Skincare is no longer just about immediate results—it's about building long-term skin health," says Dr. Maya Patel, board-certified dermatologist and beauty scientist. "Viral routines can be fun to follow, but the trends that will truly define 2026 focus on barrier repair, microbiome-friendly ingredients, and personalized, science-backed approaches. Consumers are looking for routines that are sustainable, effective, and adaptable to their unique skin needs.