The aesthetic treatment trends that will be big for 2020

Trends in treatments come and go, with scientific, medical and technological advancements enabling progress all the time. Whether non-invasive ‘tweakments’, or devices that deliver more, here, some of the UK’s top aestheticians comment on the new treatment trends predicted by the BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology).

As the UK’s leading beauty membership organisation, educator and insurance provider, the not-for-profit company has been working for more than 40 years to raise beauty industry standards, lobbying for change and reporting on trends and issues to ensure the ongoing wellbeing of its professionals and consumers. For 2020, they say to expect (or demand) the below:

1.Natural results
Natural looking ‘tweakments’ might sound like a contradiction, but that’s what more and more of us are looking for – it’s about enhancement, not alteration. Advanced laser and skin expert Debbie Thomas says that, when it comes to skin rejuvenation, the natural look can be achieved via lasers rather than wrinkle-reducing injections (like Botox). “They keep the skin in great condition, boost everything from collagen to brightness while tackling visible imperfections like pigmentation, red veins and inflamed skin. They don’t have any of the recovery time they used to either so while it may be a less obvious approach, it will ensure more balanced and healthy looking skin.”

Dr Tracy Mountford, medical director of The Cosmetic Skin Clinic says that the new trend is for ‘collagen banking’. “Awareness is increasing regarding the benefits of collagen regenerating treatments such as Ultherapy (a non-surgical treatment for lifting and tightening the skin), particularly amongst consumers aged 29-45 years who account for 70 per cent of all Ultherapy patients. This skin savvy audience has recognised the benefits of investing in their ‘collagen bank’ for better skin in the longer term, and are using it as a preventative method. This non-invasive treatment enables the skin to naturally lift and tighten, so patients can achieve a more defined jawline or natural looking brow lift. I predict it will be a growing trend in 2020”.

2.Combination treatments
Why have one treatment when you can have two or three at once? “I launched two new treatments this year that included various modalities for the best results and I aim to do the same next year,” reports cosmetic doctor Dr Sophie Shotter. “They are popular with my patients as they surpass expectations, which is what I like to do every time. Facials with radiofrequency and microneedling with lasers, or for a more low-key option, hydrafacials and rejuvenation treatments; by taking a mix-and-match approach it means practitioners don’t always have to take the most invasive route.”

3.Super spa-ing
The days when spas were just somewhere to have a touchy-feely facial and pad about in fluffy slippers are long gone, and spas are increasingly introducing aesthetic treatments onto their menus. “I truly believe that wellness is about feeling good on the inside and outside, so if a more aesthetic treatment can give you the confidence to tackle the world, then bring it on,” says Sara Young, founder of the Aesthetics Collective, which offers aesthetics services in a spa environment and works with the likes of The Grove, Pennyhill Park and South Lodge. “It’s a concept much more in line with the EU and US spa markets where you can spa in the morning and then have a chemical peel in the afternoon.”

4.Better body tweakments
Body treatments are having a makeover. Advanced aesthetic doctor Dr Preema Vig has just launched The Body Clinic, incorporating treatments CoolSculpting (the leading non-invasive fat-reduction treatment); EMSculpt (a body-contouring treatment that helps build muscle); Venus Legacy (a body-contouring technology that tones and tightens); Intraceuticals Oxygen Body (a skin treatment that administers serums in conjunction with oxygen); and EndyMed (a skin-rejuvenation treatment combining microneedling and focused radiofrequency). Similarly, The Light Salon has recently added targeted body treatments on its menu, and Baldan has just launched Le Shape – a laser treatment for non-surgical liposuction. “I think this trend for toning muscle in-clinic to complement fat reduction will continue into 2020, as with the launch of EmSculpt this year,” continues Dr Shotter. “We will see the new CoolTone hit the clinics and the makers of the well-known fat freezing treatment, CoolSculpting, are launching a muscle-conditioning platform in 2020. This will complement CoolSculpting by providing muscle hypertrophy once the fat bulk has been reduced with CoolSculpting.”

5.Clinical treatments for all skin tones
In the beauty industry, skincare, make-up and haircare has belatedly started to embrace all skin types and skin tones, and so too are clinical treatments like chemical peels, collagen induction therapy and laser. Naturally, this does put an onus on clinics and therapists to ensure they are fully trained in treating and managing all skin tones and understanding cultural nuances. “We predict that the clinics who invest in this training will see positive uplifts in their client base,” says lead aesthetician and founder of Black Skin Directory, Dija Auodele.

She also highlights how rejuvenation treatments that use energy-based devices – such as Byonik and Alift – will rise in popularity thanks to the fact they don’t use heat which makes it suitable for darker skin tones. Finally, with the entire industry calling for inclusivity, the Black Skin Directory believes that 2020 will see brands and developers ensuring clinical trials, imagery and advertising that’s more reflective of our diverse society.

6.Devices that deliver
Devices are continually evolving and new brands and companies are eager to enter the market, one of which is Pureskin, founded by aesthetician Jayne Mitchell. Pureskin recently developed RESHAPE, a combination technology that uses radiofrequency, vacuum, soft laser and LED; with four technologies administered via one single applicator, it can treat clients from head-to-toe. Six other tools have followed, and the range now incorporates EpiLase, a laser hair-removal solution; Quantum, with seven varying LED modes for face and body; and Vegas QS, a Q-switched laser device that generates powerful laser radiation in very short emission times.

Mobile therapists won’t miss out on innovations either, and fresh from the OXYjet facial rejuvenation system is the hand held, OXYjet GO. Based on the advanced in-clinic device, it delivers microencapsulated oxygen deep into the skin’s dermis along with concentrated active ingredients. Using a pulsing pressure method that’s been tested to ensure the ingredients fill the intercellular spaces in the epidermis (which appear as the skin ages), the oxygen boost improves skin cell regeneration and re-energises the skin, leaving it hydrated and lifted in appearance with zero downtime.