The 10 big wellness trends of 2023: From 'skin HIIT' to mushrooms and meditation 2.0
With each new year comes an exciting fresh set of wellness trends that can help reinspire you to give your daily routine a healthy boost.
The year 2023 is no different with some exciting developments in the areas of nutrition, fitness, mental health and beauty.
From 'skin HIIT' and mushroom supplements, to 'mind management' and fermented foods, there are multiple ways to feel better in the coming 12 months.
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In fact, 2023 will see self-care become less all-consuming. Instead, according to a new report by John Lewis, it will be about small, simple tweaks to how we spend our time to improve body, mind and soul.
Here are what their experts predict will be the top 10 wellness trends over the next 12 months:
1. Skin HIIT
If you're struggling to keep up with the endurance required for a lengthy, multi-step skincare routine, then you'll be pleased to know there's a new approach inbound.
Instead, powerful hero products – that work hard to protect the 'skin barrier' – will be the order of the day, says Tomas Warwick, John Lewis Lead for Skincare and Wellness.
Consumers are after products that build long-lasting protection, particularly against extreme weather changes – according to the Met Office, 2022 was one of the warmest on record and ended with two of the coldest weeks in December since 2010.
Look out for key ingredients like peptides and ceramides, which help lock in the moisture, and can be found at The Ordinary, Dermalogica and Dr Jart+ – with the latter seeing sales of its 'Ceramidin' range soaring by 76%.
Buy it: Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Travel Skincare Gift Set | £13 at John Lewis
2. Mushroom supplements
Another key development in the beauty world is mushrooms – with the humble fungi found to help soothe skin by reducing inflammation and treating pigmentation, according to Warwick.
Brands, including Origins, Shiseido, and Dermalogica, are already making the most of its beneficial properties, and have formulated face mists, eye creams and serums.
John Lewis plans to expand further into supplements this year, with searches for Waitrose Porcini Mushroom Powder increasing by 200% compared to last month.
3. Fermented foods
According to Waitrose nutritionist Kate Overy, gut health is crucial for everything from boosted immunity to improved digestive health.
What's more, research suggests that it can aid mental health too – since the organ holds 95% of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin in our bodies.
This year, research by Waitrose indicated that it's going to become a greater priority among consumers – with 40% of respondents revealing that they prefer to choose foods that 'help keep their gut healthy'.
One of the best ways to do this is to include a variety of plants in your diet as well as probiotic-rich fermented foods like Waitrose Kefir Yoghurt, sales of which have jumped by 51%.
4. Mind management
Data from Google Analytics shows that last year we focused as much on our mental as well as physical health.
However, if you're not keen on traditional meditation, then something called 'mind management' is set to rise in popularity.
According to Anna Persaud, John Lewis expert and CEO of This Works, the 13-minute mind challenge is great for those who are short on time.
All you need to do is focus on a point within the body, and keep bringing your attention back if your mind wanders – she says doing it daily for eight weeks can help improve neural plasticity, focus, memory and attention.
5. Feel-good beauty
In an era of economic uncertainty, we're moving away from 'luxury pick-me-ups' and towards more affordable 'daily me-time' says Heena Mohammed, John Lewis Lead for Makeup and Fragrance.
That might be consumers treating themselves to an entry-level product from a premium brand.
This could be a mini candle or room spray from a fragrance house, or a ten-minute face mask or nail polish from a beauty brand.
Indeed, sales of nail varnish brand OPI are up 20%, while bookings for facials at Cavendish Clinic in-store have increased by 296%.
Meanwhile, many have already purchased a new lip oil from Dior, Clarins or Charlotte Tilbury – with the latter seeing sales increase by 222%.
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6. Strolling for sleep
It's well known that getting outside for a walk is hugely beneficial to your mental wellbeing – however, in 2023 there is going to be greater awareness that it can help aid shut-eye too.
Indeed, absorbing enough afternoon light can actually counteract the effects of blue light from screens and help you sleep better, notes Persaud.
7. Low-maintenance make-up
Just like with 'skin HIIT', your make-up bag is also set to streamline down into the key products that really matter.
According to Mohammed, consumers will be looking for products that promote glowing, well-hydrated skin.
John Lewis has already seen a rise in sales of hybrid skincare and make-up products, with their tinted moisturisers up by 22% – including the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50.
Meanwhile, sales of tinted lip oils are up by 150% and their moisturising blushers have increased by 92%.
8. Natural skin
This year will see less full coverage when it comes to make-up, with natural skin texture allowed to shine through, says Mohammed.
This is already reflected in consumers' buying habits, with concealer sales up by 26% and tinted foundations as well as primers increasing by 20%.
9. Dinner parties
With people wanting to save money during the cost of living crisis, more people are entertaining at home – meaning the dinner party is coming to the fore, according to Overy.
Cooking from scratch is often far healthier than ordering in, and the Waitrose Cooks Ingredients range is being expanded to over 450 products for endless recipe opportunities.
10. Haircare routine
Our haircare routine is set to become as extensive as our skincare this year, with scalp scrubs and bond strengtheners just some of the products to become bathroom staples.
According to Warwick, the Living Proof Triple Bond Complex is one of John Lewis' best sellers, with sales up by 35% compared to last year.
Meanwhile, other brands are also seeing healthy growth – Ouai is up by 112% and Olaplex has increased by 63%.
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