Another day, another new skin care treatment the internet is telling you to try. Whether it’s because Chrissy Teigen posted an Instagram photo mid-face mask or a dermatologist finally revealed what he/she does to Kim K’s supple skin, there’s always a fad to talk about (we’re looking at you, vampire facials). And well, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Here’s the deal on 11 trends you may have missed, but should totally try.
Charcoal masks
Charcoal face masks are like a new religion. But do they really work? Experts say yes. The carbon in charcoal pulls out dirt and oil built up in your pores. When you rinse, it takes all the bad stuff with it like a cleansing tide. Luckily, affordable charcoal products have exploded onto the beauty scene, so it’s an easy trend to get in on.
Hyaluronic acid
Let’s give credit where credit is due — this is really more of a staple than it is a fad. Just about every dermatologist would probably vouch for it as a reliable anti-aging ingredient (here’s one testimonial if you need proof). Your body naturally contains hyaluronic acid, but since it tends to fade out as we get older, creams, serums and even injectables can help reverse that. Bonus: It’s also found in foods like citrus fruits, soy products and red wine.
LED light therapy
Now we’re getting a little more high-tech. But don’t be scared. Light therapy can help treat various skin conditions, but on a basic level, it can also stimulate collagen for younger-looking skin. Celebs like Jessica Alba, J. Lo and Katy Perry have touted its powers. And hey, they aren’t looking so bad are they?
Sheet face mask
All hail Korean beauty products! These somewhat creepy-looking masks infuse your skin with serums, vitamins, oils, minerals, etc. They’ve got people shouting from the rooftops because they are more concentrated with powerhouse ingredients than our everyday serums and moisturizers. That said, they aren’t meant to replace your skin care faves so much as they are meant to compliment them and give your skin a boost when it’s down and out.
Magic water drops
It sounds like something out of Hocus Pocus or Harry Potter, but the concept is actually pretty straightforward. It’s an oil serum with microdroplets of water that basically implode on your skin and go to town moisturizing — minus the drawbacks heavy creams can have. Seems simple enough, right?
Bubble mask
Also known as oxygen masks, these products actually bubble up on your skin like a cool science project. The trend started in Korea (like sheet masks and magic water drops), but stateside brands have developed their own versions. The theory about this fizzy reaction is that oxygen penetrates your skin, allowing the mask ingredients to go deeper.
Antipollution products
This is just a fancy new name for products you’re probably already using (look at you, all up on the trends). They’re simply beauty products with various anti-inflammatory ingredients and antioxidants. The good news is, they work. The right lotions and potions can stand up to free radicals and inflammation caused by pollution. Just read the ingredient list versus looking for “antipollution” on the label. The latter is just a marketing ploy to make you think you need something new.
IV therapy
This one hasn’t quite passed the fad test yet. The concept? Visiting an IV infusion bar to get a pick-me-up on vitamins and minerals that benefit your skin. Experts say while it may produce short-term results, it’s most likely placebo effect and there isn’t any scientific evidence to prove any long-term benefits for your skin, or in general for that matter.
Ultrasonic skin spatulas
This skin tool falls somewhere between a facial-cleansing brush and an electronic pore strip. You gently run the spatula, which is powered by ultrasonic technology just like your Clarisonic, over wet skin after cleansing. It removes extra dirt and grime. Then, you flip it over and use its other side — which uses ions to make the active ingredients work — to apply serums.
Electric facials
It sounds like some sort of new torture method, but it’s not. Using two wands, microcurrent facials run electric current through your face to tighten muscles. You don’t feel anything and the result is better than Botox, according to some. The downside is that the more affordable at-home devices aren’t as effective as getting the professional treatment. And those? They aren’t cheap. The day spa I found priced them at about a hundred bucks for an hour, and it can take up to 12 sessions, depending on the level of results you’re looking for.
Innovative skin care trends
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