Health and beauty have become intertwined more than ever in recent years. The perception of beauty is evolving from just a superficial goal to a reflection of our well-being. As a result, more people are approaching beauty with health and wellness in mind. Health trends are increasingly influencing everything from the products to use, routines to follow, and standards to aspire to.
2024 is redefining what it means to be beautiful. The modern beauty standard is increasingly inclusive and holistic, focusing on overall well-being rather than just aesthetics. This means that feeling healthy, energetic, and mentally balanced is now as important as looking good, leading to a deeper integration of health into beauty practices.
In this article, we’ll explore the key health trends and beauty movements of the year, offering insights into how they’re transforming the way we think about and pursue beauty. Continue reading to learn more about these trends.
Holistic Beauty and Wellness
As mentioned earlier, the perception of beauty is changing thanks to the holistic beauty and wellness approach that views beauty as an expression of overall health and well-being. This approach contrasts with the conventional perception of beauty solely based on the appearance of one’s skin, hair, or body.
Components of the holistic approach include proper nutrition, exercise, quality sleep, skincare, and self-care. There is a focus on skincare, as the skin is seen as more than just the body’s surface; it’s a reflection of internal health. Several supplements, like ceramides and the anti-aging NMN supplement, are used to improve skin health. NMN has gained a lot of attention over the years and its anti-aging effects are believed to stem from its ability to boost NAD+ levels, a vital molecule involved in energy metabolism and DNA repair. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, which is associated with various signs of aging, including reduced skin health.
Inner wellness for outer glow is a rising beauty trend in 2024. A growing body of evidence continues to highlight the connection between gut health and healthy skin. As a result, probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens are becoming staples in both diets and skincare. Having a healthy gut brings you closer to the radiant skin you desire.
Sustainability and Eco-Conscious Beauty
The sustainability movement continues to gain momentum, and many beauty brands are embracing practices that align with environmental responsibility. It’s an open secret that everyone has a role to play in ensuring our planet can meet the needs of future generations.
Waterless products are becoming more popular in the health and beauty space. These products, which include solid shampoos, cleansers, and concentrates, are considered to contribute to sustainability as water is restricted throughout the product’s lifecycle, aligning with sustainability initiatives to conserve resources. Another benefit of waterless products is that they tend to be lighter and require less storage space. Lesser weight means less fuel for transportation and a potential reduction in carbon footprint.
Some brands are starting to offer refillable packaging or minimal, biodegradable options, further enhancing their commitment to reducing waste. By embracing these innovations, companies are not only minimizing environmental impact but also encouraging consumers to make eco-friendly choices in their beauty routines.
Minimalism and Skinimalism
The “skinimalism” trend is all the rage these days and has evolved into a full-fledged movement. The concept of “Less is More” is at the heart of skinimalism, encouraging consumers to narrow down their skincare routines to fewer, but more effective, products. There is a special focus on natural ingredients with strong scientific and clinical backing.
Skinimalism encourages individuals to strive for healthy, natural-looking skin and to be proud of it. A quick search for “skinimalism” on Google Images reveals numerous examples of people with natural, yet flawless-looking skin. However, the reality is that achieving such flawless skin isn’t always easy. What’s important is to prioritize your skincare, focus on potent, effective products, and feel comfortable in your own skin, rather than covering it with layers of makeup.
There is also a growing demand for products that serve multiple purposes, such as tinted moisturizers with SPF or lip and cheek tints, which streamline beauty routines. This aligns with the skinimalism approach of using fewer but more effective products.
Diversity and Inclusivity
Unless you’ve been living under a work for the past few years, you’d have come across diversity and inclusivity one way or another as it’s a popular discussion across several sectors. The impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives is evident in the beauty industry as gone are the days when brands cater to only a specific group of people. Instead, their offerings have to cater for people from all walks of life.
The push for authentic representation in beauty campaigns is stronger than ever, with a broader range of models of different ages, sizes, genders, and ethnicities. Brands are also to expand their shade ranges and cater to all skin tones. This trend extends beyond makeup to include skincare, with products designed for specific skin concerns more common in certain ethnic groups.
As we continue to navigate 2024, these trends will continue to redefine beauty standards, making them more accessible and reflective of diverse needs and values.
