Throughout the years, the skincare industry has gone through a constant evolution of trends. You’ve probably already heard of 24-karat gold face masks, the multi-step Korean skincare routine, bubbling face masks, and scary vampire facials — the list goes on and on. The thing about weird skincare trends is that they tend to be more shocking and Instagram-worthy rather than helpful to your skin. While some of these trends may be questionable in terms of their efficacy, here are some recent yet slightly strange trends that come with actual skin benefits to get you that gorgeous glow in no time:

1. CBD and Hemp Infused Products

Commonly associated with marijuana, these anti-inflammatory and non-psychoactive ingredients are becoming a rapidly growing trend in the realm of skincare for their subversive nature. Elle raves about how CBD-infused lotions can help relax tired muscles and hemp oil is a fantastic moisturizer. Fun fact: The Body Shop has been using hemp in their products ever since 1992.

2. Algae Face Masks

We tend to associate algae with the green stuff growing in our aquariums or floating around in the ocean, but this natural ingredient is power-packed with a wide range of goodies for your skin. In our article ‘Stable Waterless Vitamin C That Soothes: Kat Burki Nutrient-C Eye Cream’, we describe how algae extract “conditions, hydrates, softens, refines texture and detoxifies the skin.” Isn’t this multi-tasking amazing?

3. Dry Brushing

Originating from ancient Chinese medical practices, dry brushing involves using a soft bristle brush across your entire body from the bottom to the top to get rid of dead skin cells. Parsley Health explains that dry brushing may have a surprise health benefit, in the fact that it simulates the lymphatic system. The idea behind dry brushing is that you’re brushing towards the heart, working with the body’s natural lymph flow while exfoliating dead skin. It’s the perfect stress-reducing addition to your routine before taking your bath or shower.

4. Probiotic Skin Care

Okay, putting bacteria on your face might sound weird at first, but as long as it’s the good kind it can actually repair your skin barrier. In fact, using harsh facial cleansers and antibacterial soap can lead to dryness and irritation, but Forbes suggests that probiotics function as a “protective shield against bad bacteria, dialing down inflammation, preventing premature aging in the skin” and even reducing acne.

5. AI Personal Customization

Would you trust a machine to make skincare recommendations for you? A brand called Proven may be your best bet yet. It was founded by a team from Stanford University and relies purely on algorithms and artificial intelligence, gathering and analyzing data related to “individual ingredient efficacy to consumer testimonials and scientific-journal reports” to deliver top-notch personalized skincare. After all, robots are getting smarter and so should we in terms of the decisions we make regarding our skin.

 

At the end of it all, skincare trends always come and go. Something to keep in mind before trying any skincare trend it’s that it is always important to do your own research and conduct a patch test to prevent any negative skin reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin or any allergies.