By: Caitlin Madden
Published On: 02/20/2026
FALLING FOR
The Viral Skincare Trends We’re Actually Obsessed With
The algorithm strikes again…
In the last few months, I have found myself thrust into the world of “SkinTok”, a skincare-centric corner of social media where every video I scroll by somehow stops me in my tracks with a new launch, trend or controversial take. And let me tell you—I have been consumed by it.
From real dermatologists providing professional advice, to ingredient breakdowns, to strangers’ daily skincare routines, the SkinTok content is endless and it has quickly jumped off my phone and onto my vanity. I’ve been testing and trying so many things—viral products, new technologies, gimmicky trends—some of it hasn’t really been for me, but a lot of really popular trends have actually become mainstays in my routine.
After all, there’s a reason why some things go viral.
From real dermatologists providing professional advice, to ingredient breakdowns, to strangers’ daily skincare routines, the SkinTok content is endless and it has quickly jumped off my phone and onto my vanity. I’ve been testing and trying so many things—viral products, new technologies, gimmicky trends—some of it hasn’t really been for me, but a lot of really popular trends have actually become mainstays in my routine.
After all, there’s a reason why some things go viral.
GREAT BARRIER…REPAIR
Lately it seems like every skincare video I scroll by is talking about damaged skin barriers. To be quite honest, I didn’t really know what that meant, but they hooked me enough that I watched and learned (and totally bought into it). Barrier repair focuses on treating and protecting the skin’s outer layer, or “barrier” against environmental stressors (hello cold weather and wind!) over exfoliation (we can blame the previously trendy 12-step skincare routine) with ceramide-rich creams and minimal routines. Great for dry and disrupted skin, it really emphasizes hydration and healing in a gentle way. One of our favorite barrier-based-brands is Ursa Major— full of supremely nourishing and soothing ingredients that lock in moisture and relieve stressed-out skin.
RED LIGHT THERAPY
Ever been stopped in your tracks by a post of someone wearing a scary-looking face mask with a red glow? Yeah, us too. So much so that we just had to test them out ourselves. And guess what? They really work. Using infrared-LED lights to target skin texture, fine lines and inflammation (among a host of other concerns, depending on the mask you choose) these alien-like face masks are like a luxury spa day that you can just wear around your house. With regular use, FP Copywriter, Jules saw brighter, plumper-looking, bouncier skin with reduced breakouts—her results were so promising, I bought one for myself.
PERFORMATIVE EYE PATCHES
A trend of defiance, sparked by discourse over people wearing under eye patches out of the house ot run errands, pick up coffee, go to pilates, etc. we’ve taken it in stride and popped on patches pre-commute or mid-day for a little indulgent pick-me-up that looks cute and adds a little whimsy to the day! Sometimes beauty is performative and that’s okay. Maybe our eye patches are an unnecessary accessory, but they’re infused with skincare ingredients that really work and they’re wearable, so there’s really no reason why they can’t come along for the ride.
SKINCARE-MAKEUP MASHUPS
Have you ever seen an influencer’s Get Ready With Me that didn’t start with them applying a serum that doubles as a glowy tinted bronzer? Yeah, they got me. There’s been a definite turn away from heavy foundations and lots of base layers. Instead, we’re seeing lightweight, do-it-all formulas with a skincare focus that masquerade as makeup. From bronzing drops to peptide-infused lip colors, concealers that improve your skin as you wear them and liquid blushes that are also hydrating—it’s all about a makeup routine that addresses your skin issues instead of just covering them up—and I’m all in on it.
DON’T FORGET YOUR BODY
For so long, skincare has been primarily face-focused,but now it seems like everyone is building a body care routine. Beyond your typical body wash and lotion, I’m seeing videos that start with dry brushing and end with slathering on hand cream and locking it in by wearing mittens overnight. It’s a nice way to romanticize your daily shower routine and make it feel a little more indulgent. Now, my routine doesn’t start and end with lotion. I’ve incorporated body-exfoliating creams, skin-healing sprays, indulgent oils, butters and creams infused with ingredients I would typically save for my face. Now my routine feels more like a ritual and I look forward to it everyday. Thanks, influencers!
WE’RE SKINFLUENCERS NOW…
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