15 Skin Care Trends That Will Define 2024

The ingredient on every it girl’s lips is peptides, and Crumm predicts that the skin-firming powerhouse will continue to flourish throughout 2024. “There are many forms of peptides, which are short-chain amino acids, aka the building blocks of proteins,” he says. “Different peptides can help with collagen synthesis, moisture retention, skin elasticity, reducing inflammation, and more.”

As for his peptide-filled product pick? He recommends the Kate Somerville Peptide K8® Power Cream ($158). But another buzzy fan fave is the Keys Soulcare Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum ($38), which leaves skin hydrated and dewy.

When it comes to skin, less is often more. “The concept behind ‘skinstreaming’ is scaling down your skin care routine to three or four simple steps,” says Lolis. “The 10-step skin care routines have taken a toll on patients' skin — and wallet.”

Squalane is also having a moment in the beauty world — and it has countless skin-loving benefits. “Squalane is a highly effective emollient that helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin,” says Somerville, skin care expert and founder of Kate Somerville. “It has antioxidant properties that help combat the signs of aging, while softening and smoothing the skin. It also aids in cellular renewal, wound healing, and hydration.”

The recently launched ILIA The Base Face Milk Essence & Lightweight Moisturizer ($58) is not only filled with squalane, but also contains beauty’s other super hydrator: hyaluronic acid.

Dermaplaning — which is a fancy way of shaving the peach fuzz off of your face — is expected to dominate the trends in 2024. “Dermaplaning has incredible skin smoothing and brightening results,” says Somerville.

As for ways to get in on the trend at home, The Skinny Confidential Hot Shave Razor ($25) is a solid pick.

The skin barrier — also known as the moisture barrier — will become more of a priority in 2024 and beyond.

“Dermatologists have noticed an increase in skin barrier damage in recent years as a result of applying too many products on the face that can be too harsh, irritating, and compromise the normal health of your skin,” says Lolis. “As a result, the current trend is going back to the basics and really focusing on skin barrier repair.”

As for specific ingredients, Somerville points to squalane and ceramides — which you can get via the Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer ($38).

In the ever-evolving world of skin care, antioxidant-rich vitamin C remains a staple ingredient. “Vitamin C has been the gold standard, but formulations tend to break down quickly and simply aren’t tolerable to those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Bhanusali, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery.

His take? There will be more innovation within the space this year, so expect to see smarter formulas containing the skin-brightening ingredient.

Yet another buzzword to keep in mind for the upcoming months is enzymes. "Incorporating these in skin care helps avoid and erase signs of cellular aging on the skin, such as laxity, wrinkles, pigmentation, and weakened barrier function,” says Lolis, who says more products are including enzymes within their formulas.

Hailey Bieber’s Rhode is getting in on the enzyme takeover early in 2024, with a pineapple enzyme-filled cleanser that’s set to drop at the end of January. Crumm also points to the Goldfaden MD Fresh a Peel Multi-Acid Resurfacing Peel ($85), which pairs the gentle lactic acid with exfoliating fruit enzymes to brighten the skin.

You’ll also see a lesser-known active all over the shelves in 2024: ectoin. And this is a win for the skin barrier and sensitive skin types.

“Ectoin is another ingredient to look for this year,” says Lolis. “This little molecule is remarkable in its ability to bind water and form complexes that surround cells, enzymes, proteins, and other biomolecules, essentially forming a protective shell around them.” Besides protecting your skin, it also boosts the skin barrier, increases hydration, and improves elasticity, she explains — all while being super gentle.

When it comes to on-trend beauty treatments, Lolis says one in particular is on the rise. “A regenerative skin care treatment I love is a CO2 lift,” she tells Bustle. “It is a way to increase oxygen content in the skin without injections or going into a chamber.”

Essentially, it involves applying a topical carboxytherapy gel mask to the skin — and this works to accelerate healing, stimulate fibroblasts, and increase hydration and plumpness, says Lolis, who notes that it’s a fave amongst celebs as a pre-red carpet treatment.

When shopping for your regimen, Somerville says to be on the lookout for ceramides on the ingredients list. “Ceramides play a crucial role in enhancing the skin’s natural barrier function, protecting against environmental factors,” she tells Bustle. “They also contribute to the firmness and suppleness of the skin and they help to lock in moisture.” Think of them as another reparative complexion hero.

In line with the “skinstreaming” trend, sunscreens that provide more than just sun protection are becoming a total must. “A sunscreen that not only protects against UV rays, but also includes additional skin care benefits like antioxidants and hydration, encourages daily use,” says Crumm. “There are so many amazing formulas coming to market that have additional benefits.”

Bhanusali also sees a rise in SPFs with formulations that absorb so well it looks as though nothing was even applied — even mineral options. “While mineral sunscreens are always in demand, it’s only now that the formulations are transitioning from chalky casts to nice, beautiful formulas,” he says.

The OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Mineral Sunscreen ($35) is a good choice, as it offers both vitamin C and SPF 30, all in a mineral-based formula.

This year, experts are seeing a boom in at-home facial tools with smarter technology than ever before. Somerville recommends investing in one (or a handful) to add a boost to your minimalist skin care regimen.

One favorite among A-listers? The SolaWave Advanced Red Light Therapy Skincare Device ($149), which uses the power of LED light therapy, vibration, heat, and microcurrent to enhance the appearance of your skin.

From stars like Millie Bobby Brown sharing makeup-free selfies to A-listers like Pamela Anderson flaunting her bare-faced glow — inclusivity within the industry has become a non-negotiable.

Lolis believes that the positive shifts will continue. “Skin care brands are increasingly catering to a wider range of skin tones and types,” she tells Bustle. “I've also seen more interest around peri- and menopausal skin.”

With an influx of gentler retinol formulations on the market, Bhanusali suspects the category will continue to rise in the year to come. “I expect to see better formulations that emphasize tolerability while still maintaining efficacy,” he tells Bustle.

Body care’s main character moment isn’t going anywhere; in fact, it’s only getting more targeted. “Patients will finally focus more on the neck and hands, which are a dead giveaway of age,” says Lolis.

For a lush shower experience, try the Saltair Golden Hour Oil-Infused Body Wash ($15).