Why Skincare Trends Shouldn’t Define Your Routine

Skincare Trends: What’s Being Pushed and Why You Shouldn’t Follow Them

The beauty industry thrives on trends. Every year, we’re bombarded with buzzwords, miracle ingredients, and innovative tools, all promising to transform our skin overnight. But how many of these trends are genuinely beneficial for your skin, and how many are simply marketing ploys designed to drive consumption? Let’s dive into the current skincare trends being pushed and why the only “trend” worth following is understanding and nurturing your skin’s unique needs.

The Allure of Skincare Trends

Trends in skincare are often wrapped in alluring promises—flawless, glass-like skin, age reversal, or instant blemish control. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok amplify these trends, with influencers and celebrities endorsing the latest must-haves. Creating unrealistic and unattainable Skin Goals, ultimately making us also feel bad about our own skin. While some trends may have a kernel of truth or scientific backing, many are exaggerated or misunderstood. Here are a few examples:

Popular Skincare Trends in 2025

1. Skin Cycling

Skin cycling involves alternating active ingredients like retinoids and exfoliants on specific days of the week to minimise irritation and maximise results. While this trend has some merit, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your skin’s tolerance to actives depends on various factors like sensitivity, age, and previous skincare routines. Following a rigid “cycling” schedule without tailoring it to your skin could lead to over-exfoliation or irritation. While it has its benefits as it provides you a routine, you need to understand if the circumstances apply to you. 

2. Microcurrent Devices

These devices claim to tone facial muscles and reduce signs of aging through low-level electrical currents. While some studies suggest potential benefits, the results are subtle and temporary. Moreover, these devices are costly, and improper use could do more harm than good. If you’re not committed to consistent use, the investment may not be worthwhile. You already have all the tools you need: your hands! Check out our Face Yoga courses to learn more. You don't need expensive devices to achieve glowing and firm skin. 

3.Slugging

Slugging, the practice of coating your face in petroleum jelly as the last step of your skincare routine, aims to lock in moisture. And who wants to apply petroleum jelly onto their skin in the 21st century? Other celebrities and influencers talked about diaper cream. While this can be beneficial for very dry or compromised skin, it’s not suitable for everyone. Oily or acne-prone skin types may find slugging clogs their pores and exacerbates breakouts. And this truth is typically not shared. 

4. Ingredient Spotlighting

Every year, a new “hero” ingredient takes center stage. From niacinamide to bakuchiol, these ingredients are touted as the ultimate solution to multiple skin concerns. While these actives can be effective, they’re not magic bullets. Effective skincare requires a well-rounded routine, not just reliance on a trending ingredient. Plus, we need to stop believing that ONE ingredient can achieve all our Skin Goals. Do you eat a banana for breakfast, lunch and dinner and you think your body has all the vitamins, minerals, omegas it requires to operate effectively and be healthy? 

5. DIY Skincare

Homemade masks and serums using kitchen ingredients like lemon juice, baking soda, or honey are gaining traction again. While DIY skincare seems natural and cost-effective, many of these ingredients can disrupt your skin’s pH, cause irritation, or even lead to long-term damage. And please don't attempt to do your own sunscreen at home. We really didn't needed influencers to spread that fad to increase our chances for skin cancer.  

Why You Shouldn’t Jump on Every Trend

1. Trends Encourage Overconsumption

The beauty industry is built on novelty. New trends encourage you to discard perfectly good products in favour of the latest innovation. This cycle not only wastes money but also contributes to environmental waste.

2.Your Skin Is Unique

Trends often push generalised solutions, ignoring the fact that skincare is deeply personal. What works for one person may not work for another. Unfortunately, your friend might be gifted with a very tolerant skin. And your skin is simply not as forgiving. In all honesty, as it might be a curse, it might be a blessing as well, as you learn early on to look after your skin's health giving you a chance to have healthy looking skin in your old age.

Following a trend blindly can disrupt your skin’s natural balance, leading to irritation, breakouts, or other issues.

3. Short-Term Hype, Long-Term Consequences

Trendy ingredients or techniques may show immediate results but can have long-term drawbacks. For example, overuse of exfoliants promoted by some trends can lead to a compromised skin barrier, causing sensitivity and chronic dryness.

4. Marketing vs. Science

Many trends are driven more by marketing than by science. Buzzwords like “detox” or “pore-shrinking” have little scientific basis but sound appealing. Pores are not doors - they don't open and close. It’s essential to look beyond the hype and seek evidence-based advice. Check out my YouTube videos to learn more how Pores work. 

