Spring may be nature’s time for renewal but personally autumn has always felt more like a time for a fresh start. It may be the sudden appearance of boots, sweaters and encyclopedia-thick magazines in stores but fall seems to bring with it an abundance of new things to try.
Cosmetic and skincare companies also tend to introduce new products at the turning of the season. It’s early yet, but two trends seem to be dominating the scene:
1.Firming Creams: Anti-aging products are still de rigueur but often, we as consumers are impatient to see visible results. This is where firming creams come in, filling a growing demand for a product that gives both short term and long term benefits. As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, both of which are essential for providing support and giving our skin a tighter appearance. In the long run, tried-and-true ingredients such as retinoids, peptides and antioxidants will address most concerns, including wrinkles, free radical damage and loss of firmness. For short term benefits, look for ingredients like kigeline and caffeine. Kigeline, a purified extract from the fruit of the Kigelia Africana tree, has shown promise in improving skin tone and preventing sagging while caffeine, when applied topically, provides a constricting effect, thus resulting in a tightening feel.
2.Masks: Although the novelty of cute animal sheet masks has begun to wear off, the fascination for masks in general has only ramped up. Not only has 2016 been the year of the sheet mask but we’ve also been introduced to splash masks and overnight sleeping masks and seen the comeback of more traditional powdered (just add water) and clay/charcoal masks that are rinsed off after 10 minutes. Skincare companies are recognizing the fact that consumers are ready to spend more time taking care of their skin. This pampering extends beyond the face. Body masks are becoming equally popular, allowing us to bring the spa experience home.
What I’m most intrigued about, however, is a peeling foot mask. After a summer spent in sandals (and enjoying every second of it), the feet are definitely in need of some specialized care. Peeling foot masks are not for the faint of heart: they not only soften and hydrate but encourage the dead skin cells to literally peel away within a few days, leaving behind baby soft feet.
Judging by the number of new versions being introduced, consumers seem to have an insatiable appetite for both these new trends.
