Trending skincare

Studies show consumer habits have changed in the wake of this pandemic, and emerging trends in the beauty space point to a shift in how we care for our skin. Here, founder and medical director of Skin Renewal, and a GP who specialises in aesthetic and integrative anti-ageing medicine and procedures, Dr Maureen Allem, weighs in.

- THOBEKA PHANYEKO

COVID-19 hasn’t only disrupted our economy but also how we relate to each other. Dr Maureen Allem notes that connecting with friends and colleagues is more virtual than ever. “Many of my patients have experienced ‘Zoom and gloom’, that feeling of despair you get after turning on the camera of your device and realising that the tired-looking face staring back at you is your own,’ she says.

By enhancing your focus on your face, you’re more self-conscious than ever before. ‘When you smile, you notice crow’s feet around your eyes, and when you return your face to a neutral position, you see hollows or rings under them,’ she adds.

Here’s all you need to know about the latest skincare trends so you can make an informed decision about your regime.

Glamour: What are people focusing on most this year?

Dr Maureen Allem: This year is all about eyes, be it a treatment to contour the area or topical eye cream to enhance their complexion and radiance. Eye rejuvenation corrects concerns such as crow’s feet, under-eye bags, dark undereye circles and thinning skin around the eyes. But the current trend is to use those techniques and treatments to reshape the area to achieve the almond or oval eye (a.k.a. the upturned eye), fox eye or cat-eye.

G: Are we shopping for beauty products differently?

Dr MA: We’ve found that since most people have had to tighten their budget, they want products that target an array of concerns or serve multiple functions at once, such as a day cream that already contains an SPF or night cream and serum combined.