Get Ready To See This New Skincare Ingredient Everywhere In 2019

2018 was good to beauty enthusiasts. Hyaluronic acid swept in to save dry, dehydrated skin; non-surgical “face lifts” made quick work of chiseled cheekbones; and the #cleanbeauty space exploded with effective, naturally-derived ingredients like CBD and broccoli seed oils — not to mention ingestible beauty supplements that turned morning smoothies into legitimate skincare products. But the skincare industry has never been one to settle. Brands and product formulators are constantly chasing what’s new, what’s next, what’s better; and according to dermatologists, the 2019 skincare trends to watch include an innovative mix of tech-driven treatments (like fillers for your hands — the first part of your body to show your age) and time-tested natural ingredients (like kiwi and moringa) to level up your skincare game.

Many of the new year’s anticipated skincare trends take a deeper dive into last year’s discoveries. Continuing on 2018’s theme of probiotic skincare, 2019 will see a rise in prebiotics, according to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a New York City-based dermatologist with Zeichner Dermatology. “There are a growing number of skincare products that contain ingredients that help promote growth of healthy bacteria on the skin,” Dr. Zeichner tells The Zoe Report. “Many of these products contain prebiotics, which is essentially food that preferentially feeds good bacteria.”

Antioxidants — substances that fight the effects of environmental pollution and one of the hero ingredients of 2018— will also be further explored, with products on both ends of the accessibility spectrum. “Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield, with antioxidant moringa seed extract, is bringing pollution protection to the masses,” Dr. Zeichner says of the $20 drugstore buy; while Aenea’s luxe Anti-Pollution Guardian, $265, uses epigenetic research to strengthen DNA against pollution’s effects.

Ahead, nine skincare trends to watch in 2019 — and how to get ahead of the trends right now.

Multitasking Products

In lieu of 10-step skincare regimens, 2019 will bring more streamlined skincare routines says Dr. Sejal Shah of SmarterSkin Dermatology. “Many of the skincare trends we see are influenced by Asia, especially Korea,” Dr. Shah tells TZR. “The traditional K-beauty routine is a multistep process, but we are starting to see a return to a more minimalist approach using fewer but harder working ingredients.” In K-beauty, this is sometimes called “skip-care,” and the concept is definitely appealing. Less steps with more results? Yes, please. Dr. Shah predicts a rise in multitasking skincare products, like Peach and Lily’s Lazy Day All In One Moisture Pads and Re:p PhytoCELL Cell Moisture All in One Essence (both act as a toner, essence, and moisturizer in one).

Bakuchiol

“There are a bunch of the bio-retinoids on the market now,” Dr. Zeichner says, but notes that 2019 will likely see an influx of bakuchiol products. Bakuchiol, a natural substance extracted from babchi seeds, has been shown to have strikingly similar effects to retinol — like increased cell turnover, resulting in blemish- and wrinkle-free skin — without any of the irritating side effects usually associated with the powerful ingredient. Products like Lovinah Goddess Glow Brightening Balm and Instytutum Powerful Retin-Oil are already utilizing cutting-edge bakuchiol; but 2019 will likely bring wider offering.

Pollution Protection

“We know that pollution has significant impacts on the skin, leading to premature aging and pigmentation,” Dr. Zeichner tells us. “Particulate matter and gas pollution lead to free radical damage that harms the skin.” According to the dermatologist, you can expect to see more and more products on the market designed to protect from potential environmental damage — in fact, pollution protection may soon considered as essential as sun protection. Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield and Aenea Anti-Pollution Guardian are ahead of the curve.

Moringa

There’s one antioxidant in particular that Dr. Zeichner believes will be everywhere in 2019, and that’s moringa. But it’s not just moringa seed extract’s pollution-fighting capabilities that are pushing it to the forefront of the natural skincare movement — this substance is also full of cytokinins, plant hormones said to promote the growth and renewal of skin cells; and fatty acids, which strengthen skin’s barrier and lock in moisture. Find it in now in Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and Odacité Moringa Petigrain Serum.

Microbiome

“The microbiome is the natural collection of bacteria and other microorganisms on the skin,” Dr. Zeichner explains. “We know that an abnormal microbiome is associated with disease states like eczema and acne and even premature aging.” He predicts that probiotic products — filled with “good bacteria” — will give way to prebiotic products in 2019. Prebiotics, which feed the good bacteria and help build a healthy microbiome, can be found in Algenist ALIVE Prebiotic Balancing Mask; but Dr. Zeichner says “the sugars within oat extracts have prebiotic benefits as well,” as seen in La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm and Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion.

Body Sculpting

2018 saw an increase in non-surgical facial treatments, like microdermabrasion, fillers, lasers, and chemical peels; according to a recent study from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, their popularity has increased nearly 200 percent since the year 2000. Dr. Shah believes this trend will soon bleed over into body care, and names non-invasive body contouring one of her top skincare trends for 2019. “These treatments are widely popular, but we are continuing to see increased interest,” she tells us. “As newer treatments come to the market, I am sure this will continue to be a trend.”

Dr. Zeichner concurs. “Having a youthful face, but age spots or wrinkles on the neck or hands gives away our age,” he explains. “From injectables to devices, more and more treatments are being used on the neck, hands, chest, and even on the belly. There will be a rise in the number of devices used to eliminate unwanted fat and even strengthen muscle tone, like CoolSculpting and Emsculpt.”

Anti-Aging Hand Treatments

Along those same lines, Dr. Zeichner anticipates a rise in anti-aging treatments for the hands. “With age, we lose fat from the back of our hands, allowing veins to become more prominent; but injectable fillers can help plump the hands and hide of the appearance of veins,” he tells us. “Restylane Lyft recently received FDA approval for treatment of the hands.” Hand-focused skincare, like Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream, will also become more prominent.

Kiwi

2018 has seen a seemingly endless stream of natural ingredients, from raspberry seed oil to broccoli seed extract. Next in line? Kiwi, says Dr. Zeichner. Kiwi is known for its high vitamin C content, and when used in skincare formulations, it can lead to brighter skin, reduced hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant protection. Find it now in Paula’s Choice DEFENSE Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 and Aveeno Positively Radiant MaxGlow Infusion Drops Serum.

Thermal Water

Both Dr. Shah and Dr. Zeichner are excited about the emergence of thermal water as a skincare must-have. Not only does it provide hydration, but “thermal spring water contains high levels of selenium, which has prebiotic benefits,” Dr. Zeichner says. Selenium also functions in a similar way to vitamin E, reducing inflammation and coating the skin cells to lock in moisture. Give the trend a try with a spritz of Avène Thermal Spring Water — and be on the lookout for more options, like cleansing waters and toners, in the year ahead.