With 2018 behind us, we’re excited to look ahead to what’s shaping top spa and wellness trends for 2019. To get a pulse on the hottest predictions, we chatted with Jessica Timberlake who sits on the Board of Directors for the International Spa Association (ISPA), serves as the Canadian Ambassador for Global Wellness Day and is, of course, Eminence Organics’ Public Relations Manager. She recently attended the Global Wellness Summit and met with top beauty editors from Well+Good, the Today Show and Conde Nast publications, sharing the latest wellness trends. If you’re a spa professional or owner, read on for Jessica’s forecasting interview and find out what should be on your radar this year:

Wellness Trend: Digital Detox

What is one major concept you see transferring from the spa to the home?

Spas are championing the “digital detox” - taking mindful time to turn off your cell phone and devices beyond just an hour or two. Taking time to disconnect from your technology, in theory, leaves you with more time for yourself. People are going to bring this trend into the home, setting “no phone” hours and instead, spending the time on self care rituals like meditation or a healing bath soak. And, with the rising trend of the automation of wellness, smart home products can now manage your lighting for optimal sleep and wake patterns - potentially eliminating the need for that cell phone alarm.

Skin Care Predictions: Blue Light Protection

What are the top skin care issues that people want to be solving?

Last year, people started “forest bathing” (essentially, walking in the woods) to escape polluted cities, crowds and glaring sun in order to reconnect with nature and improve mental wellbeing. Those same reasons align with 2019’s top skin care issues: to protect from pore-clogging pollution and damaging UV rays.

The digital detox trend also crosses over into skin care. Blue light emitted from computers, cell phones and tablets has been shown to break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which may age the structure of the skin prematurely. You’ll start to see products heralded as having “blue light protection” in response to this very real concern.

Ingredient Buzz : Mushrooms And Mineral Sunscreen

What are the trending ingredients that we’re seeing for next year?

Since forest bathing was the wellness trend of 2018, we’ll now see ingredients sourced “from the forest” - sustainably, of course. Expect to see mushrooms trending in skin care - various types of this fabulous fungi yield incredible benefits to the skin. One mushroom in particular, the snow mushroom, is heralded as a super humectant. Symbiotically, forest mushrooms often grow on trees, so it seems natural that tree-based ingredients will also trend. Birch water and maple water, harvested in a tree-friendly way much like maple syrup, provide essential amino acids, antioxidants and nutrients to the skin.

Also, be on the lookout for more all-mineral options for your sun protection. Mineral sunscreens use physical blockers to shield our skin from UV rays and will definitely be in demand when the sunny season rolls around.

Trendspotting: Embracing Aging

What’s one significant change that you see growing in the skin care world?

Echoing the words of Allure magazine editor-in-chief Michelle Lee, it’s time to end the term “anti-aging.” Having a major magazine shout this from the rooftops was an important breakthrough for what spas and skin care brands have been toiling at for years. We want all people, of all ages, to embrace their natural beauty, heath and wellness. It’s not about “looking good for your age,” it’s about “looking good because you feel good.” There’s nothing “anti” about aging - we can’t stop the process, but we can help the skin stay healthy through the decades with potent natural, organic ingredients.  

There’s nothing “anti” about aging - we can’t stop the process, but we can help the skin stay healthy through the decades with potent natural, organic ingredients.  

If you work in the spa industry, what trends will you and your business be adopting this year? Get in touch with us in the comments below or on social media. Also, explore our website and find out more about how we can help you, and how you can partner with Eminence Organics.