Within the skincare industry, trends seem to come and go with the seasons. 2020 saw home centred self-care and ‘DIY spa days’ becoming the norm so it’s interesting to consider where our skincare regime will take us this next.

Here, Leah Uka from The Laid Club and Jenny Zhang from SJÖ SKIN share their thoughts on the top skincare trends for 2021:

Leah Uka

“Twelve months ago, few of us would have predicted that the trends to dominate the year ahead would be tracksuits, banana bread and face masks. 2020 was dubbed the year of self-care and with the pandemic firing on, I don’t think that is set to change anytime soon! “One big trend that started this year since people started spending more time at home was wearing less make-up and becoming more aware of how our skin looks and feels - probably one of the biggest reasons for this was due to the deluge of unprecedented skin concerns.

Chief among them was "maskne" a term coined from the correlation between wearing face coverings and breakouts. Sensitised skin was another skin-care woe, mostly in relation to mask-wearing and zealous hand washing.” Leah continues, “With COVID set to stay for a little longer, it’s important to look for a face covering that will not only help to protect you but is also kind to your skin.

The constant rubbing of rough material against our skin can result in bacteria, oil and dirt build up which can in turn cause clogged pores and breakouts. “As well as our Face Coverings being made from 100% Pure Mulberry Silk, we have infused them with the dream hydrating skincare ingredient, Hyaluronic Acid which will help to restore hydration, banish dry skin and keep those blemishes and dreaded ‘maskne’ at bay – it’s like a wearable facial!”

Jenny Zhang - SJO SKIN

“I think a lot of the ten step routines will come back and we’ll see more multipurpose and simple products making a comeback. “The skincare world has been obsessed with actives and acids for a while but I think many of us will re-prioritise and go back to nurturing and protecting the skin we have, rather than over exfoliating.” Jenny adds, “I think we’ll be seeing more products aimed at providing hydration as a way to battle some of the irritations of wearing masks all day. “Ingredients focused skincare is likely to become more popular as people become more educated and demand more transparency of what goes into their products.”

Jenny also shares SJÖ SKIN’s Top 10 Commandments for protecting your skin during the winter.

1. Stay hydrated – The oldest tip in the book but it’s an essential one.

2. Don’t forget your feet and hands – You’ll be touching your face a lot so make sure these are clean.

3. Take off your wet clothes – The longer you wear them, the more they’ll irritate your skin.

4. Keep on top of your fruit and vegetables – These contain vitamins and antioxidants that your skin needs to stay healthy.

5. Lower the thermostat – The hotter your indoor setting, the more you’ll dry out your skin.

6. Apply sun cream – Just because it doesn’t feel hot, it doesn’t mean the suns rays aren’t having the same effect.

7. Avoid a woolly jumper – Wool can have an irritant effect on the skin if you’re allergic.

8. Exfoliate – You’re going to want to get rid of the dead skin you’ll inevitably have.

9. Protect your skin – Wear thick gloves and hats to protect your skin from growing too cold.

10. Use lukewarm water – Avoid hot water as it’ll dry your skin so quickly.

To find out more about SJÖ SKIN please visit www.sjoskin.com