2018 beauty trends
MORE than ever before, multicultural trends in skin care and wellness are becoming all the rave in the western spa market.
In 2018, we can be sure to keep an eye out for unusual ingredients, new products and fascinating techniques for rejuvenating the face and body . The increasing popularity of trends from other countries has revolutionised what happens in our own spas.
Here are some of the most striking and attention-grabbing techniques, products and ingredients that originated in the East and are infiltrating spas in the West.
Technique
Korean facelifting: In Korea, a “v-line” face with a defined jawline and chin is considered ideal, so massage techniques focus on facial resculpting as an alternative to cosmetic surgery.
Skin is stimulated along acupuncture pressure points. Firm pressure is used to massage under cheekbones, toward temples, down facial contours, along the bridge of the nose to the forehead, and down the sides of the face and neck. Care should be taken to avoid vigorous, tugging pressure, which might cause sagging.
This procedure doesn’t limit itself to face massage — working with the shoulder and neck areas is key to achieving a lifted look and luminous glow. After the massage, a sheet mask is applied, then the skin is saturated with a serum containing vitamins, peptides, stem cells, and growth factors.
Product
Jade roller: The Chinese have been using jade as a healing element long before the jade roller became the have-to-have item in today’s at-home spa. Jade rollers are not only effective, they are inexpensive too.
It resembles a paint roller but can do wonders for your skin. Here are some reasons why you should pick up a jade roller the next time you are out shopping:
• The jade roller improves blood circulation and skin tone, too.
• It gets rid of puffiness as it encourages lymphatic drainage.
• It improves the elasticity of the skin.
• The roller reduces wrinkles and retards ageing.
• The dark circles under your eyes will be a thing of the past.
• It eliminates toxins. The motion of the roller on the skin increases circulation. With extra circulation and lymph flow, there is cell renewal.
• Your pores are tightened as the jade, being stone, remains cold even in warm weather.
• There will be an increase in the life force chi. With more blood flow, the chi shows on your face, making it glow.
• It boosts the immune system.
• The health of the heart, lungs and the thymus improves.
• It eases the pain of sinus and headaches.
Ingredient
Jellyfish: Although usually avoided at all costs, the jellyfish is receiving a closer look for their skin care benefits.
Turritopsis nutricula has been dubbed “the immortal jellyfish”, since it goes through multiple life cycles, actually reversing the ageing process.
Scientists extract jellyfish collagen for use in skin care formulations to hydrate and activate collagen synthesis, helping skin cells act young again. However, as this ingredient trend spreads across the globe, there’s no need to worry about depleting the ocean’s supply of jellyfish.
Jellyfish have become a big problem in Japan in recent years, and their increasing numbers have been blamed on over-fishing, climate change and the creation of artificial reefs. They’ve even blocked up the cooling water intake of a nuclear power station at Hiroshima in the last few years, forcing the power station to temporarily cut its output whilst the blockage was cleared.
Now, maybe what was previously turning into a nuisance, and occasionally a restaurant delicacy, will turn into an asset for the cosmoceutical industry.
Michelle Vernon is a phlebotomist medical aesthetician who operates the Body Studio Skincare, located at 20 Constant Spring Road, Mall Plaza, Kingston 10, and Fairview Shopping Centre, Montego Bay. She may be reached at telephone 908-0438 or 684-9800; IG @ bodystudioskincare; E-mail: bodystudioskincare@gmail.com; Website: www.bodystudioskincare.com.