The science behind the glow: How technology is redefining skincare

This article was originally written by Demi Karanikolaou in Greek for Harper’s Bazaar Greece. You can find it here.

When thinking about what shapes our idea of beauty, terms such as "health," "freshness," and "youth" quickly come to mind. For the roughly 200,000 years that modern humans have existed, physical beauty and healthy skin have consistently been admired in society. However, in the 2020s, something else is becoming even more influential in defining beauty and guiding self-improvement based on modern advancements: technology.

Having dominated nearly all aspects of our personal and professional lives, technology is now redefining how we view ourselves. Social media exposes us to more images and videos than ever before in human history, heavily shaping our standards of physical beauty. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube flood us with a variety of content, introducing us to treatments that might enhance our appearance.

While it’s true that social media can make us more body-conscious, it also has the potential to positively impact body image. Knowledge about wellness, fitness, and general health is more widespread than ever before—and at no cost. Influencers and experts have become inspirational figures championing body-positivity, offering step-by-step tutorials on how to enhance our appearance with modern tools. Indeed, studies suggest that body-positive Instagram content can increase body appreciation and satisfaction in women aged 18 to 76. Moreover, 40% of Gen-Z consumers see their skincare routine as directly linked to wellness, highlighting mental health benefits as well.

The influence of technology is so vast that many digitally native consumers learn about new techniques in cosmetic surgery, skincare, and treatments online. This has fueled the rise of “skintellectual” influencers who provide valuable content, transforming our approach to skincare. Sunscreen, for example, a long-existing product, has only recently gained prominence for its role in preserving youthfulness, thanks to consistent praise from influencers and dermatologists alike. Widespread information has also led to greater acceptance of anti-aging treatments and early preventive care, making skincare both a necessity and a modern status symbol, with many eager to invest to maintain their youthful glow.

Alice Henshaw, founder of the pioneering SkinCycles brand and the renowned Harley Street Injectables Clinic, has seen more clients embracing the power of skincare—some even seeking portable products they can use on the go. “Skincare today is more than just a routine—it’s a reflection of self-care, lifestyle, and personal expression,” she says. This ethos inspired Henshaw to create products like Lumina Mist SPF, designed for the modern, busy consumer: “Its portable, elegant design is perfect for reapplication over makeup throughout the day, blending style and functionality effortlessly.”

While lifestyle shifts drive product development, so does the increased normalization of tweak-ments such as fillers and Botox. Often discovered via social media, these treatments are also inspiring skincare founders to innovate: “Clinical treatments like Botox and fillers are an investment” Henshaw says. “Skincare can protect and extend their benefits, creating a synergistic approach to beauty and complementing them.” Her Skincycles range, for example, aims to prolong the effects of these tweakments, keeping skin elastic and smooth between appointments. Oligopeptides play a pivotal role here, enhancing collagen production and bridging the gap between injectables and skincare for a holistic beauty regimen.

While advances in technology have expanded product choices, with new active ingredients, and the ease of online shopping, some worry that this might drive overconsumption. A movement on social media, "skinimalism," responds to this concern. It encourages consumers to understand their unique skin type, simplifying skincare routines to include just a few high-quality products that promote true skin health. “Today’s consumers are more educated than ever, seeking scientifically backed products that deliver real results. We create products around this demand, focusing on measurable, long-term improvements rather than fleeting trends” Henshaw shares.

According to a 2023 Ulta report, a remarkable 50% of Gen Z consumers research specific ingredients before purchasing skincare products. Unsurprisingly, technology has transformed shopping; most product research occurs online, on platforms like Google, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, which actively influence skincare education and product sales. “Clients know what their skin truly needs,” says Henshaw. “That’s why every product we create, from the 5DHA Serum to the Clarify Complexion Serum, is rooted in advanced science and designed to integrate effortlessly into daily life.”

Beauty brands are now allowing customers to filter by skin concern or active ingredients on their websites; some even offer live consultations with experts or online skin diagnostic quizzes. This integration of tech-driven services may become a crucial advantage as technology continues to refine skincare ingredients to target specific concerns. Are there any particular ingredients to look out for? Absolutely, says Henshaw: “Oligopeptides, for example, are powerful messengers that stimulate collagen and elastin production. Our ExoYouth range uses these peptides to support the skin’s natural repair processes, improving firmness, elasticity, and overall skin health. Even better, their effects are optimised overnight. Our skin’s repair mechanisms are most active during sleep, which is why products like our popular ExoYouth Sleep Mask enhance this renewal process, acting like a reset button for our skin with oligopeptides and advanced antioxidants for overnight repair.”

As our skin requires continuous nourishment, skincare is a lifelong journey. But early treatments can help delay the effects of ageing, sun damage, stress and pollution. Millennials and Gen Z are especially well-positioned to benefit from skincare innovations, starting their prevention journeys early. Henshaw underscores the value of early intervention: “Prevention is everything. Using ingredients like TGHA4 and oligopeptides early helps lay the foundation for long-term skin health. Having said that, we create products in order to cater to every generation: addressing both preventive care and the repair of ageing effects, ensuring that skincare is accessible and effective for all”.

It seems our self-image will continue to be profoundly shaped by technology. How do experts view the future of skincare? Henshaw sees boundless potential ahead: “We’re at an exciting point where we can slow ageing, while enhancing clinical results. Skincare is evolving, and so are client expectations. That’s why we keep raising the bar in skincare and injectables, blending innovation, luxury, and efficacy to prove that beauty is more than a product—it’s a science and lifestyle journey to becoming your best self.”