There's been an oil revolution in recent years — face, body, and hair products are being packed with exotic oils. First, it was Argan oil — led by Josie Maran Cosmetics and Moroccanoil. And now, the latest oil to steal the spotlight is Marula, which is extracted from the nuts of Marula trees in Africa. The oil is high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it fantastic for your skin.
We're all so busy -- who has time to spend a week in hiding after an aggressive laser treatment? And doesn't a facelift sound so � extreme? New York City dermatologist Ron Shelton, MD, says non-invasive treatments are on the rise. "Women are taking better care of their skin, so they don't necessarily need the facelift," he explains. Instead, he recommends minimal-pain, "lunch break" procedures like Pelleve. "It's a radiofrequency device that tightens skin," he says. "I'm impressed with the results."
Every month, I go to dozens of breakfasts, lunches, and cocktail parties where brands launch their new beauty products. And without fail, I get a serious case of D�j� vu. Many products -- even from very different companies -- seem incredibly similar. The same way fashion designers all send the It color down the runway each season, beauty is all about trends. And skin care trends are often the most obvious. Ingredients, delivery systems, and even packaging all change in waves.
But where do these trends come from? Most experts will tell you the answer is Asia. "For years, we looked to Europe for skin care trends and innovations," says Dana Nicolette, national aesthetician for Amore Pacific. "Now, everyone is focused on Asia." Nicolette points out that the average Korean woman's skin care regimen is 22 steps (and I thought my eight-product ritual was elaborate!), which may explain why Americans are so fascinated by Asian skin care.
Take BB creams, for example: These do-it-all beauty balms have been wildly popular in Asia for years, and now the U.S. market is saturated with them. There are even trends within the BB category (read on to find out what they are).
Whether skin care trends originated in Asia or dermatologists' offices (another important sphere of influence), trendy skin care products all have two things in common: They're multitasking and -- for the most part -- they're effective. Ready to see the best of the best?
