WHAT WE SEE AS THE FUTURE OF SKINCARE
Janine Mendes-Franco
Over the past 100 issues, we’ve dismantled myths, elevated understanding, and navigated dermatological and aesthetic trends — but the future of skin health is about anticipating what’s next — so here’s where we see dermatology heading, and what it means for you and your skin.
1. Regenerative treatments
The future of aesthetics lies in stimulating the skin’s own biology — not just adding volume or masking lines. Therapies like exosomes, biostimulatory injectables, and advanced collagen-triggering treatments are anticipated to become mainstream, as they focus on quality of tissue, as opposed to artificial fullness.
Think prejuvenation over rejuvenation — preventative, early-intervention approaches that protect tissue and delays ageing rather than reverses it.
2. Digital dermatology
Digital and advanced imaging tools are transforming consultations and making skin analysis even more data-driven, individualised, and predictive. AI tools will be able to help us tailor treatments based on things like pigment behaviour and ageing patterns, making dermatology even more personalised.
When you think of wearables, for instance, your Apple Watch or fitness tracker probably comes to mind, but dermatology takes it a step further with the continuous monitoring of skin-related data. Think UV exposure trackers that measure sun exposure or patches that detect inflammation and deliver medication in eczema or acne-prone skin. We also see teledermatology and remote monitoring becoming way more popular, as it can allow for quicker screenings and faster turnaround times.
3. Personalised skin health
We have always prioritised skin function, resilience, and longevity over quick fixes and surface beauty that doesn’t extend to the skin’s deepest layers. Approaches like LED therapy, microbiome-focused skincare, and barrier-strengthening regimens reflect a shift toward the comprehensive skin health we’ve always advocated for.
4. Non-invasive, combo treatments
Minimal downtime, visible results, and safety — these are the hallmarks of the next phase of dermatology. Treatments like radiofrequency microneedling, ultrasound tightening, and stacked protocols, where multiple modalities work synergistically, are becoming more in demand — and for good reason. Convenience and effectiveness is a combination that can’t be beat!
5. Skincare going hand in hand with wellness
With the launch of The Greenhouse at Serpentine, we’re well ahead of the game here, because there’s a definite trend towards wellness in maintaining optimum skin health. Calm, restorative, holistic approaches that recognise how much stress and environment shape skin outcomes can do wonders in achieving more resilient skin.
6. Inclusivity and diversity
When it comes to aesthetics, we see the next phase evolving to embrace all skin types, tones, textures, and goals. This is great news for us in the Caribbean, where our skin is melanin-rich. We hope the days of darker skin hues having to avoid certain treatments will soon be gone!
7. Sustainability meets science
As consumer values evolve, especially in light of the current climate crisis which exponentially affects regions like ours, we anticipate the continued growth of eco-conscious formulations and ethical practice, whereby products are effective, safe, and responsibly produced — and if that’s where the future of skincare is headed, we can’t wait!