I hate trends (as I am typing this, Jennifer told me hate is a strong word and to use the word "dislike," but I really do hate trends). I am traditional when it comes to pretty much everything, but I do have a weakness for all things skincare. I will definitely try any skincare trend that tickles my fancy. There is always room for improvement in skincare and I try to stay as up as possible on the newest crazes. A few things that I have adopted into my skincare routine did come from the trends of 2020, and let me tell you, I think they are here to stay. 

Trend #1: SPF that Defends Against Blue Light

In the age of COVID, many of us are working from home and have neglected to apply SPF because what's the point? We aren't really venturing outside, right? Wrong. The blue light from your laptop and phone screen could be disrupting all of the efforts you have put into your skincare. I have said it before, and I will say it again, you could use the best skincare in the world, but if you're not wearing an SPF, you might as well not be doing anything. Many of us already have an SPF we love, but it may not be protecting you from blue light. Coola Refreshing Water Mist is an effortless addition to your skincare routine. The heat source in your home (or your office if you're there) may be dehydrating skin, so this mist is a double win - blue light protection plus rehydration. It is enriched with electrolyte-rich (another trend of 2020) coconut water and aloe and free from drying alcohol. I keep it right next to my computer and spritz it often to hydrate and protect.Your cell phone is a blue light enemy too. Consider a blue light screen protector. The phone is often the most looked at of all your devices. Over time, that damage adds up.   

Trend #2: Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics contribute to a balanced microbiome, which is essential for everyone's skin. If your skin is not feeling or looking as nourished and youthful as it used to, it may be because your microbiome has been compromised. Prebiotics are the foods consumed by probiotics and probiotics are the good bacteria in our body that keep our skin stable and strong.An effortless way to add prebiotics and probiotics to your skincare routine comes in the form of this facial mist (which if you haven't noticed, facial mists are another 2020 trend that is here to stay). I spray this on my face immediately after cleansing. It preps my skin for the other amazing skincare I use and does not require wait time for layering. It is quickly absorbed and can be used post-makeup for a revived and healthy-looking glow.  

Trend #3: Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Okay, this one has been around a while, but there weren't as many effective options until recently.  Everyone is trying to opt for clean personal care where they can. Whether it be in what we are eating or what we put on our bodies, we are headed in a "clean" direction. Although research is a bit shaky, aluminum is one of the ingredients being removed from deodorant. I will not be relaying the supposed risks of aluminum, but if you are conscious about this ingredient, we have a range of clean and aluminum-free deodorants to choose from.  

Trend #4: Collagen Supplements

Collagen has long been an ingredient in topical skincare. Only recently has there been an influx in the popularity of collagen supplements. Collagen is a protein found in the body that is essential for healthy skin, hair, bones, joints, and ligaments. As we age, collagen production begins to decline. On the trend of clean, we offer the Cannabliss CBD+Collagen supplement. It promotes skin cell renewal and elasticity while providing the calming benefits of CBD. 

Trend #5: Slugging

And last but not least, we come to the eye-grabbing title of the article, slugging. Slugging is the act of sealing your skincare with a heavy occlusive balm. This is actually not the newest concept. Generations of women have been using petroleum jelly to moisturize and preserve. The problem with that is pure petroleum jelly could wreak havoc on oily and acne-prone skin. As someone with all of the above (acne-prone, oily, large pore, sensitive) issues, I was wary to try slugging. After extensive research, I was happy to find a great slugging product right in the store. The Skinceuticals Hydra Balm is the perfect answer to my pore-clogging concerns. The Hydra Balm quickly relieves dehydrated, itching, flaking skin and locks in moisture for long-lasting comfort. Ideal for post-procedure or persistently irritating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, this soothing emollient reinforces your skin's natural lipid barrier with humectants like rice bran oil and squalane. Aloe and chamomile extract calm inflammation and reduce redness.