Beauty and wellness trends range from high-tech to holistic
With social media constantly in our faces, it can seem like everyone else is prettier, thinner, more popular and in a more exciting relationship. In short, they look — well — happier.
Research, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping many aspects of beauty and wellness. But some people shy away from high-tech solutions and prefer a simpler approach.
Emerging from the isolation of the pandemic, experts are concerned about a “loneliness epidemic.” Friendships and romantic relationships have never been more complicated, given today’s societal divides. But, as the song goes, people need people.
And then there’s sex. How does it contribute to a healthy, happy life beyond what romance novels tell us?
How do we pursue our best lives without being overwhelmed by the pursuit of happiness?
Tech-Infused Skincare and Haircare
Because we are forever looking for new ways to improve how we look and feel, the beauty and wellness industry is a beast that’s constantly being fed — with new concepts as well as ones that have been reinvented or renamed.
Our mothers and grandmothers swore by Noxzema, Ponds and Jergens, and preserved their hairstyles with Dippity-Do or pink hair tape. But as all things evolve, the anti-aging rage has swallowed the skincare and haircare worlds. If a product lacks peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, collagen, vitamin C, antioxidants or retinol, will anyone buy it?
This evolution makes sense, according to Nadine Sabino, RN and partner at Yazdani Aesthetics. “Many of these ingredients are naturally found in the skin but diminish with age, making it less supple. Technology is helping restore them through advanced formulations.”
Haircare isn’t far behind, says Maria Bikas, owner of Maria Bikas Salon. The “skinification of hair” (borrowing skin care principles and applying them to hair care) has gained traction, with brands like Kérastase incorporating hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides into their products.
The Impact of AI
Artificial Intelligence is weaving its way into daily life, including beauty and wellness.
When his patients are contemplating rhinoplasty, Dr. Brian Rotenberg uses an AI app to aid them in visualizing how surgery will change their looks. He’s been using this app, called Editor, for three years. “By showing the patient an approximation of the rhinoplasty outcome, I believe it gives them more confidence in the surgery. On some occasions it also dissuades people from having surgery, which is just as important.”
Instead of using old-fashioned photography, high-tech can aid in the decision-making process for some patients.
“Validated tech is useful, but sometimes it’s hard to separate fad from actually useful tech.”
However, he feels there can be a danger of relying too much on technology. “I strongly advise against using AI to make medical diagnoses. AI is no replacement for a physician interaction, especially the physical exam.”
Yazdani Aesthetics also uses AI to help its clients see possible post-surgery changes. “We use AI-powered Vectra [3D imaging] technology for surgical patients, for example,” says Sabino. “It helps them visualize different breast implant sizes, allowing them to make a more informed and educated decision.”
Some clinics also use AI-powered diagnostic tools to scan skin for fine lines, dark spots and hydration levels, allowing customized treatment plans
Haircare is following suit. Kérastase’s K-Scan, launching in June at Maria Bikas Salon, uses an AI-powered camera to analyze hair density, diameter and scalp health, allowing stylists to make precise product recommendations. Clients also benefit from before-and-after imaging that tracks progress. “This will help us with making recommendations about which products are needed, according to what the camera picks up,” explains Bikas.
However, not everyone sees AI as necessary. Charlene Jones, co-owner of Artistic Esthetic Med Spa, believes a skilled aesthetician can assess skin without high-tech devices. “Basic skin analysis is one of the first things we learn in school. You shouldn’t have to rely on a machine.”
As a marketing technique, she acknowledges that AI appeals to younger clients who trust technology but notes that machines capable of detecting pigmentation below the epidermis cost from below $60,000 to $100,000 or more, making them impractical for many salons and clients, as costs of treatments would rise.
Interestingly, Jones sees AI as more valuable in haircare than skincare. She uses an AI-driven machine called GroTrack for scalp and hair analysis when treating people with the Alma TED (TransEpidermal Delivery) machine. “It helps assess scalp and hair health before treatments and tracks progress of treatments and results,” she explains.
