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If 2015–2020 was the era of dramatic tweakments, 2025–2026 is all about intelligent subtlety – treatments that help strengthen skin health, structure, and tone without freezing expression or altering facial identity. The beauty mood is clear: people want skin that looks healthy, elastic and expressive, which is driving a pivot to lighter – or no – botulinum toxin, as well as dissolving overdone filler.

Instead, they are investing in biology-first skincare and non-injectable tech – think peptides, exosomes, and next-gen delivery systems – paired with smart, clinician-guided devices when needed. 

Here’s Invity’s field guide to what’s in, what’s fading, and what’s next – grounded in what aesthetics research and practice are highlighting right now.

The “Less Botox” & Filler Reversal Era 

High-profile pivots continued into 2025 and helped normalise the softer look: Simon Cowell said he stopped after going “a bit too far” with injectables, confirming he’d ditched fillers this year. Ariana Grande stated she’s “four years clean” from Botox and fillers, while Kylie Jenner discussed dissolving “half” her lip filler and was widely covered in 2025 for leaning towards more natural looks. Recent coverage revisited Cameron Diaz’s stance that she regretted Botox and prefers to age naturally. 

These are all signals that the movement isn’t anti-aesthetic, it’s pro-authenticity and expression.

What “less” looks like now in aesthetic clinics

• Micro-dosed neuromodulators (so expressions still move) or longer intervals between top-ups, for those who still choose botulinum toxin
  
  
• Device-led tightening (ultrasound/RF microneedling), where appropriate, instead of piling on volume
  
  
• Skin quality-enhancing treatments (peptides, exosomes, polynucleotides) to reduce reliance on injectables
  
  
• Natural and subtle results: clients increasingly request undetectable enhancements (e.g., refined lip hydration/shape that enhances unique features rather than dramatic volume).

Note: device choices should be guided by clinicians – recent US FDA advisories underscore that RF microneedling is a medical procedure, with real risks, and must be done by trained professionals.

Ultrasound safety assist: handheld ultrasound is increasingly used to visualise vessels in real time during injectable procedures, improving safety and reducing vascular risk.

2026 Skin Treatment Trends

Skin-first, not filler-first. 

2026 continues the shift toward hydration-based rejuvenation and regenerative care that improves texture, glow, and resilience without changing facial shape. 

• Skin boosters (HA micro-injections) and polynucleotides/PDRN are trending for fine lines and radiance with minimal change to facial shape, while collagen-stimulating peptides help rebuild the dermal scaffold.
  
  
• Exosomes remain buzzy but are under active standardisation and safety review – treat them as an adjunct, not a cure-all. 
  
  
• For needle-free intensification, microspicules create temporary micro-channels (a “liquid microneedling” effect) to enhance penetration and kick-start repair. 
  
  
• Vegan or microbe-derived PDRN is gaining traction for those avoiding animal sources – the strongest clinical data still come from injectable salmon-derived PDRN, with topical vegan analogs showing promising early results. 
  
  
• Skin quality focus: the brief is shifting from “fill the line” to improve the canvas – elasticity, hydration and barrier integrity – often by layering boosters + biostimulators for a luminous, natural finish.
  
  
• Sustainability & clean beauty: a steadily rising demand for clean, cruelty-free and lower-tox formulas is nudging clinics and brands toward more sustainable ingredient and packaging sourcing.

What this means for you: More “your skin but better” outcomes – dewy elasticity and smoother texture and durable barrier health, supported by consistent at-home care. 

Less filler & less “frozen”: a softer approach to injectables

Dermal fillers & anti-wrinkle injections are still the backbone of aesthetics, but the goalposts have shifted. “Obvious filler” (exaggerated lips/cheeks) and heavy toxin looks are decisively out. Patients want balance, not bulk: mid-face rejuvenation, soft contour and refined hydration are in.

Many are dissolving overdone filler and choosing micro-dosed neuromodulators (“baby Botox”, Microtox) for movement-friendly, short-lived refinement – not a fixed mask. 

