
There was a time when a good skincare routine was measured by the number of steps involved: cleanser, toner, essence, serum, ampoule, eye cream, moisturiser, face mask… Today, the conversation is moving in a different direction: fewer products, smarter choices and one question that keeps coming up: what does my skin really need? These are the latest skincare trends: concepts such as skinimalism and caring for the skin barrier and microbiome, alongside increasingly popular ingredients such as collagen, PDRN, peptides and retinol. We take a closer look at what each one is all about, separating facts from hype.
Skinimalism is all about simplifying your skincare routine, but it's not about cutting down on products just for the sake of it. It's about choosing wisely. The idea is to stick to effective, well-formulated products that genuinely work for your skin and that you can consistently use over time.
A ten-step routine that you give up after three weeks is less effective than a three-step routine you follow every day.
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin. It acts like a protective wall, locking in moisture and preventing irritants and external aggressors from getting in. When it becomes weakened, symptoms such as tightness, flaking, redness and sensitivity can appear, making the skin less tolerant of active ingredients. Closely linked to the skin barrier is the microbiome: the community of microorganisms that naturally live on the skin and whose balance should be maintained.
That's why the skin barrier has become one of the biggest focuses in skincare right now. The goal is no longer just to achieve beautiful-looking skin, but skin that feels hydrated, comfortable and balanced. And there's one key practical takeaway: before introducing powerful active ingredients, it's important to make sure your skin barrier is in good condition.
Collagen is one of the skin's essential proteins, helping maintain firmness, elasticity and a smooth appearance. From the age of 25–30 onwards, the body's natural collagen production gradually begins to decline. That's why incorporating skincare products specifically formulated with collagen can be a great way to care for your skin and address the early signs of ageing.
More and more creams and serums now feature collagen among their ingredients. These products help hydrate, soften and improve the overall appearance of the skin, making them great allies for achieving a complexion that looks healthier, more radiant and supple.
Here are some of our favourites.

PDRN, often referred to as “salmon DNA”, consists of purified DNA fragments traditionally extracted from salmonids and increasingly obtained through fermentation. It comes from the world of Korean dermatology: it has been used in dermatological injections in South Korea for years and has since made its way into topical Korean skincare formulas. It is known for its skin-repairing, soothing and regenerative properties, and is considered a well-tolerated active ingredient, even for sensitive skin. You can find it in different product formats to suit your skincare needs.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers rather than building blocks. They send signals to fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, encouraging them to become more active.
What makes peptides particularly appealing for skincare is their balance between effectiveness and skin tolerance. They can be used daily without the irritation often associated with other active ingredients, and they work well alongside almost any other skincare ingredient. However, patience is key: results typically take weeks or even months to become visible.

If you're wondering what retinol is used for, the short answer is that it is one of the most scientifically backed ingredients for skin rejuvenation, alongside other retinoids. It stimulates collagen production by activating fibroblasts and helps inhibit the enzymes responsible for breaking it down. In studies involving photoaged skin, topical retinol increased type I collagen markers compared with the vehicle after just four weeks.
Its main drawback is skin tolerance: redness, flaking and stinging can lead people to stop using it before experiencing its benefits. The key is to introduce it gradually (starting with just a few nights a week and low concentrations), keep your skin well moisturised and apply sunscreen every morning. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using it.

This is where the skinimalism philosophy comes back into play: you don't need to use everything at once. A sensible approach is to build your routine around a solid foundation and then add one or two active ingredients depending on your skincare goals.
Gentle cleansing: without compromising the skin barrier.
Barrier-supporting hydration: to keep your skin comfortable and balanced.
Sun protection: every morning, especially if you use retinol.
Retinol: if you want to prevent or soften the signs of ageing with one of the most scientifically supported options.
Peptides or PDRN: if your skin is sensitive or reactive and you're looking for firmness, repair and soothing benefits with a potentially gentler option.
Collagen: if you're looking for hydration, softness and more supple-looking skin, particularly from the age of 25–30 onwards.
Introduce one new active ingredient at a time and give your skin a break whenever it needs one. This usually delivers better results than layering too many formulas.
Ultimately, the biggest trend isn't one particular ingredient, but a change in perspective: less chasing perfection and more understanding what your skin really needs. A healthy skin barrier, a balanced microbiome and carefully chosen active ingredients are the foundations of this approach. And if you have any concerns or existing skin conditions, the best advice is always the same: consult a dermatologist.
If you want to bring these trends into your skincare routine, visit Primor at La Torre Outlet Zaragoza, where you'll find skincare products featuring collagen, peptides, retinol and PDRN, including Korean cosmetics, at great prices.