Body care and dermatological innovation and advice are shifting beyond traditional age demographics. And whilst there will always be skincare that treats specific age-related concerns, the narrative around anti-aging is shifting to a more encompassing “longevity” approach.
The Future Laboratory believes that the focus on life optimization and extension is impacting our consumer habits - with people looking for products that support them in living a better life for longer. In fact, even the United Nations has declared 2021-2030 the “Decade of Healthy Aging”.
As such, we expect to see the traditional anti-aging beauty narrative shift towards protection, prevention and the health of our skin long-term - particularly for younger generations Gen-Z and Gen Alpha. In fact, 70% of Gen Z already use anti-aging serums daily and share routines on preventative aging online, and Gen-Alpha are said to be driving nearly half of the skincare sales growth (WWD).
“Aging is a natural and inevitable process - whilst the way it manifests on our skin in wrinkles, lines and age spots is generally not perceived as a positive, I would choose to see these as physical manifestations of a life lived, wisdom and self-assurance.
That said, caring for, protecting and boosting the health of our skin at every age should be a part of our everyday rituals. Taking the longevity approach to beauty is not just a philosophy, but a lifestyle choice - we can celebrate the beauty of aging and feel confident in our own skin.
My advice is always to do as little as possible for as long as possible - in your teens, 20s and early 30s, a simple body care regime and plenty of sun protection are all you need. Once you hit your late 30s, investment in more targeted ingredients that support the function of the skin barrier and help the skin regenerate can work towards achieving healthy, glowing skin at any age.”
Menopause Matters
As we look to female Millennials and Gen X, the conversation shifts from what might happen to their skin in the future towards what is happening in their bodies now - as perimenopause and menopause take place.
A globally-aging population means that by next year, one billion women globally will be menopausal (Stylus). This means a greater demand for products that work harder to cater to the effects of menopause on the skin. Products containing ingredients that hydrate (such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and glycerin), increase elasticity (such as retinol and peptides) and support the skin barrier (such as ceramides) are expected to fly.
“As a dermatologist specializing in women’s skin health, I frequently encounter menopause-related symptoms - which can manifest as dryness, redness, breakouts, pigmentation, fine lines and deep wrinkles.
The skin also begins to thin due to loss of collagen - women lose 30% of their skin collagen during the first five years of menopause, and about 2% in each following year, and many women experience increased sensitivity. These skin changes are linked to two physiological processes: a decline in the number and activity of skin cells and lower levels of estrogen.
Education on the right ingredients and delivery methods is crucial. Women experiencing menopause should avoid excessive layering of products, and instead focus on protecting the skin’s microbiome and barrier. Moisturizing daily is key, as well as avoiding excessive use of scrubs, as over-exfoliation can increase inflammation and breakouts. It’s also important to wear a broad spectrum SPF daily, as pigmentation can increase.
Understanding perimenopause and menopause, and caring for skin accordingly, can help ensure women of all ages feel comfortable in the skin they are in.”
Thank you
Thank you so much for reading. My Trend Report series is crafted from decades of dermatological expertise, conversations with my patients and passion for industry research and commentary. I hope you find it helpful.
The movement we see in this second installment - from joy-inducing beauty, to the focus on longevity, to prioritizing self care - continues to excite and inspire me. I am looking forward to discovering further development and innovations in our fast-moving industry in the coming months, and sharing our next installment in spring.
Dr. Alexis Granite | Consultant Dermatologist | Founder, Joonbyrd
Read part 1 here.
Read the full trend report here.
