Revisiting 2025 skincare trends

By Temo Mpodi

Can you believe it’s already May? A whole third of 2025 has flown by in the blink of an eye! Let’s take a little stroll down memory lane to January (if you can still remember it) and check in on those New Year’s resolutions. Were you planning to declutter your wardrobe, become a sunscreen superfan, or finally commit to gym life?

Well, we had a few resolutions of our own – namely, to try out the biggest skincare trends of 2025 that made waves earlier this year. And unlike some gym memberships, we actually followed through. So far? No regrets. We even roped in Ruan Winter, Marketing Manager at Vitaderm, to weigh in.

First, let’s jog your memory with our five skincare goals:

• Embrace skin streaming: Simplify your routine with just a few high-performing products. It’s all about quality over quantity.

• Stay informed: Keep tabs on the latest skincare research and trends, but always check in with professionals (hello, dermatologists!) to make sure they suit your skin.

• Focus on ingredients: Look out for proven powerhouses like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane that target your specific concerns.

• Mind your hormones: Hormonal changes can affect your skin, so consider products designed to support you through every life stage.

• Sustainable choices and personalised routines: Go for brands that care about the planet, from packaging to ingredients. And don’t forget to use tech to personalise your routine – your skin deserves it.

So, have any of these started working for you yet? We’ve also added two extra trends that are still doing the most for us. First up: Skinimalism. It was big at the beginning of the year and it’s still going strong. The minimalist skincare approach continues to reign supreme, with more people opting for streamlined routines packed with fewer but higher-quality products. And honestly? We’re here for it.

Next up: Anti-inflammatory skincare. Products that calm and soothe irritated skin are having a serious moment – and becoming everyone’s new bestie.

“Ingredients like niacinamide and Centella Asiatica, known for their soothing properties, have become skincare essentials,” says Ruan Winter. “Vitaderm offers formulations specially designed for irritated skin, like the Protective Cream and Desensitising Cream. These contain targeted ingredients that not only calm the skin but also boost hydration – making them perfect for sensitive skin.”

At the end of the day, the golden rule remains: do what works best for you and your skin. The glow-up is personal, after all.