The skin holds a unique place as the part of the human body most scrutinized at any one time. People go to great lengths to ensure that their skin looks in the best condition it can; little wonder, then, that the medical and product skincare market is forecasted to reach $615 billion in size by the end of 2022, according to Yahoo finance. In such a competitive world there are always new products setting out the stall for how they, scientifically, can beat out the others – but how much truth is there in this advertising, and have there truly been industry-changing advances in consumer healthcare?

The topical industry

In short – yes. Recent years have seen the rise of science-led topical skincare products, that bring together finely researched and manufactured serums and compounds that are conducive to good quality skin health. Some of the most popular compounds, such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, now also have significant scientific studies backing up their efficacy. In the past, it was supposition or the idea of effectiveness that drove forward purchases. Perhaps of most interest in regard to new research is one 2022 PubMed-published study, which showed considerably higher levels of hydration in the skin following the use of hyaluronic acid. Given the importance of proper blood flow and hydration to the skin in maintaining skin health, this is a really promising development for skincare enthusiasts and a great example of how topical skin care can be effective.

Specific formulations

Just as skincare products hope to precisely treat the different skin types that people have, new research is helping to support the use of different treatments across the body. Research conducted at UC Davis has shown that different areas of the body have different types and thicknesses of skin that respond in a multitude of ways to treatments – both subdermal and medical in origin, and in terms of topical at-home skin care. This is exciting news once again for enthusiasts, and, according to UC Davis, will help to dictate the future of skin care.

Eliminating risks

Proper skin care is as much about prevention as it is about remediation. Each year more chemicals are removed from the pool of what can cause long-term damage, and more research within the wider beauty arena is helping to support that. USA Today highlights the recent use of certain chemical relaxers, found now in hair products but also in skin products, which can raise the risk of cancers elsewhere in the body. The skin is hard, but it is also the barrier and gateway to other substances that can cause harm. Research continuing apace to help eliminate harmful compounds is just as important as verifying the efficacy of newer products.

Exciting times, then, for the beauty industry. Science is helping to show just where the gaps in treatment are, and how to get better results from the skin, whether in the medical setting or not.