The Only Trend Worth Following: Understanding Your Skin’s Needs

Instead of chasing every new trend, focus on the following principles for long-term skin health:

1. Know Your Skin Needs

Understanding whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive is the cornerstone of an effective skincare routine. Tailor your products to meet these needs rather than following generalized trends.

2. Prioritise Your Skin Barrier

A healthy skin barrier is key to maintaining hydration and protecting against environmental damage. Gentle cleansing, proper moisturisation, and avoiding over-exfoliation are essential.

3. Embrace Consistency

Great skin doesn’t happen overnight. Stick to a routine that includes cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection. Add active ingredients gradually and only if they address specific concerns.

4.Focus on Prevention

Sunscreen is your best anti-aging tool. Incorporate antioxidant-rich products to combat free radicals and prevent damage before it occurs.

5. Be Ingredient-Savvy

Learn to read ingredient labels and understand what your skin needs. Seek products with proven actives, such as hyaluronic acid for hydration, retinoids for aging, or salicylic acid for acne. And if you need a hand, I am here to help. Check out NAYA's Ingredient Checker. 

6. Listen to Your Skin

Your skin communicates its needs through signs like dryness, redness, or breakouts. Pay attention and adjust your routine accordingly.

Are there any trends that are worth adopting? 

These trends are grounded in science and focus on supporting the skin's natural functions and overall well-being:

Skin Barrier Repair and Cortisol Reduction

• Why it’s worth following: A healthy skin barrier is essential for maintaining hydration, protecting against irritants, and preventing premature aging. Ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and lipids can help repair and strengthen the barrier, while actives such as ectoin and adaptogens work to reduce cortisol levels in the skin. Lower cortisol levels minimise stress-induced inflammation, which can exacerbate sensitivity and compromise barrier health.
• In the long run: Focusing on your skin barrier not only prevents dryness, irritation, and redness but also combats stress-related skin issues. Strengthening and calming your skin with barrier-supporting and cortisol-regulating ingredients ensures long-term resilience and balance.

Daily Sunscreen Use

• Why it’s worth following: Sunscreen is the ultimate anti-aging product and protects against skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and collagen breakdown.
• In the long run: Consistent sunscreen use is the best defence against premature aging and long-term sun damage. Look for broad-spectrum SPF 50. Why? Because we all apply way too little and a higher SPF 50 will provide you potentially with SPF 30 at least if you don't apply the right amount. While using an SPF 30 simply will not provide you with enough protection if you don't apply enough. 

Minimalist and Ingredient-Conscious Routines

• Why it’s worth following: Simplifying your routine with effective, multitasking products reduces the risk of irritation and helps the skin focus on repair and renewal.
• In the long run: A pared-down, thoughtful approach ensures your skin gets what it needs without unnecessary stress or exposure to potentially harmful ingredients.

Personalised Skincare

• Why it’s worth following: Advances in technology allow for tailored skincare solutions based on individual needs (e.g., genetic testing, microbiome analysis).
• In the long run: Personalisation ensures you're addressing your skin’s unique needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Book a Skin Consultation with Sarah if you are not sure where to start. 

Support for the Skin Microbiome

• Why it’s worth following: Healthy skin relies on a balanced microbiome to fight off pathogens, reduce inflammation, and maintain barrier health.
• In the long run: Using microbiome-friendly products (like probiotics and prebiotics) supports overall skin health and resilience.

Retinoids and Exosomes for Cellular Turnover and Repair

• Why it’s worth following: Retinoids are among the most studied and effective ingredients for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and boosting collagen production. Meanwhile, exosomes—tiny vesicles derived from cells—are gaining attention for their ability to enhance skin repair and regeneration at a cellular level, delivering growth factors and signaling molecules to promote healing and rejuvenation.
• In the long run: Incorporating retinoids improves skin elasticity, smoothness, and overall vibrancy over time. Coupled with exosomes, which work on a deeper cellular level, this combination supports both surface and structural skin health for a visibly healthier and rejuvenated complexion.

Final Thoughts: Skincare Is a Long-Term Investment

Your skin isn’t a trend; it’s a lifelong commitment. Trends come and go, but healthy, resilient skin is built on consistency, understanding, and care. Instead of jumping on the latest bandwagon, take a step back and evaluate whether a trend aligns with your skin’s unique needs.

Invest in your skin with the same patience and care you’d invest in your overall health. Remember, the best skincare routine isn’t the one with the most products or the trendiest ingredients—it’s the one that works for you.

So the next time you’re tempted by a shiny new skincare trend, ask yourself: Does this truly serve my skin, or is it just another passing fad? Choose timeless, thoughtful care over fleeting hype. Your skin will thank you for it.