2026 Skincare Trends: A Medical Perspective on Regenerative Aesthetics
By Brandi Gregge, FNP-C, Founder of Mint & Needle
Recent coverage from Vogue highlights a major shift in skincare and aesthetic medicine for 2026—one that prioritizes regenerative injectables, cellular repair, and skin longevity over quick fixes or overfilled results. Many of these trends align with how we already approach anti-aging at Mint & Needle, but they also require nuance, education, and realistic expectations.
Below is my clinical perspective on the biggest skincare and injectable trends shaping the future of aesthetics.
Biostimulators & Regenerative Injectables: Function Before Volume
The move toward biostimulators over traditional volume-only fillers is a positive evolution in aesthetic medicine. Aging is not just about wrinkles or deflation—it’s about declining collagen production, elastin loss, and decreased cellular function.
At Mint & Needle, we focus on regenerative injectables as anti-aging of function first. Treatments like hyperdilute Radiesse, known for stimulating collagen and elastin, and Sculptra, which promotes collagen production over time, help address global volume loss and overall skin quality.
That said, regenerative injectables are not a complete solution on their own. While they improve skin structure and long-term tissue health, dermal fillers still play an important role in sculpting, contouring, and restoring facial balance. In most cases, the most natural results come from a strategic combination of biostimulators and filler, not one or the other.
It’s also critical to note that not every patient is a candidate for biostimulatory treatments. These injectables carry their own risks, side effects, and timelines, which is why a thorough consultation and individualized treatment plan are essential.
Mitochondrial Health, Cellular Repair & Skin Longevity
A growing focus on mitochondrial health and biologic repair reflects a deeper understanding of how skin truly ages. Healthy skin depends on cellular energy, communication, and repair mechanisms—not just surface-level treatments.
This is why in-office collagen induction procedures, such as microneedling and energy-based therapies, are so important. These treatments stimulate the skin’s natural repair pathways, enhance collagen production, and improve the effectiveness of regenerative injectables and medical-grade skincare.
We’ve also been closely following advancements in polynucleotides for cellular repair and PDGF-BB for tissue regeneration, both of which show promising benefits when used appropriately in clinical settings.
However, I remain cautious about trending ingredients like topical NAD. While NAD plays a role in cellular energy and longevity, the clinical evidence supporting effective topical penetration and efficacy is still limited, and more research is needed before it becomes a reliable skincare solution.
Exosomes: Promising Science, Limited Clinical Consensus
Exosomes continue to generate buzz in regenerative aesthetics, but they are still an evolving area of research. While the science is intriguing, there are significant gaps in evidence-based data, particularly around sourcing, standardization, safety, and long-term outcomes.
The popularity of exosomes has led many companies to enter the space without sufficient clinical backing. As a medical provider, I believe innovation should always be supported by high‑quality research and clear protocols before becoming widely adopted in practice. At the same time, early clinical experiences and emerging studies do show encouraging potential, which makes me optimistic—though still appropriately cautious—as the field continues to mature.
Holistic Techniques vs. Medical Aesthetic Treatments
Holistic practices such as myofascial release and facial massage can support lymphatic drainage, circulation, and overall wellness. However, they do not replace injectables or medical procedures when it comes to collagen loss, volume depletion, or structural aging.
These techniques can be complementary, but they should not be positioned as alternatives to evidence-based aesthetic medicine.
The Bottom Line: Personalized, Regenerative Aesthetic Care
Trends help guide the industry, but personalized treatment planning grounded in anatomy, science, and realistic outcomes will always matter more. The future of aesthetics is not about chasing the newest treatment—it’s about combining regenerative injectables, biostimulators, microneedling, and medical skincare in a thoughtful, patient-specific way.
At Mint & Needle, our approach is focused on long-term skin health, natural results, and educated decision-making, because aging is multifactorial—and good aesthetic care should be too.
