Changing or moving in a general direction is the very definition of a trend, and if you’re like us, then you also probably like to keep your eyes on what’s going on in the beauty sphere. The thing is, many beauty skincare trends in the skincare industry tend to get huge super quick… and then suddenly disappear just as quickly as they came.
Because of that, we wanted to go ahead and turn our focus onto some of the trends that we believe have the potential to be long-lasting and have ongoing staying power. After all, we’re looking at trends here, not fads. We want to make sure that they’re sustainable and know that they’re actually worth it.
Of course, we’re also interested in ones that are better for us not only as individuals, but also for the environment around us. Advancements in skincare are always going to be happening, so let’s embrace our future today – and dive deeper into these positive movements to find out what trends for healthy skin (we hope) are here to stay!
1. Investing in a skincare expert
For many people, seeing a dermatologist only pops into their minds if they have a major skin issue or if they’re worried about a mysterious mole or bump on their body. However, more and more people are seeing estheticians to help them overcome their common skin concerns like discoloration and blemishes. People frequently turn to dermatologists for help with acne, especially when over-the-counter skincare products fail to clear up their stubborn breakouts or improve a specific skin concern.
If you ask us, that definitely makes this a skincare trend that we can get behind. Plus, there is also an overwhelming amount of information (and misinformation!) and products related to skin health out there, too. How do you know which ones would be perfect for your particular skin type?
Well, you gotta go to someone who knows the real score. An esthetician can help you understand your own brand of skin woes and what skincare products may be best to treat those individual issues- and they can craft a skincare routine for you and monitor your progress more than a dermatologist can. Even better, this is a relationship that will only improve over time, and you can easily pivot, try new things, and learn more because you’re there for an hour instead of the typical 10-minute doctor visit.
As your skin changes over the years, leading to things like melasma and loss of collagen, so will your current skincare routine. How you treat melasma will be different from how you treat adult acne. What’s important is that you talk with a professional about your skin concern so you can work on fixing the root cause. Think about your primary care doctor, for instance. Would you rather have someone new every time, or stick with someone who already knows you and what kind of care you need? (1)
Also tied into this trend are acne specialists and specialized beauty gurus who are creating their own products. Funny why this didn’t happen long ago, because who's going to know better about what products are best for your skin than someone who does this for a living?
We support the beauty trend of specialized experts helping you with specialized concerns.
2. Going makeup-free
This is one trend we are super happy to see, and we seriously hope that it sticks around for the long run. It isn't only a money-saving trend, either. There’s a reason for those timeless sayings like “Beauty comes from within” and “Beauty is not caused, it is.”
Millions of people wear makeup every day, but how many of us have ever stopped to ask why, or at what cost? How much of our skin issues may actually be caused by an abundance of products that maybe, in the long run, we don’t really need? (2)
This trend of women (and people in general, really) becoming more empowered in their own skin and their own bodies, but without the use of altering methods, is one that is here to stay and we. are. here. for. it! Taking this step even for a few days also lowers your carbon footprint, which is a major win for our planet.
The ultimate skin victory, though? Having radiance that shines from within without the aid of tools to make it “better” – because the healthy body and healthy mind that comes from taking care of yourself holistically will show in all areas of your life, not just on your face. That’s why focusing on the fundamentals—drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious foods, and using non-comedogenic skincare ingredients—is key to improving skin texture and maintaining a healthy skin barrier. And, on that note, that brings us to another new trend we think will be lasting… (3)
3. Glass skin: The radiance trend that’s here to stay
The “glass skin” trend took the skincare world by storm in 2024, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Inspired by Korean skincare, glass skin refers to a complexion that’s so smooth, luminous, and hydrated, it looks almost translucent—like a piece of glass. Achieving this level of radiance requires a skincare routine focused on deep hydration, layering lightweight products, and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
As we look ahead to 2025, we predict that glass skin will continue to be a major trend, with more beauty brands launching products specifically designed to help consumers achieve that coveted glow. Think hydrating toners, essence-infused serums, and moisture-locking creams that boost skin elasticity and promote a dewy, glass-like finish. With its emphasis on skin health and natural radiance, glass skin isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a movement that encourages a holistic approach to beauty.
4. A “whole body” approach to beauty
For many years throughout the history of beauty, these skincare products tended to focus on the outside and on improving our overall outer appearance. It’s only recently in the grand timeline of beauty knowledge that we’ve started to understand that it is just as important to take care of ourselves on the inside to make that health seen on the outside.
A holistic approach to outer beauty was also one of the top skincare trends in 20242, and we hope will continue to trend every year. Your lifestyle habits often show up on your skin (like how often you do a lymphatic detox), and changing those habits for the better can not only help your complexion, but also many other facets of your life, as well.