Dr. Penny Cumberland, owner of Cumberland Laser Clinic, agrees with Jones. With 25 years in aesthetics after a career in ER and family medicine, she still relies on tried-and-true technology. “New isn’t always better,” she says, emphasizing the importance of skill and experience in laser and injection treatments.
While AI is gaining ground, the holistic movement is also thriving. Many believe facial exercises — sometimes called facial yoga — can be as effective as Botox.
Carolyn Martyn, a certified yoga instructor and women’s health coach, notes that the face has 43 muscles, many of which are underutilized; she believes this contributes to wrinkles. Facial exercises are done in the mirror and may include tapping on the face, neck and décolletage, as well as gentle self-massage. Martyn emphasizes that results depend on frequency and consistency, like any form of exercise and they don’t work for everybody. (See Martyn’s facial exercise recommendations at the end of this article.)
While AI is gaining ground, the holistic movement is also thriving. Many believe facial exercises can be as effective as Botox.
Friendships
A 2021 Statistics Canada survey found that more than one in 10 people aged 15 and older often feel lonely. No wonder many are seeking new ways to connect. Enter third spaces —places that are neither home nor work, where people can meet and socialize.
The concept dates to 300 AD Chinese tea houses, and more recently was popularized globally by Starbucks. Current examples include coffee shops, libraries, gyms and community centres. Debbie Laliberte Rudman, PhD, a professor at Western University, is engaged in a four-year project researching third spaces. She highlights their role in fostering connections, particularly for retirees using wellness activities as social hubs.
Overall health, happiness and mental wellness are impacted by the ability to build community in these types of relaxed atmospheres, she adds. “There’s a social disconnectedness, and third spaces are places to meet with people who share common interests or who are different from you. They are great social levelers and a tool for social cohesion.”
“Many of these ingredients are naturally found in the
skin but diminish with age, making it less supple. Technology
is helping restore them through advanced formulations.”
Relationships
Dating as a form of social connection has been impacted by AI. Having spent several years using dating apps, Treena Orchard, PhD, “was completely baffled by them” as a woman and “fascinated by them” as a sexuality scholar. She began writing a memoir about these platforms to “understand this culture and think about it on a bigger stage,” she explains.
“AI is advancing dating apps, making them more efficient — some even swipe for you,” she says. AI can also function
as a dating coach, refine profiles and boost confidence.
But there can be drawbacks, including apps that use chatbots instead of “real” people to form connections with, concerns about data privacy, and the risk to members of the LGBTQ+ community who use these platforms in countries where homosexuality is illegal.
While technology can’t solve the loneliness epidemic, it can help when used with realistic expectations and a good dose of caution. “But it can’t do the dating for us,” says Orchard.
Speaking Up and Speaking Out
Friendships and romantic relationships are central to happiness. Experts like Sandy O’Shea, a holistic sex and intimacy coach, and Carolyn Martyn, in her role as a women’s health coach, see progress in how women discuss sex and intimacy.
“Women are sharing more openly, making these conversations louder,” Martyn says.
O’Shea adds, “Sex supports health by balancing hormones, improving circulation and reducing stress.” She emphasizes that a fulfilling sex life starts with self-care and good nutrition. “Unhealthy eating disrupts hormones and adds stress to the body.”
On her YouTube channel Let’s Talk Sex with Sandy, O’Shea takes a holistic approach. “Sex is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It strengthens self-connection and deepens relationships.”
She highlights self-acceptance as key: “Good sex happens when you love yourself as you are.” Communication is also crucial. “If you can’t tell your partner what you like or don’t like, nothing improves.”
Martyn agrees. “Women are more comfortable discussing sex with each other, but they also need to communicate with their partners. My husband and I regularly check in — it makes us feel heard and valued.”
Whether through AI-enhanced beauty treatments, new approaches to social connections, or better communication in relationships, happiness can be supported. But true contentment comes from within.
