What Your Skin Really Needs This Year

This month, Louise Thomas-Minns, Founder of Louise Thomas Skin Care, looks at 2026 skincare-trend predictions – and gives her expert opinion on which ones really matter

As we move into 2026, the skincare landscape is shifting faster than ever — and thankfully, it’s becoming more aligned with something I’ve been preaching for over 30 years: healthy, resilient skin starts with understanding the skin barrier and supporting skin function, not chasing quick fixes. So, if you’re wondering what the biggest 2026 skincare trends will be (and which ones actually matter), here are my expert predictions — and what I believe will genuinely transform your skin this year.

1. Skin Barrier Repair Skincare Becomes the New Non-Negotiable

Keyword focus: skin barrier repair skincare

2026 will be the year barrier health finally becomes mainstream — and for good reason.
Years of over-exfoliation, harsh actives, stress and environmental exposure have left so many people with skin that’s sensitised, dehydrated, reactive or inflamed.

Expect to see:

• Ceramides, fatty acids + cholesterol becoming essential ingredients
• Fewer exfoliants and a bigger focus on skin recovery
• “Minimal routines” built around hydration, protection and repair
• Interest in TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss) and how to prevent it

At Louise Thomas Skin Care, this has been our priority from day one because I can remember my early advanced anatomy & physiology classes about this very topic! Our signature barrier-supporting moisturising complex found across our range (hyaluronic acid, plant polysaccharides, glycerine) is perfectly aligned with this rising demand — long before it became a trend.

2. Peptide Skincare 2026: The Rise of Intelligent, Targeted Formulations

Keyword focus: peptide skincare 2026

Peptides aren’t new, but 2026 is set to be the year they truly take centre stage.
Consumers are now more ingredient-savvy, and they want results without irritation — making peptides the perfect solution.

Here’s what to expect:

• Multi-peptide complexes targeting firmness, elasticity and collagen
• Barrier-strengthening peptides for sensitive or compromised skin
• Peptides paired with hydrating serums to boost penetration
• A shift away from aggressive actives like high-strength retinoids

Peptides will be everywhere in 2026 — but choosing clinically backed, stable formulations will be key. As a skin health expert, I see peptides becoming the backbone of age-supportive routines. It’s why I put a tri-peptide in our hero serum #1 healthy ageing.

3. Microbiome Skincare Moves into the Spotlight

Keyword focus: microbiome skincare

One of the biggest 2026 skincare trends will be microbiome support — something that has been quietly building for years.

Why?
Because our skin’s microbiome acts as the first line of defence. When it’s disrupted, so is everything else: barrier function, hydration, inflammation and even premature ageing.

In 2026, expect to see:

• Prebiotics that feed the skin’s good bacteria
• Postbiotics to calm irritation and reduce sensitivity
• Microbiome-safe cleansing (no stripping surfactants)
• Focus on “ecosystem-friendly” formulations

Supporting the microbiome = supporting the barrier. This trend will grow dramatically as consumers learn that healthy skin isn’t just about ingredients — it’s about balance. Check out our hero serum #3 Balance & clear.

4. Less Hype, More Skin Literacy

After decades of confusion and overconsumption, 2026 will mark a shift toward skin education over product overload.

This includes:

• Personalised routines designed around your actual skin needs
• A return to simplicity with fewer, higher-quality products
• Understanding why your skin behaves the way it does
• More consumers seeking qualified professionals for advice

This is something I’m particularly passionate about as a skin health educator. Move aside skin care quizzes on websites & unqualified influencers (sigh) When people understand their skin, the results speak for themselves.

5. The Future of Skincare Is Slow, Supportive and Science-Led

If 2025 was about chasing glow, 2026 is about building strong, resilient, healthy skin from the inside out.
The trends ahead aren’t fads — they’re a return to what truly works.

To recap, the biggest 2026 skincare trends you’ll see everywhere:

• Skin barrier repair skincare
• Peptide skincare (especially multi-action complexes)
• Microbiome skincare
• Education-led routines — not overwhelm

And honestly? I couldn’t be happier to see the industry moving in this direction.

Want to Future-Proof Your Skin for 2026?

At Louise Thomas Skin Care, every formula we create is built on the principles dominating this year’s trends:

• Barrier support
• Intelligent actives (including peptides)
• Hydration + repair
• Microbiome-friendly formulations

If you want personalised guidance or help rebuilding your routine for 2026, book a consultation or explore our clinically led skincare range.

Here’s to strong, glowing, healthy skin — this year and beyond.

Visit louisethomasskincare.co.uk. Louise is hosting a FREE online masterclass, ‘Exercising Well: How to Support Your Fitness Goals & Your Skin’, alongside Fleur Cushman, MD of CurraNZ, on Wednesday January 21, 2026, from 7-7.45pm (UK time). Visit louisethomasskincare.co.uk/pages/masterclass-2026.

Featured image of Louise Thomas-Minns – supplied