When it comes to skin care, we are all constantly looking for the next best thing to turn us into our glowiest, most radiant selves. In 2015 it was all things K-Beauty (#tbt to the time I lathered my face in snail slime) and 2016 brought us the collagen craze. Now that 2017 is officially in full swing, what weird skin care trends should we be looking out for this year?
With more and more women embracing the no makeup trend (All hail Alicia Keys), skin care has become arguably more important than ever. After all, who needs concealer/foundation/contour/highlighter/bronzer when your complexion is flawless on its own? Thanks to technology and the shrinking barriers within the global beauty industry, we now have access to so many different options, and can test whatever crazy ingredients we can get our hands on to find what works for us.
Thankfully, most of this year's soon-to-come-trends are a little bit more appetizing than some of what we've of the past. Personally, I think I'll choose to stay away from any vampire facials or foreskin moisturizers, but you do you, girl. Here are five new, weird skin care trends to look out for in 2017.
1. Stem Cell Facials
Patagonia Berry Stem Cell Mask, Coming Soon, Sonage
"I think the new trend in skin for 2017 is 'Stem Cell Facial,'" says esthetician Tess Adams of Take Care spa in NYC. "Sonage Skin Care has a Detox Berry Stem Cell Facial that promotes anti-aging and instant glow. Trust me, this year you will start to see more and more 'stem cell treatments,' but this is a good one to start with. Life changing!!"
2. Microneedling
Glopro GloPRO& MicroStimulation Facial Tool & HydraGLO& Serum, $199, Neiman Marcus
Don't worry, it's not as painful as it looks (or sounds). "Also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of the skin," says Dr. Karen Hammerman of Schweiger Dermatology Group. "This minimally invasive treatment in virtually painless and incredibly effective. The micro-injuries created stimulate the body's natural wound healing process, resulting in cell turnover and increased collagen and elastin production, therefore reversing as well as preventing signs of aging." Benefits also include improving skin's overall tone and texture, reducing pigmentation, minimizing pores and creates a fresher appearance and glow to the skin. Beauty is pain, I guess?
3. Honey
Manuka Doctor, 24+ Bio Active Manuka Honey, $20, Amazon
You already put it in your tea and on your yogurt, so why not put it on your face, too? "I’m betting that honey is going to be huge in 2017," says Dermatologist Dr. Dana Stern. "We have always known about the antibacterial and hydrating properties of honey for the skin but we are going to be seeing different grades of honey with varying touted benefits." She likes "Manuka Honey" (pictured above) which has anti-oxidant properties in addition to the usual humectant and antibacterial, and "Royal jelly," a milky secretion produced by worker honey bees.
4. Peels
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength 40% Triple Acid Peel, $88, Sephora
You heard it here first: Peels are making a huge comeback. "With the advent of lasers and light sources, dermatologists have strayed away from peels because lasers can offer more but at a higher price," says Dr. Mara Weinstein of Schweiger Dermatology. "Peels are a great gateway to other cosmetic procedures and help to prime the skin so that makeup goes on smoothers and your facial products penetrate better." Some of my favorites are the Vi peel (a combination of TCA, Retin A, Salicyclic Acid, Phenol and Vitamin C) and straight Glycolic Acid peels.
5. Collodial Silver
Theraworx Foam, $10, Thera Worx
People spent most of 2016 freaking out about gold skin care (thanks, in large part, to the $300 a pop masks backstage at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show) but there's a new metal set to make waves in 2017. Colloidal silver has proven effective in cleaning wounds, boosting immunity, and fighting against harmful bacteria, and has been coined as a cure-all by celebrity health fanatics, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Miranda Kerr, and Lindsay Ellington. And it doesn't cost $300 per use, which is always a definite plus.
However — one thing to keep in mind: Even at lower concentrations, the NIH notes that colloidal silver can cause skin discoloration and impair the effectiveness of some antibiotics. Because it builds up in the body, long-term use may cause kidney and neurological damage in extreme cases.
6. Probiotics
The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner, $75, Anthropology
It was all about Adaptogens in 2016, and the trend isn't going anywhere. “I’m quite sure we will continue to see more skin products and even full lines dedicated to probiotics this year and beyond," says beauty expert Gregory Dylan. "With their anti-inflammatory benefits and ability to balance bacteria on the skin, those who suffer from conditions like acne and rosacea will likely be the target market with the most potential to benefit from adding probiotic skin care into their regimen.”
