New Year, New You: 2021 Skin Care Treatments and Trends

Hello, 2021! The new year is here, and there’s no better time to take an inventory of your skin care regimen and make needed changes. 2020 ushered in a new era of skin care and dermatology, as we all dealt with COVID-19 and the limitations it imposed on our lives.

However, necessity is the mother of invention, and despite having to limit our interactions with those outside our households, and becoming a little more tethered to our homes, new and exciting skin care products and treatments have made their way into the mainstream.

To update and enhance your skin care habits in the new year, take a look at some of the best skin care products and trends for 2021.

Trend #1: Skinimalism

One growing trend of 2021 includes trading in heavy, maximum-coverage makeup for a lighter, fresher feel that shows off your skin’s natural beauty.

After months of limited interactions outside of the home, makeup wearers are gravitating away from complex, time-consuming makeup rituals and toward pairing skin care with makeup to allow their natural glow to shine through.

The best skin care products for achieving peak skinimalism will include moisturizers and natural ingredients that keep your skin from becoming dry and irritated.

Product Suggestion: Avene Tinted Compact with SPF protection

Trend #2: Teledermatology

With COVID-19 cases once again on the rise, many people feel anxious about meeting in-person for medical consultations. Teledermatology is a great way for you to receive a consultation for skin conditions from a medical professional without leaving your home.

In 2021, expect to see teledermatology continue to grow, with videoconferencing options more readily available.

How does teledermatology work at SoCo Dermatology? We offer patients HIPAA-compliant video consultation services for cosmetic and medical dermatology. Patient information and communication during these virtual appointments are fully private and encrypted. Also, many insurance companies are now covering these services. Call our office to book your video consultation.

Trend #3: Blue Light Protection

Many of us spend our work hours in front of a computer screen and our leisure hours staring at our phones, tablets, and televisions.

We know that High-Energy Visible Light (HEV), commonly referred to as blue light, emitted from these digital devices can negatively affect your vision, but did you know that blue light can also be harmful to your skin?

Thankfully, scientists have been hard at work to create innovative solutions to protect your skin from HEV damage. To negate the harmful effects of blue light, try products that include ingredients like rosa rubiginosa, licochalcone A, turmeric, and algae.

Trend #4: Maskne Treatments

Wearing a face covering has been a vital part of keeping ourselves and those we interact with protected during the pandemic. Although the positives certainly outweigh the risks of going maskless, some people may experience skin irritation after prolonged mask-wearing.

To combat the newly coined condition called “Maskne” and prevent acne breakouts, use SoCo Glycolic Peel Pads after removing your mask. Focus particularly on your nose and other areas that may receive more friction from your mask’s placement.

Additionally, be sure to cleanse and moisturize your face using water-soluble products as part of your daily skin care regimen to give your skin extra support during this time.

Product Suggestion: SoCo Skin Free 2% Salicyclic Peel Pads

Trend #5: Probiotic Skincare (Microbiome Focused)

In 2020, we faced lockdowns, quarantines, and isolation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, you may be somewhat relieved to know that we are, in fact, never alone, thanks to the billions of micro-organisms that live on the surface of our skin and inside our bodies.

While that thought may seem a bit startling at first, the truth is micro-organisms that live on the skin and in the nose, mouth, and gut help our bodies maintain an acidic environment that provides a shield against harmful bacteria.

This year look for skin care products that minimize the disruption of your skin’s natural microbiome. Enhance your skin’s “friendly” bacteria by using products and supplements that include highly viable, pure strains of probiotics.

Product Suggestion: Metagenics UltraFlora Balance

Trend #6: Cosmetic Procedures for “Zoom Face”

With many workplaces moving to remote environments, video conferencing platforms like Zoom have become the norm for meeting with employers, clients, and co-workers while working from home.

Video communications have also become an important way to stay in contact with family and friends while adhering to social distancing.

With such a focus on the face during video calls, 2021 will see an uptick in demand for cosmetic procedures and products that address facial concerns including crow’s feet, eye bags, and forehead wrinkles.

Trend #7: Chemical-Free Skincare

The best skin care products do not always have to include a never-ending list of chemicals you can’t pronounce.

Furthermore, another growing trend in skin treatment expected to continue throughout 2021 is a shift toward chemical-free, clean skin care.

Particularly if you have sensitive skin or are prone to skin irritation, try our SoCo Skin Free skin care line, which focuses on naturally derived ingredients and ditches some of the questionable ingredients found in so many skin care products.

Suggested Products: SoCo Glycolic Cream Wash, SoCo Glycolic Body Wash

Trend #8: Moisturizing Products to Counter Frequent Hand Washing

Another recommendation for keeping COVID-19 at bay includes frequent hand washing.

While this action can help reduce the risk of transmitting virus particles from your hands to your face, constant hand washing and sanitizing can also leave your skin dry and irritated.

Be sure to step up your skin care routine to combat the effects of hand sanitizer and antibacterial soaps by following up with moisturizing products that replenish your skin.

Suggested Products:

SoCo Manuka Honey Cream, SoCo Skin Free Hand Moist

Trend #9: Radiofrequency Microneedling

This new radiofrequency treatment takes microneedling to the next level with smart features that deliver precision in every pulse and long-lasting outcomes for all skin types.

Dubbed "microneedling on steroids," RF microneedling rejuvenates and tightens skin by sending radiofrequency energy beneath the skin’s surface to jumpstart collagen growth. This highly versatile treatment targets conditions like wrinkles, laxity, acne scars, hyperhidrosis, and crepey skin. 

Schedule your RF microneedling treatment, now available at SoCo Dermatology!

Keep Your Skin Healthy and Happy in 2021

With so many exciting new treatments, products, and trends gaining popularity this year, the possibilities are endless for crafting a customized skin care regimen that is perfect for you!

If you’re looking for the best skin care products that meet your dermatological needs, visit our Online Store, which includes a range of products for every preference.

You can also call our office today at (203) 323-5660 to schedule your next treatment or telederm consultation to keep your skin in top shape all year long.