These don’t have to involve life-altering changes to incorporate into your routine, either. That said, once you continue them for long enough, some of them may end up being life-altering anyway. We’re talking about things like revamping your diet, getting enough sleep, doing gus-sha, hydrating before caffeine, and managing your stress levels to prevent acne. (4, 5, 6, & 7)
You know what we’re talking about here, it’s all the little things you’ve been meaning to do and, hopefully, have had time to incorporate in your busy life. Just pick a few wellness practices to habit-stack into your normal routine and watch how you flourish. If it can make you look and feel better, we’re going to call it a win-win all around.
5. Prioritizing products that repair the skin barrier
One of the top skincare trends gaining momentum is the focus on repairing a healthy skin barrier. As the first line of defense, the barrier protects against environmental stressors while locking in essential moisture. When it's compromised, issues like dryness, irritation, and breakouts can arise, making barrier skin health crucial for maintaining balanced skin. More skincare brands are now creating products with ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and fatty acids to help strengthen and rebuild this protective layer.
By prioritizing barrier repair, you’re not just addressing your immediate skin concern but also setting the foundation for long-term skin health. Whether it’s through a dedicated stem cell moisturizer or a watermelon barrier oil, these products work to improve skin elasticity and skin texture, making them an essential part of any effective skincare routine.
6. Niacinamide
Niacinamide (also known as “nicotinamide”) may become as well-known in skincare products as retinol, beta-carotene, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). There are multiple studies on the benefits of niacinamide for a wealth of different skin-related issues, and so far, it has been shown to have zero side effects up to a certain concentration. (8)
Here is a list of niacinamide benefits that you definitely want to put on your radar:
- Combats inflammation in acne-prone or sensitive skin
- Helps ward off rosacea
- Promotes more even skin tone
- Brightens complexion
- Smooths out fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduces the appearance of certain types of acne
- Promotes a stronger epidermal barrier
We’ll see where this ingredient goes in the long run, but this powerhouse of benefits is extremely promising at the moment. Niacinamide is not the same thing as niacin, either, so be sure to look for the particular name in products that you already use.
On that note, it can also be introduced to the body by vitamin B3 supplements, but remember to always talk to your doctor before introducing a new supplement to gauge any medication conflicts. And do your own proper research. For instance, using other vitamins – such as vitamin B5 for acne – can help, but others (such as B12 or B6) can trigger breakouts. (9)
7. “Skinimalism”
While the name sounds like something you might vaguely associate with drum circles and an ascetic mindset, skinimalism is one of many skincare trends that has taken a big swing. Most of us have been returning to our normal routines and now lack the time to really take care of ourselves.
As you probably already know, skincare routines can easily turn into something that takes up way too much of your time, while also being mostly unnecessary. (Ten-step routines, we’re looking at you here.) The fix? Finding that handful of products that are absolutely essential to your skin's well-being, and ditching the rest of it.
With the advancement of products in today’s world, less is definitely going to be more. Many products are multi-use and provide a wide range of benefits. People are also starting to understand that using too many products can actually be detrimental to your skin, stripping too much of your natural barriers or even causing irritation. (10)
Instead, streamline the process and say goodbye to unnecessary fluff and frills. Reach for products that promote efficiency and multiple uses so you can simplify your skincare routine. We’re talking about stuff like tinted SPF, multi-use balms and serums, and gentle facial washes that also remove any lingering makeup. This trend is one that we at CLEARSTEM really support, as all of our products serve many purposes.
The Takeaway
These beauty trends are a few of the best up-and-coming ideas that we believe are here to stay, and we have no doubt that our skin will thank us for promoting them. We’re low-key glad that the focus of the future seems to be more on trusting the experts, as well as trusting ourselves.
That said, no matter what tends to be trending, you should put yourself and your own personal skincare needs first. And remember, learning more about those things that are good for us as individuals – instead of following a single path that leads us to a rabbit hole of unnecessary products and time – is something that will never go out of style.
Sources1: Characteristics of the Aging Skin https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3840548/
2: I Have Acne! Is It Okay To Wear Makeup? https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/makeup
3: Expert consensus on holistic skin care routine: Focus on acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin syndrome https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36409588/
4: Diet and acne: A systematic review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8971946/
5: Acne Severity and Sleep Quality in Adults https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7445853/
6: Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/
7: The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5722010/
8: Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/
9: Acne related to dietary supplements https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32941710/
10: The Clinical Relevance of Maintaining the Functional Integrity of the Stratum Corneum in both Healthy and Disease-affected Skin https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3175800/
