It was only a matter of time before the concept of “longevity” made its way into our skincare routines. While the term is often overused, 2026 marks a turning point—one in which longevity is no longer about marketing spin, but about cultivating skin cells that work harder for us. We’re after skin that is resilient, able to repair itself, and looks (and, crucially, feels) good not just now, but for years to come.
“We’re moving away from ambiguous claims and superficial trends and into an era defined by quantifiable biology, measurable outcomes, and a demand for transparency,” says dermatologist and founder of Klira, Dr. Emma Craythorne. “Consumers are no longer satisfied with vague promises of glow and hydration—they want to understand mechanisms, data and longevity. And truthfully, so do we as clinicians.”
From cellular health and personalized treatment plans to next-generation LED that goes further than ever before, Vogue speaks to the experts to uncover the ingredients, innovations and treatments shaping skin health in 2026.
Biostimulators and regenerative treatments
Regeneration sits at the heart of skincare in 2026. “My patients are increasingly focused on the long-term health of their skin and are seeking regenerative treatments that look natural, rather than quick fixes or dramatic changes,” says Dr. Wassim Taktouk. The overfilled, over-frozen (even just a bit) aesthetic has had its day; in its place is a desire for luminosity, movement and healthy-looking skin. “The demand for treatments that respect skin health and tissue integrity will only continue to grow,” he adds.
Biostimulators—injectables that trigger the skin’s own collagen production—are central to this shift. Unlike traditional fillers, they offer both an immediate effect and progressive improvement over time. Julaine, a newer bio-activator, is one to watch. Using poly-L-lactic acid technology, it stimulates the tissue-supporting network around skin cells—what Dr. Taktouk calls “the skin’s factory for all the good stuff”—supporting natural collagen and elastin production with minimal inflammation.
“It delivers tighter, firmer skin with improved tone and texture, but without looking ‘done’,” he says. “It’s ideal for patients who want to look like a better version of themselves, not different.” Sculptra, another poly-L-lactic acid-based treatment, is also experiencing a renaissance, according to Dr. Ash Soni, as patients increasingly prioritise gradual, natural regeneration.
Skin cell health
Topical skincare is following the same regenerative logic, with a focus on mitochondrial health—also known as the engines of our cells. Ingredients that support mitochondrial function help skin cells generate more energy (ATP), repair damage more efficiently and withstand environmental stress, resulting in healthier, more resilient skin for longer.
Expect to see formulas rich in CoQ10, NAD+ boosters such as niacinamide and NMN, peptides, antioxidants like vitamin C and resveratrol, and alpha-lipoic acid. Dr. Craythorne also points to the rise of diagnostic clinical tests capable of measuring cellular stress, mitochondrial function and barrier integrity, paving the way for genuinely personalized skincare.
Ectoin
Next year’s hottest skincare ingredient? Ectoin, a natural amino acid derivative that protects and strengthens the skin by forming a hydration shield around skin cells—Google searches are up 60% in the last month. Helping the skin hold onto moisture, it also reduces inflammation and irritation, while defending the skin against environmental stressors like pollution, UV exposure, and changes in temperature, for more hydrated, resilient skin.
Peptides, redefined
“Peptides will take centre stage in 2026 as we move away from aggressive exfoliation and overly complicated routines, and towards barrier-repairing, microbiome-friendly and healing skincare,” says Dr. Brendan Khong.
“Peptides are the building blocks of the skin,” Dr. Khong explains. “They act as messengers, signalling the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, while also offering anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce redness and premature ageing.”
Facialist Jasmina Vico combines high-quality topical copper peptides with photobiomodulation (LED therapy) to amplify results. “The light increases micropermeability, helping peptides penetrate more deeply while also reducing inflammation and supporting tissue repair,” she says.
Dr. Soni also predicts peptides will play a key role in restoring skin quality for patients using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. “We’re seeing crepiness, loss of elasticity, and reduced skin quality,” he notes. “Peptides can significantly improve texture, strength and resilience.”
They have been popular for a while, but standards are rising. “If a brand claims a peptide can induce collagen or modulate inflammation, it will increasingly need to be backed by controlled clinical studies—not just in-vitro data,” says Dr. Craythorne.
Facelift alternatives: the return of human touch
In amongst new science and a rise in surgical procedures, there’s a renewed appreciation for hands-on treatments. Searches for “Indian face massage” and “face massage brush” have rocketed by more than 5,000% in recent months, reflecting growing interest in natural, non-invasive lifting techniques.
Guendalina Gennari, also known as The Skin Sculptor, is one of London’s most in-demand facialists, deploying intra-oral massage and deep muscular release to alleviate years of pent-up tension. The result? A jawline that feels liberated and skin that looks sculpted, luminous and refreshed—arguably the closest thing to a holistic facelift without a needle or scalpel in sight.
Iris Maglianoc’s Skin Symmetry facial blends Golki bone-setting massage, myofascial release, lymphatic Dr.ainage and craniosacral therapy to rebalance facial muscles—strengthening what’s underused and releasing what’s overworked. And then there’s Lana Buckley, a “sculptural masseuse” known for delivering facelift-like results through a combination of buccal massage, fascial release and lymphatic drainage.
Exosomes
You may already have heard of exosomes, but they’re set to become a defining trend of 2026. “Exosomes are membrane-bound vehicles that contain proteins, lipids and genetic material derived from their parent cell,” explains Dr. Barbara Sturm, who has researched them for over two decades. “They play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication, reducing inflammation, supporting regeneration, and improving overall skin vitality.” As natural exosome levels decline with age, replenishing them through treatments or topical skincare can be highly beneficial.
Dr. Sophie Shotter points to MetaCell Technology (MCT) exosome treatments as one to watch. “MCT is autologous—it comes from your own body—stimulates collagen, improves texture and restores radiance without synthetic ingredients,” she says. At home, Dr. Sturm’s Exoso-Metic Face Serum is among the standout options.
Neck care and total skin health
Do you feel bad about your neck? Many do, according to Dr. Soni, who has noticed an increase in patients—particularly those using GLP-1 medications—who are anxious about the area. Treatments like Sculptra offer luminosity and lifting, while polynucleotides paired with un-crosslinked hyaluronic acid can Dr.amatically improve quality and elasticity.
But the focus doesn’t stop there. “People are finally treating their body skin with the same seriousness as their face,” says Dr. Shotter. Expect advanced body serums, retinoids and AHAs formulated specifically for larger areas, as well as a renewed emphasis on even tone and texture from head to toe.
Personalized, data-driven skincare
If one theme defines 2026, it’s precision. Diagnostic-driven, personalised skincare—both in-clinic and at home—is set to go mainstream. “AI-supported imaging and diagnostic tools will become standard,” says Dr. Shotter, from clinical devices like the OBSERV 520x to AI-powered apps that analyse pores, pigmentation and skin health in real time—see Noli and SkinScan. “These tools allow us to move away from one-size-fits-all skincare and towards truly tailored routines that deliver results.”
It’s not just apps that are delivering personalised skincare. Beyond AI, Vico customises every treatment, incorporating wellness techniques as well as lasers, energy-based devices and microneedling. Think customised IV Dr.ips with NAD+, vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants while you have eye laser treatment to improve dark circles. Oh, and throw in some vagus nerve treatment (courtesy of the Pulsetto device) to reduce stress. “This taps into the gut-brain-skin connection,” she says. “By toning the vagus nerve, we reduce stress, relieve anxiety and improve sleep, which in turn helps with skin health.”
Have a beauty or wellness trend you re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue s senior beauty wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.