We see, and agree with, a holistic wellness approach to skincare. Holistic skincare addresses beauty and health. Everyone deserves beautiful skin. How that comes about goes beyond buying products, though the right products are important. Lotions were once viewed as the only way to achieve beautiful skin. Science is showing us that lifestyle choices including nutrition, exercise and stress reduction are key components as well. Advances in technology along with the traditional ways of ancient civilizations are influencing the wellness approach to healthy skin in 2016.
While we don’t think the fast pace of American Life will slow down, we do think people are becoming more conscientious about how to find balance. Below is what we see for wellness skincare trends in 2016.
Skincare and nutrition
Companies are adding nutrients and antioxidants to food and drink in an effort to support healthy bodies and skin. While there is a convenience factor in these functional foods that many people will enjoy, eating real food (mostly plants and minimally processed food) remains the best way for skin to get the nutrients it needs. We will see functional foods and drinks target particular areas of concern such as aging, acne and brightening. The idea is to promote beauty from within.
In addition to a return to real food, plants, and herbs consumers will enjoy organic juice bars, off the shelf nut milks and homemade berry or sea vegetable smoothies. All of these contain healthy nutrients and anti-oxidants that benefit the skin.
Skincare and exercise
Exercise has become a holistic health activity rather than just a means to a lean body. It promotes healthy circulation, which is a key element in keeping skin vibrant. Blood flow nourishes skin cells and flushes cellular debris, cleaning the skin from within. Exercise also reduces stress, a factor in some cases of acne and eczema. Clean, natural (no makeup) skin is best when exercising.
Athletic wear will continue to show innovation. Fabrics that provide focused support and stability for muscles, that whisk away moisture from the body, contain high stretch yarn that keeps its shape, and sun protective clothing are all welcomed improvements to help protect the skin while exercising.
Skincare and stress relief
For thousands of years meditation and yoga have been practiced for stress relief. With scientific data that supports the health benefits of these practices people are not only meditating in their homes and offices but also in groups. Adding a good night’s sleep and a mindful approach to living gives balance to the body, mind and spirit.
Ancient traditions and global access
Spreading to American spas are a number of culturally diverse beauty and health traditions.
Forest bathing is a Japanese concept based on physically walking through woods. It is a sensory walk focused on sounds and surroundings known to help the immune system.
Salt caves such as those found in Las Vegas, NV, Santa Barbara, CA, Asheville, SC and Minneapolis, MN and Chicago, IL profess to help aid in health and beauty. With roots in late 1800’s Poland, the promoted healing power of salt through inhalation is now often accompanied with yoga sessions.
Atlanta-based Teavana created Organic Imperial Grade Matcha green tea using ancient Japanese techniques. The tealeaf is dried and grinded down to a powder that preserves its high vitamin and fiber content. It can easily be mixed with hot water.
Stable packaging for skincare products
Antioxidants and other desirable skin care ingredients can be degraded if they are exposed to light and air. Containers that require a consumer to dip fingers can be unsanitary. Bacteria from one’s fingers may transfer into the product and onto the body as well. Thus the move away from jars to more stable packaging such as pumps and tubes. Environmentally safe and recyclable packaging continues to please consumers.
Lifestyle and skincare choices
People view themselves as individuals. They are not being constrained by gender stereotypes or marketing demographics. Men are showing interest in keeping their skin healthy and vibrant. Women may not be swayed by the latest marketing efforts or fashion trends as much as by what they know about themselves and their bodies. People are looking for natural ingredients and formulation practices that are effective and aligned with their values. They may choose gluten-free, cruelty-free, or vegan skincare products as an expression of those values.
If setting appointments at outside venues is daunting, more beauty services are being delivered in the comfort of home – massage, manicures and facials can all be ordered. As an alternative, YASOU natural skincare products are designed to bring the spa experience home. Like haircuts and workouts, making skincare a priority is a health and beauty decision. Celebrate your healthy choices in 2016.