Gen Z may be the generation that has seen the most skin care trends thanks to TikTok, influencers and the popularization of skin care practices. Here are the trends you should be aware of and some tips on giving great counsel to your clients.
1. LED
This is a popular choice for skin care, as the microcurrents in LED masks enhance the effectiveness of products to reduce acne, fine lines and dullness. While most brands are safe, advise your clients to invest in FDA-approved LED masks with blue and red light. Blue light targets bacteria and acne, while red light penetrates deep into the skin to boost collagen and reduce signs of aging.
Some extra safety functions that can be great for retail LED devices include automatic shutoffs, timers and heat regulators. Some of the concerns that may arise relate to people with light-sensitive eyes, migraines or antibiotic treatments.
2. DIY Microneedling
Many turn to microneedling at home if it’s a more viable option for them financially to treat fine lines, acne scars and improve skin texture. Derma rollers are available on the market in different needle lengths and prices. If they’ve already started derma-rolling, look out for signs of damage like bruising or tightness, and pay attention if your client is sharing concerns about itching and peeling skin.1
Some may assume using a derma roller with active ingredients is beneficial, so you should warn them about using microneedling in combination with retinol or glycolic acid. This practice can increase skin sensitivity and susceptibility to trauma.
3. Pore Vacuuming
You may have a pore vacuum in your office for HydraFacials or pore-cleansing treatments. People love these devices for their ability to cleanse and remove blockages from skin follicles. While the best option is to get in-office treatments, your clients may approach you for advice on adequately using pore vacuums at home. Store-bought vacuums are less powerful than the medical-grade device in your office, but you should still caution clients to use the lightest suction setting to prevent irritation. The device should also be used on loose blackheads, as forcefully suctioning them could cause issues like superficial capillaries, tears and scarring.
The skin should also be prepped correctly before. Otherwise, the client is better off using a gentle chemical exfoliant or a cleansing brush with a foaming cleanser. Lastly, they should clean the vacuum thoroughly after each use, and wipe it with pure alcohol before storage to prevent bacterial infections from buildup. Depending on their skin concerns, you could also encourage your clients to try non-invasive options like a chemical peel or resurfacing laser.
Related: How Gen Z is the Generation Changing Beauty
4. Internal Skin Care
Most people know healthy eating habits like reducing sugar and processed foods benefit long-term health, but eating for skin health has become trendy and praised for its miraculous curing powers. On TikTok, users visit the #skincarebreakfast tag to share recipes for glowy skin mocktails, overnight oats with probiotic yogurt and protein powders as part of their skin care journey.
In the skin care industry, taking supplements to improve and maintain healthy skin has also become trendy. People have been taking collagen, protein and vitamin supplements to support skin health. However, how can clients make the right choices about supplements? When giving advice, it’s best to suggest they thoroughly research the supplement, since most are regulated as food instead of medicine by the FDA.2 They should also visit a doctor to get approval on the supplements, and look for any side effects and contraindications. Some supplements can worsen symptoms of medical conditions or cause health issues with improper use.
5. Skin Slugging
While this practice has recently become popular, it’s been used by generations of women to keep their skin moisturized and plump. Skin slugging involves spreading a layer of petroleum jelly (the top three slugging products are Vaseline, Aquaphor healing ointment and Cerave Moisturizing cream) on the face to encourage products to sink deeper into the skin and create a protective barrier. It prevents drying since the occlusive layer prevents anything from getting in or out of the skin.
Although it’s useful for moisturizing, restoring lipids and repairing the skin barrier with the protective layer, certain skin types must be careful when slugging.3 Oily skin already has a robust lipid layer, and adding more to the surface could result in breakouts or milia. For acne-prone skin, suggest any product with ceramides and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. The client gets the benefits of slugging without clogging their pores. Lastly, advise your clients on the best products to use under slugging. Slugging increases the intensity of products underneath it thanks to its occlusive nature, so the wrong actives or ingredients on the skin can cause sensitivity.
The Wise Skin Care Guide
With skin care trends becoming increasingly accessible online, it’s crucial to stay in-the-know. Young adults and teenagers often see viral skin care trends and try them without thinking about the potential dangers. Professional guidance can help them make the best choices for healthy, happy skin.
Reference
2. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/fruit-and-vegetable-supplements
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/slugging-skin
Cora Gold is a beauty and skincare writer and the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn and Twitter.
