Adapting to a changing climate in Beauty

Climate change-affected weather, temperature fluctuations and ‘Digital ageing’ are continuing to inspire new brand and product launches within the Beauty category

Skin barrier defense products are on the rise as a result of climate change and increasingly fluctuating temperatures. Elsewhere, pandemic-enforced lockdowns shine a spotlight on screen pollution and immunity defense products, while detoxification becomes a key concept.

A rise in barrier-protective products for hair & skin in the beauty market are targeting environmental temperature stresses to the body. In Japan, ‘Yuragi-hada’ has been coined to identify skin sensitivity caused by seasonal and environmental changes.

Japanese brand Biolab’s new Crème Brillante ‘super barrier-cream’ is an example of the type of phytotherapeutic (plant science-powered) product entering the mainstream beauty space to address the symptoms caused by environmental temperature changes.

US brand Colorwow’s Money Masque Deep Hydrating Hair Treatment with Mediterranean algae and blue sea kelp helps hair retain moisture, and reduces the impact of temperature changes and exposure to nature’s elements

Numerous studies have been done to prove the link between air pollution and certain skin conditions including premature aging, acne, and even in some cases can cause eczema.

According to Collette Haydon, skincare formulator and founder of Lixirskin, ‘Pollutants generate free radicals on the surface of the skin which can lead to sensitivity. When the level of free radicals exceeds the skin’s defense mechanisms, the skin cells are placed in a state of oxidative stress which is the trigger to skin sensitivity and a whole host of issues.’

“ UK e-tailer Cult Beauty has seen a rise in searches for anti-pollution products, including a 1000% growth vs last year for Dr Barbara Sturm’s Anti-pollution drops.”

Polluting aggressors continue to drive protective formula innovation, while post-exposure detoxification is on the rise.

Clinical Reset by the brand CelleRX is a prescription-grade, dermatologist-approved skincare product that removes skin aggressors. “Healthy skin starts with Clean Skin”

Digital ageing has become a big beauty watchword, in part thanks to pandemic-escalated screen time. While much of the initial concern surrounding blue light focused on eyesight and disrupting sleep cycles, new research is exposing the effects on skin.

“ A study done by Unilever proved that 30 hours of exposure to blue-light from smartphones or laptop screens can increase the inflammation level in skin cells by 40%”

Increased interest and online searches for blue-light protection products has many brands seizing the blue-light opportunity and boosting current formulas and innovation with anti-digital benefits.

US brand Goodhabit is based entirely on a proprietary Blu5 technology, with all skincare products dedicated to filtering and neutralizing effects of blue light and reversing existing blue light damage.

Cosmetics brands are also getting in on the action, make-up brand Milani launched a Screen Queen foundation line that features Digital Blue-light Filter technology, which promotes oxygenation, helping to strengthen the skin barrier and restore its capacity to fight against oxidative stress.

The pandemic has pushed cleanliness, health and immunity to the forefront of consumers’ minds. Brands claiming protection from different environmental aggressors, banishing effects of blue-light, and services geared toward detoxification will resonate with consumers.