Out with the Old, In with the New: Skincare Trends for 2025 and 2026

The world of skincare is always changing, isn't it? One minute we're all about layering serums like a skincare trifle, and the next we're told that less is more. It can be a bit of a minefield. So, let's take a look at what skincare trends we’re waving goodbye to from 2025, and what exciting new things we can expect to see in 2026, covering both what we can do at home and what we will be offering in clinic along with many others who are keeping up with the ever evolving world of skin and aesthetics here in the UK.

2025: What We're Leaving Behind

Skin Trends In and Out

• The Overly Complicated Routine: Remember when we thought 14-step routines were the key to flawless skin? Well, thankfully, that's on its way out. People are realising that bombarding the skin with too many products can lead to irritation and unbalanced skin. The trend for "skinimalism" or "skin streaming" encourages a more thoughtful, streamlined approach. It’s about choosing quality over quantity and combining ingredients to tackle multiple issues with fewer products. It's all about working smarter, not harder. We are so pleased to see our mantra in print you know here at A L Medical we are all about the less is more approach.

• Endless Acne Products: Spot creams and harsh acne treatments are being ditched in favour of a more holistic approach. The focus is shifting to understanding the root causes of acne, like hormonal imbalances and gut health. Instead of just attacking spots, people are working on balancing their bodies from the inside out with things like a balanced diet and nutritional supplements. With the recent introduction of Advanced Nutrition Programme we have seen the real benefits of focussing on treatments that start from the inside out

• Collagen Creams That Promise Miracles: While collagen is vital for skin elasticity, those face masks and creams that boast about plumping with collagen are often a letdown. The collagen molecules in these products are often too large to penetrate the skin and actually do any good. We're wising up to the fact that stimulating our own collagen production with ingredients like retinoids or taking hydrolysed collagen, which is a smaller, more easily absorbed form, is more effective. Also avoiding too much sugar can help preserve collagen.

• The "Perfect" AI Filtered Face: After years of Instagram-filtered faces, people want to see real skin with texture and pores. The obsession with flawless, AI-generated complexions is being called out for creating unrealistic expectations. We are seeing a push for authenticity, celebrating the natural appearance of skin. Thank goodness I hear you say !!

• Over-reliance on Chemical Sunscreens: While chemical sunscreens are effective, there are concerns about certain ingredients causing irritation or impacting marine life. There is a trend moving towards mineral sunscreens that use ingredients that physically block UV rays. These are also considered "cleaner" and are improving in their formulas to become more user friendly. As we only stock mineral based spf here at A L Medical its not something that we feel our patients will be aware of but we thought it important to highlight to anyone else reading this.

• The End of "Filler Blindness": The overuse of injectables such as filler has resulted in a backlash. People are seeking more natural and subtle aesthetic enhancements. There’s been an increase in demand for procedures that produce results that are not so obvious. That being said if you choose the right medically qualified practitioner with the correct skill and who dosn't have an issue with saying no to the patients then no treatments should be detectable filler or other wise - here at A L Medical you'll be the best version of you without anyone else knowing how you have achieved it.

  
  

2026: What's Hot in Skincare?

Okay, now for the exciting bit! Here's what's likely to be big in the world of skincare in 2026:

At Home Skincare Trends

• "Prejuvenation" is the New Buzzword: It's all about taking a proactive approach to skincare, implementing tactics to prevent the signs of ageing. It's not about quick fixes, but long-term investments in your skin's health. Prevention is better than cure for sure.

• Skincare-Infused Makeup: With the younger generations prioritising skincare, makeup brands are adapting by making products that also benefit the skin. Think SPF-infused foundations, lip balms with nourishing ingredients, and BB creams packed with peptides. Think Albus and Flora or Jane Iredale

• Multitasking Products: In line with the minimalist approach, expect to see more products that combine multiple benefits in one. For example, a cream that also contains sunscreen, serum, and collagen peptides.

• The Rise of Vitamin A: Also known as retinoids and retinols, Vitamin A is gaining popularity as a powerhouse ingredient that addresses multiple skin concerns such as dehydration, acne, pigmentation, and fine lines. It also stimulates collagen and elastin production.

• Hyperchlorous Acid: This is a sanitising ingredient that's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal. It can be used on anything from acne to eczema, and even as a deodorant. In clinic our go to is ThoClor a prescription option but with proven results.

• Tailor-Made Beauty: Personalised skincare is becoming increasingly accessible. With brands offering bespoke skincare kits at high-street prices, this means that luxury is no longer reserved for the few. Start with an in clinic skin assessment. A good skin care routine can cost as little as a Costa Coffee

• Body and Scalp Care: Skincare is expanding beyond the face. Scalp health and body care are gaining more importance, with products like hair masks and scalp massagers becoming more popular..

• Biomimetic Peptides These synthetic compounds mimic the body’s natural peptides, boosting skin health by stimulating collagen, repairing skin and regulating pigmentation.

• Mineral Sunscreen: Mineral based sunscreens that are more cosmetically elegant, and don't leave a white cast, are going to be popular.

  
  

Clinic Treatment Trends

A I integration

PRP

polyneucliotides

Exosomes

• Express Preventative Wellness: There's a growing trend for quick, comprehensive health checks using advanced technology. Think of it as a full body MOT that can be done during your lunch break, with on-the-spot results. This preventative approach focuses on identifying and addressing potential issues before they become serious. Longevity screening in clinic has been popular in 2025 and we expect demand in 2026 to increase. Want to know more - contact clinic to discuss.

• Undetectable Injectables: Regenerative dermatology that restores skin function will also be growing using exomes, polynucleotides and PRP are key to this all treatments already offered here at A L Medical

• Neck and Décolleté Treatments: The neck and décolleté are no longer being neglected. Expect to see more advanced treatments using botulinum toxin and targeted topical products to lift, tighten, and smooth this delicate area. However before you start any treatments ensure you scan with area with our advanced skin technology from the Observe 520x we have here in clinic

• LED Light Therapy: This treatment is being recognised for both its skin benefits and also for its mood enhancing qualities. LED light is being used for its holistic effect, helping with mood and sleep in addition to improving the skin. With option of the Dermalux flex for home rental or the Tri Wave in clinic we have all bases covered

  
  

A Few Thoughts

It’s great to see the skincare world evolving. The move towards simpler routines, natural ingredients, and a more holistic approach to skin is really positive. It's not about chasing perfection anymore, but about celebrating real skin and focusing on long-term health. The introduction of tech to help us better understand our own skin can also lead to better decision making, when used with the advice of a professional. The best thing to do is to be well-informed, listen to your skin, and choose what works best for you. So, here's to a 2026 of healthy, happy, and well cared for skin!