Sunscreen, skinimalism, ceramides: Top trends in face and body care for 2023

Sunscreen was bigger than ever this year. Photo: Rituals

Last year, the global beauty market generated approximately US$430bil (RM2tril) in revenue, and that number is only going to go up.

Trends shift, and this year saw certain products and ingredients taking the skincare world by storm.

Here are some of the top trends in skincare in 2023.

The year of ceramides

Exfoliation was a huge deal in 2022, with consumers getting rid of dead skin cells to make way for new ones. This year, ceramides came out tops in the world of skincare.

A class of fatty acids called lipids naturally found in our skin cells, ceramides make up about 50% of the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Used in shampoos, deodorants and makeup, ceramides have found their way into cleansers and body wash as the demand for better quality self-care products increases.

Body creams have soared in popularity this year. Photo: Illiyoon

These long-chain fatty acids that link with other important molecules to promote cellular function help lock moisture into your skin, which prevent dryness and irritation.

According to healthline.com, they may also help protect your epidermis from environmental damage and may even have anti-ageing effects.

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Suncare, suncare, suncare

“Don’t skip sunscreen!” Name a more repeated phrase in the world of skincare? I’ll wait.

How many articles about “skinimalism” have you read that cite SPF as one of the essential skincare products to use? Up there with moisturiser and cleanser, sunscreen ranks as the product you can’t skip.

Post-peak pandemic period, SPF was all everyone talked about as we emerged from our homes to enjoy the outdoors again.

As more people took time to travel this year, readying themselves to explore new city scapes and lounge by the sea, SPF in various forms has taken the world by storm.

SPF is now available as sprays, brush-on powders, whipped mousses and roller sticks – there’s a formula for everyone.

Focus on body care

Thanks to Covid-19 and the many bugs that followed, im- proving one’s health and well-being are of utmost importance.

Apart from eating well, exercising and upping our skincare game, brands and consumers have also turned their focus to the skin below the neck.

Scrubs for every inch of the body, creams targeting different parts of the skin and even toners and serums have been introduced this year.

Did you ever think you would be using cleanser, toner, serum and moisturiser anywhere but your face? Well, get used to it, as it’s already becoming the norm.

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Skinimalism, au naturelGone are the days of the 12-step regime, as minimalist skincare has been trending for a while now.

People are streamlining their routines and getting rid of steps deemed unnecessary, whether it’s due to product fatigue, concerns about waste or merely wanting to reduce the products they put on their skin.

Formulas that address multiple skin concerns have popped up everywhere, and if they are natural, they do even better.

Consumers are increasingly seeking safer ingredients, and the demand for plant-based and organic options has grown.

Brands are incorporating more naturally-derived and eco-friendly formulations, and are moving towards sustainable packaging such as refillable pods, compostable boxes and packaging, and active ingredients.