The start of a brand new year is the perfect time to look ahead at what industry experts predict as the biggest skin care trends for 2014:

1. Saving time.   For the time-deprived (and who isn't?), using our nightly downtime to rejuvenate the skin makes complete sense.  While you may not always have an hour during your busy day to treat yourself to a facial, applying a sleeping pack or [Link Removed]  overnight allows the active ingredients to sink in and do their work while you rest.  Sleeping masks may contain a combination of antioxidants, exfoliants, anti-aging ingredients to boost collagen production, vitamins to protect against UV damage and skin lighteners to treat hyperpigmentation.  These sleeping masks are rather like the night time versions of BB, CC and DD creams, which brings us to our next trend.

2. BB creams show no sign of slowing down.  Taking their cue from how quickly consumers have been captivated by these creams, the skincare industry is looking to expand the multi-tasking properties of BB face creams into body and hair care products.  Mintel, the market research company that predicts consumer trends, sees "mixologiste" as the key beauty trend.  Mixologiste refers not to someone behind the bar, preparing a cocktail but to the "blurring" of the lines between skincare, hair care and color cosmetics.  Look for body creams with multi-functionality, such as hydration, anti-aging and sun protection; hair care that conditions, perfumes and provides a barrier against UV rays; and cosmetics that act as eye shadow and blush with the added benefit of anti-aging ingredients.

3. Oil-based treatments.  No longer will oil be seen as a bad thing for most people.  We've already discussed how [Link Removed] , cleansers and serums that are oil-based will become more main stream.

4. Men's skin care.  Although the aging population will continue to demand products to help preserve youthful appearance, young men are beginning to play a big part in what the skin care industry offers as they start to recognize that healthy skin is no longer just a woman's concern.

5. Gel lotions or essences.  Already popular in Asia, these skin treatments are commonly labelled as gel lotions or essences and refer to their texture and fluidity.  Only slightly thicker than water but more liquid than a gel, essences are formulated for quick absorption.  Much like sleeping masks, essences may contain any number of active ingredients to target dry skin, pH levels, and skin tone.

Which new trend will you be embracing this year?

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti-aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at [Link Removed].
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