By Shilpa Bhim

2020 is in full swing, Zovers. And with things really getting into gear for the year ahead, it’s time to up the ante with your skincare routine. 

You probably have your go to skincare products and tools (and ready for their next shelfie), but it’s time to mix things up a little by incorporating some 2020 skincare trends into your daily skincare routine.

Not sure where to start with figuring out which are the best skincare trends to follow this year? We’ve got you! Scroll through to find out our top 7 skincare trends for 2020.

SUSTAINABILITY

Skincare users are more environmentally aware now than ever before, and are looking to reduce their environmental impact. 

Using products that have minimal and eco-friendly packaging, and purchasing from brands with the option to reuse or recycle packaging is a huge 2020 skincare trend.

Keep an eye out for brands and products like Ethique that have thoughtful packaging, less or no plastic, and fewer components. 

CLEAN BEAUTY

Knowing exactly what you are putting into your body and onto your skin is a big focus this year. 

Skincare users will be reaching for products that are free of drying alcohols and chemicals like parabens and phthalates.

Skincare products that are certified cruelty-free, vegan and toxic-free will also be trending this year. 

In fact, New York City based dermatologist, Joshua Zeichner notes that natural ingredients like CBD oil (not currently legal in Australia, but legal in the US and UK) and Bakuchiol (the plant derived alternative to Retinol) are two of the most popular natural skincare ingredients right now. 

LIP TREATMENTS

An often forgotten area of the face, 2020 skincare is all about showing your lips some love!

Your lips have some of the thinnest skin on your face (similar to the skin around your eyes). 

Because it’s so thin the skin on your lips doesn't contain as many oil glands as elsewhere on your face. This means that it needs some extra TLC. 

So, lock in that moisture on your lips this year by investing in a lip treatment or lip mask. Don’t forget to also use a lip scrub up to 2 times a week, and seal the deal with a lip balm multiple times daily - ideally one that contains SPF (you know how much we love keeping our skin protected from the sun’s UV rays!)

FACIAL MASSAGE TOOLS

Facial Rollers and Gua Sha Tools have been topping the list of skincare trends for the past couple of years, and 2020 skincare is no different!

Facial massage tools support lymphatic drainage and blood flow which, in turn, supports healthy skin and a more contoured face. 

Skincare industry expert Allison Tray, owner of Tres Belle Spa in New York City, considers that using cosmetics to contour the face will take a back seat to hands on sculpting through the use of facial massage tools in 2020.

PERSONALISED SKINCARE

It’s time for you to make your mark on your skincare products!

The merging of technology and skincare has made personalised skincare the most exciting and innovative trend for 2020, according to dermatologist Matthew Elias.

We’re already seeing some brands jumping onto this trend with offerings like Clinique’s Clinique ID which allows you to tailor your moisturiser and skin treatment in one product. 

Similarly, products like Neutrogena’s Skin360 (a portable skin scanner that attaches to your phone) and La Roche-Posay's sensor to measure exposure to UV radiation, allow users to really analyse their skin, target their skincare, and keep themselves fully protected from nasties like UV rays.

SKINCARE THAT PROTECTS AGAINST THE ELEMENTS

We all love to wear our daily SPF to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

2020 skincare will take our skin protection up a notch by focusing on protecting our skin from broader environmental aggressors - like pollution.

Environmental aggressors can lead to a myriad of skin issues such as pigmentation, a dull, sallow complexion, inflammation, and damage to collagen which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin.

2020 skincare will be all about using antioxidant rich and hydrating ingredients like Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to keep our skin fully protected and hydrated.

If you’d like to know more about the effects of environmental aggressors on your skin and how to keep your skin fully protected, check out our recent post on anti-pollution skincare ingredients.

TOP INGREDIENTS: RETINOL AND NIACINAMIDE

Expect to see more of these two ingredients in your 2020 skincare products, and for good reason!

Retinol

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A which promotes collagen production and supports cell turnover. The benefit? Retinol supports a smoother skin tone and helps reduce the appearance of sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

For those of you with sensitive skin (Retinol is not recommended for use on sensitive skin), try the plant based alternative Bakuchiol. Bakuchiol has a similar effect to retinol on your skin but as it’s 100% derived from plants, it’s less irritating.

Niacinamide

Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide helps to renew, restore and strengthen the skin’s surface. 

It also helps with improving uneven skin tone, dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. And, as an added bonus, it is suitable for use on all skin types!

Which of these 2020 skincare trends will you be following, Zovers? Are you following some already (you trendsetter, you!) Share your thoughts with us via the little icon on your right, via Instagram or email us!

Shilpa is a freelance health, beauty and travel writer from Melbourne, Australia. You can keep up with her adventures over at @skb.ontherun and check out her latest articles here.