Aesthetic Treatment Trends Transforming 2026

The beauty industry is ever evolving, as are the scientific and medical advancements that support it.

CACI Facial conducted by Lisa Franklin

What may we anticipate in the forthcoming year? Dr. Marco Nicoloso, Medical Director at Ouronyx, says that 2026 will signify a pivotal moment in which aesthetics and health intersect. He anticipates that patients will increasingly perceive aesthetic treatments as scientifically supported self-care rather than just vanity pursuits.

“The future of beauty is encompassed within the larger discourse on aging,” he argues. It is no longer solely concerned with our appearance; it encompasses mental, physical, and emotional well-being. At Ouronyx, we assert that scientific and technological progress will perpetuate the extension of human health-span, enabling slower ageing while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance and overall well-being.

This new method will also involve a more profound comprehension of the connection between our skin and internal body. Dr. Nicoloso states, "A pivotal transformation will involve the capacity to contextualise external dermatological alterations alongside internal indicators such as inflammation, gastrointestinal health, and haematological markers." “Consultations will progressively integrate these insights, enabling practitioners to address both skin and hair with enhanced precision and personalization.”

Curious? Experts possess numerous views regarding the beauty treatment trends anticipated to thrive in 2026:

Evidence-Based Aesthetics

What are the desires of individuals in 2026? Evidence that the treatments in which they are investing are effective. “We are observing a distinct increase in evidence-based beauty and clinically validated, results-oriented treatments,” states Lisa Franklin, a prominent facialist and skincare expert at CACI’s London Flagship. She observes that this shift in attitudes is prompting an increasing number of individuals to choose 'investment therapies' that occur over extended durations.

“There is a significant transition from invasive procedures to advanced non-surgical alternatives,” she elucidates. New clients and VIPs at clinics are opting for investment therapies rather than immediate solutions and surgical procedures like facelifts.

Bio-Regenerative Therapies

Dr. Nicoloso asserts that therapies must not only cover, plump, or fill but also sustain and restore the treated area. Prompt: bio-regenerative therapies. These will surge in 2026, particularly next-generation injectables that facilitate cellular regeneration and progressively promote collagen production. These therapies extend beyond merely filling wrinkles; they facilitate the skin's progressive and spontaneous regeneration.

Nanografting

In the context of restoration and future-proofing, Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, a cosmetic physician and founder of 111 Harley St., anticipates that nanografting will gain prominence in the forthcoming year. “It is a sophisticated technique that enhances the longevity of the skin by utilising the patient’s own adipose cells, which are centrifuged prior to the reinjection of the residual stem cells and growth factors,” he elucidates. This outpatient procedure is becoming increasingly popular for enhancing skin quality, and I frequently utilise it with my facelift patients at 111 Harley St.

Advanced Surgical Recovery

With individuals seeking prompt treatment, the demand for low- or no-downtime procedures has reached unprecedented levels. Dr. Alexandrides asserts that Elixir MD will significantly enhance outcomes. "It employs sophisticated photobiomodulation technology to deliver energy to the skin at various wavelengths, facilitating rapid and effective surgical recovery," Dr. Alexandrides elucidates. I have integrated it into our surgical protocols to enhance preparation for surgery and the recovery phase, hence optimising outcomes. "Light therapy offers numerous advantages, yet the features of this specific device are exceptional,” he states. It is also a tool we can employ to treat patients not undergoing surgery, for instance, to enhance skin health, diminish inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and foster a healthier skin environment.

Cryogenic Fibre Laser Therapies

In response to the demand for customisable treatments, Dr. Alexandrides anticipates that cold fibre laser therapies will gain significant popularity in 2026. He informs us that he was recently introduced to cold fibre laser treatments, specifically UltraClear. The technology is revolutionary and enables a completely customised therapy that restructures the skin within for profound rejuvenation. It can address several issues, including pigmentation, scarring, and texture.

Alopecia Therapies

An increased emphasis on men's therapies is anticipated for 2026. Dr. Nicoloso states, "The demand from male patients is increasing, encompassing subtle toxin applications, skin-enhancing therapies, and hairline restoration, especially in the UK, where the stigma surrounding aesthetics is gradually diminishing."

What is the primary concern that men wish to address? Alopecia. Dr. Nicoloso emphasises, "We are observing increased progress in regenerative therapies that utilise a patient's own skin tissue to mitigate shedding and fortify existing follicles." Recent equipment provide enhanced processing of samples, permitting the extraction of greater quantities of stem cells and exosomes—up to 90 billion—resulting in more effective and discernible outcomes.

Microcurrent Therapies

Franklin anticipates the resurgence of non-invasive techniques such as microcurrent, particularly with the advent of CACI, or Computer Aided Cosmetology Instruments. In the past year, there has been a notable rise in the number of CACI treatment courses scheduled at the clinic, indicating a revived recognition of reliable, time-honoured technology like microcurrent.

“Microcurrent is a low-level electrical therapy that subtly stimulates facial muscles and boosts cellular activity,” she elaborates. It functions by transmitting minute electrical impulses, akin to the body's natural currents, to stimulate ATP (cellular energy) production, promote collagen and elastin synthesis, and enhance overall skin tone. The result is an elevated, more contoured appearance, increased firmness, and improved circulation. It is frequently referred to as a “facial workout” as it fortifies the underlying muscles while enhancing the vitality and health of the skin.

Layering Technologies

What if there were a face treatment that addressed all concerns? “Multi-action facials are rapidly emerging as the preferred substitute for various individual treatments,” states Lauren Evans, CACI’s Training, Research, and Development Manager. As consumers navigate increasingly hectic lifestyles, the need for efficient, highly tailored, and results-oriented high-tech skincare has reached unprecedented levels.

She anticipates that the integration of multiple technologies in a single session will establish the new benchmark in aesthetics. One session she is eager to highlight is the Rejuva Med system: ‘Integrating five innovative, clinically validated technologies, including CACI’s renowned microcurrent, the forthcoming Rejuva Med system for 2026 will emerge as a cutting-edge aesthetic skincare solution.

This 90-minute intensive treatment, featuring stacked therapies with cumulative advantages, will yield observable outcomes from the initial session (one session is advised weekly), aligning seamlessly with customer expectations for efficiency, customisation, and technologically advanced skincare. “One session will enhance, firm, elevate, revitalise, and refresh the skin without interfering with daily activities.”