5 Beauty Trends Hits and Misses
Here are my 5 mid-year 2023 Beauty Trends Hits and Misses.
The good, the bad and the ridiculous.
My favourite is No. 5!
1. Skinflooding
Skin flooding (also known as ‘skin drenching’ or ‘moisture sandwich’ technique Yuk!) involves layering moisturising products in a particular order to provide deeper, longer-lasting hydration. At its most basic, it involves cleansing your skin as per normal and then while still wet, applying your moisturiser and serums.
The theory behind this ‘hydration revolution’ is that layering multiple lightweight, water-based products, creates a moisture barrier that locks in hydration and restores your skin's natural moisture balance.
Verdict: Miss
While I love creative ideas, for me skin flooding does not resonate.
When I design a skincare product, I want it to go onto fresh, towel dry skin so the combination of ingredients can hydrate, nourish, or treat without being diluted by surface water. Most of the water we towel off after a cleanse will simply dry off, not soak up by the skin like a sponge. Skin which has just emerged from a nice warm shower is perfect, the pores are open and ready to receive the beautiful super nourishing actives in your skincare products. So, towel off and layer your actives and moisturiser.
2. Notox
A huge TikTok favourite at present, Notox in simple terms is merely the shift away from injectables like Botox and fillers towards non-invasive forms of anti-ageing technology, such as LED facials and skin rejuvenations designed to replicate the effects of cosmetic procedures without the cost, pain, and downtime. Chemical skin peels, micro-needling, hifu and radio frequency treatments are also said to be gaining popularity as an alternative to injections and fillers.
Verdict: Hit
Personally, while I am cautious with regular invasive procedures, it is really up to the individual and their hopefully informed choices. It also comes down to the evidence behind a process or technology compared to the consistent application of a more traditional skincare routine. Also, I think you have to have trust in the person administering these treatments. I have had some of these Notox treatments and can say that they worked for me. I enjoy going to see my friend Sophie at Skin Intuition for my treatments usually every 3 – 6 months.
3. Skincycling
This simply refers to alternating your products every other day.
The theory behind this is that skin which is being lathered with active ingredients can become overwhelmed, skincycling allows the skin to receive just the active it needs. The thinking is that overwhelming the skin can lead to sensitivities and breakouts.
Verdict: Hit and Miss for this one.
I think that if you have sensitive skin or a reactive skin this is a totally great idea. However, for someone with skin that is not sensitive the layering of actives is without a doubt beneficial and is something many of us are doing anyway and love. I always caution anyone with a sensitive skin to approach a new skincare regime slowly and allow the skin to become accustomed to the new actives you are introducing.
4. IV drips for supercharged skin
I do not know anyone who has actually done it, but I understand IV drips have become a cool way to treat hangovers or a weakened immune system. Now luxury skin clinics are springing up with very expensive vitamin drips that target better skin. This Intravenous Nutrient Therapy follows blood and DNA testing so that a tailored cocktail of vitamins and nutrients is created for your specific skin concerns.
I have even read that these supercharged IV’s will enhance the effects of facial injectable treatments.
Verdict: Major Miss
While I do not think IV’s are a scam, the concept is too intense for me. Maybe it reminds me of all those Chemotherapy sessions.
Unless you have just had surgery, are really sick or are an elite athlete and are being medically supervised, I believe seeing a nutritionist after blood tests and getting your diet right with supplements if you need them will be enough for most people.
I did this last year when I was treated for Breast Cancer and learnt that my diet only required a few tweaks.
I would like to see a lot more evidence of lasting impacts on my wellbeing to justify the risk of needles. If you're otherwise healthy, they are probably relatively safe but not necessary. I have not found one prestigious medical source that indicated the ongoing benefits. Also, who are the people offering this service and what are their qualifications? I’d be checking that out before I let anyone inject anything into me.
5. Red Nail Theory
I love this idea, yet another TikTok hashtag extravaganza with enough ‘potential’ evidence to fill a school bus. Could ensnaring the love of your potential life partner be as close as that bottle of fire engine red nail polish? And could your allure skyrocket because, in some twisted blend of psychoanalytic concepts, your new red nails remind boys/girls of their mum, or more accurately the nail polish their mum wore when they were young.
Verdict: Huge Hit.
Who needs evidence from a scientist or astrologer to know red means love, passion and attention. I did a survey (my husband) and the result was overwhelmingly positive in favour of red nails.
Sylvie xx
