There’s one thing we know for sure coming in 2023: a hodgepodge of skincare trends. And just like in years past, they’ll range from based on actual science to whatever might go viral. 

So which skincare predictions are worth paying attention to, and which ones should get shoved to the back of the proverbial medicine cabinet? We’ve got the answer, courtesy of our founder (and champion of evidence-based dermatology!) Sandra Lee, MD, aka Dr. Pimple Popper. Here are her picks for the top 5 skincare trends for 2023.

Multitasking products

As we ramp up a return to our on-the-go lifestyles, time is once more of the essence. Many of us no longer have the luxury of layering on a multitude of products. So this year, expect to see skincare that can multitask: think cleansers with exfoliating ingredients, and serums that address both dark spots and fine lines, for example.

Dr. Lee’s SLMD picks 

• Salicylic Acid Cleanser: gets pores deep-down clean while also exfoliating excess dead cells
• Hyaluronic Acid Serum: moisturizes and plumps skin, but also great for hair and nails
• Dual Defender SPF 30: non comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen in one that won’t cause acne
• Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment: treats noninflammatory pimples as well as post-pimple dark spots

Targeted bodycare

With so much focus on the face in recent years — we don’t miss you, maskne — look for body care to have its shining moment in 2023. We’re not talking about run-of-the-mill moisturizers here: we’re talking about targeted skincare solutions with stronger formulas for tougher body skin.

Dr. Lee’s SLMD picks 

• Body Smoothing System: a glycolic acid duo of body scrub and lotion to smooth rough skin and keratosis pilaris bumps
• Body Acne System: a wash and spray system that treats body acne at every stage with maximum-strength ingredients

Prevention over intervention

2023 will reflect a continued trend toward less and less invasive tweakments — both in-office and at home. This points to evolving attitudes toward aging, with more people opting for products and treatments geared toward prevention, rather than dramatic, surgical intervention. 

In the skincare world, this translates to targeted use of proven age-fighters like exfoliants, antioxidants and retinoids, as well as that unsung well-aging hero, sunscreen. 

Dr. Lee’s SLMD picks

• All Bright: a toner with protective antioxidants niacinamide and vitamin C to safeguard the skin barrier 
• Vitamin C Serum: formulated with with a trio of vitamin C ingredients, plus hyaluronic acid to help counteract free radical damage
• Retinol Resurfacing Serum: supports natural cell turnover and helps minimize signs of aging like fine lines and uneven tone

Skin cycling

This skincare routine — essentially a tried-and-true technique with a trendy new name — gained ground in 2022, thanks to social media. Expect to see it a lot in 2023, as people realize that piling on every product in your medicine cabinet, every night, mayyyyyy not be the best idea.

Cycling your skincare — using a retinoid one night, and an exfoliant the next, for example — can help avoid irritation and skin barrier damage, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. Dr. Lee is a big fan of finding what works by listening to your skin: paying attention to how your unique skin reacts to the products you’re applying, and adjusting accordingly. 

Resurgence of “skinimalism”

In recent years, many of us have had a lot of time to devote to multi-step skincare routines. But now that life seems once again to be moving at warp speed, it’s time to pare down — without sacrificing the essentials. 

If you use potent ingredients in high-quality formulas, you don’t need a lot of steps, even if you’re treating a specific skin concern like acne. Dr. Lee’s philosophy of cleanse, treat, moisturize is just what the doctor ordered: everything your skin needs with just a handful of products. 

Dr. Lee’s SLMD picks

• Healthy Skin Duo: Dr. Lee’s essentials for skincare minimalists, includes Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Facial Moisturizer
• Acne System: a complete kit to treat acne (including cleanser, treatment, and moisturizer) with just 3 steps, twice daily
• Plump, Prevent, Protect Essentials: a trio of well-aging products to prevent and minimize signs of premature aging