of hydration in her skincare routine. She relies on drinking water, using nourishing serums, and applying rich creams to maintain a glowing complexion. No7’s Future Renew range, designed to reverse visible signs of skin damage, is an example of a skincare line that helps keep skin hydrated and healthy year-round.
2. The Rise of Skincare Minimalism
In an era of multi-step skincare routines, simplicity is gaining ground. “I used to have a 12-step routine, believing you had to try everything,” says author and actor Maria Thattil. “Now, it’s about efficacy over excess, choosing multi-tasking products that do more with fewer steps.” Dermatologist Dr. Shreya Andric advocates for a minimalist approach, recommending just a cleanser, antioxidant, hydrating serum, sunscreen, and the occasional retinoid or peptoid for evening use. The takeaway: efficient products can replace lengthy routines while still delivering results.
3. A Shift Toward Realistic Beauty Standards
The concept of perfection is being replaced by a focus on skin health and quality. Dr. Andric notes that the emphasis has shifted from achieving flawless skin to nurturing it through proper care. Beauty Editor Sally Hunwick agrees, stating, “There’s now a strong intersection between health and beauty. We want our skin to be as healthy as possible, representing a better version of ourselves.”
4. Science-Backed Ingredients Are the Future
The beauty world is increasingly turning to science-backed ingredients that deliver tangible results. Thattil highlights No7’s pioneering research into peptide technology, which offers high-performance skincare. “No7 is not just innovative; they’re leading the way with their proprietary peptide technology, which is unique to them,” she says. This focus on scientifically advanced formulations helps build consumer trust in the effectiveness of products.
5. Peptides Are the Next Big Thing
Peptide technology is set to dominate the skincare industry in the coming years. Dr. Andric explains that peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers within the skin, encouraging the production of essential proteins like collagen and elastin. “Peptides can penetrate deeper layers of the skin, helping to improve its structure and overall appearance,” she says. As the delivery of peptides becomes more advanced, they are expected to be central to future skincare innovations.
6. Adjusting Your Routine as You Age
Skincare should evolve with age, and experts recommend introducing targeted treatments to maintain skin health before visible signs of aging appear. Dr. Andric advises starting with products like the No7 Future Renew range once early signs of aging, such as fine lines or dull skin, start to show. “These products help improve the appearance and quality of skin over time,” she says. As Hunwick notes, “We don’t want to change who we are; we just want to look great for our age.”
7. Skincare as a Self-Care Ritual
For actress Miranda Tapsell, skincare is more than just a beauty routine—it’s a moment for self-care. “I often wear a lot of makeup in my work, so it’s meditative for me to remove it at the end of the day. It’s like starting fresh for the next day,” Tapsell says. This approach reflects a broader trend where beauty is about feeling confident in one’s skin rather than adhering to traditional beauty ideals.
As the beauty industry continues to evolve, these insights highlight the growing importance of skin health, simplicity, and scientifically supported products. The future of beauty is not just about aesthetics—it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in one’s own skin.
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