Some are opting for structural solutions (e.g., surgical lifts or fat grafting) instead of piling on filler – all pointing to natural proportions over augmentation.

It’s nuanced: “Less Botox” doesn’t mean “no Botox.” It means lighter, more precise dosing, longer intervals when appropriate, and pairing with skin-quality treatments so the toxin doesn’t have to work alone.

Needle-free smoothing skincare

For those wanting to soften expression lines without injections, next-gen neuro-peptides can help relax the tiny repetitive “micro-moves” that etch expression lines: 

• Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (e.g., SNAP-8®) works like a gentle “dimmer switch” on the signal that tells facial muscles to contract, so lines look softer. 
• s-Mu-conotoxin CnIIIC (e.g., XEP-30, XEP-018) also helps quiet those signals for a quick smoothing effect. 
• WK Pep® Erasin (Beta-Alanyl Hydroxyprolyldiaminobutyroyl Benzylamide) does both: it helps ease micro-contractions right away, and over time it supports the skin’s own collagen network (types I, III, IV, VII, XVII) for a firmer, more elastic look.

Where Invity fits now: our updated Youth Activating Instant Filler formula has introduced these peptides to emphasise fast line-blurring with hydration you can layer under SPF and make-up – ideal for users leaning away from injectables but wanting immediate refinement. 

Energy-based devices lead the non-surgical lift and tone category

Non-injectable energy platforms are surging for lift, tone, and textural refinement:

• RF microneedling (e.g., Morpheus8®) focuses on collagen remodelling and tightening
  
  
• Ultrasound lifting (e.g., Ultherapy®) focuses on sub-dermal tightening
  
  
• Needle-free muscle + collagen stimulation (e.g., EMFACE®) focuses on contour and lift without needles
  
  
• Lasers, upgraded: advances are expanding treatment possibilities and improving outcomes across resurfacing, hyperpigmentation, redness and hair removal, with better comfort and downtime profiles

These clinical cornerstones are often stacked in protocols for synergistic results.

Why it’s big: They tighten and re-texturise – two effects fillers cannot reliably deliver – making them ideal companions to the “less injectable” mindset.

“Stacking” and personalisation: plans are better than single procedures

Clinics are formalising treatment stacking by combining modalities that hit quality + firmness + fine dynamic lines together (e.g., RF microneedling + skin boosters; ultrasound + polynucleotides). They’re also using AI-driven analysis to personalise sequences and intervals – aiming for visible change with a light touch. 

The GLP-1 effect: contour support without overfilling

Rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic, Mounjaro) can hollow the midface and loosen skin. Rather than simply adding filler, protocols increasingly prioritise skin tightening (ultrasound/RF) and bio-stimulation (PRP/PRF, polynucleotides), reserving filler for targeted structural support. 

Surgeons report more requests to dissolve excess filler and to choose conservative enhancements overall.

Male aesthetics & “invisible” tweakments

Men’s interest continues to grow, but with an emphasis on undetectable improvements: pore size, redness, texture, jaw/neck firmness and under-eye quality. These are often managed via device + booster pairings and light-dose toxin. The brief is refresh, not reshape.

What’s cooling off

• High-volume filler looks and aggressively frozen foreheads
  
  
• “One-and-done” single-modality plans in favor of series and stacks

Safety & reality checkpoints for 2026

• Evidence first: Ask your practitioner about peer-reviewed data, device settings, and product provenance (especially for exosomes/polynucleotides/PRP). Availability doesn’t always equal approval.
  
  
• Manage expectations: Lighter toxin strategies may require more frequent fine-tuning; micro-dosed approaches can often fade sooner than classic dosing.
  
  
• Plan your stack: Expect 3–6-month plans combining at-clinic sessions with home barrier repair, retinoids, peptides/antioxidants, and sun protection to lock in results. Consumer trend reports for 2026 also flag hydrated, lit-from-within skin as the look to watch.
  
  
• Regenerative aesthetics: interest is growing in in-clinic PRP, stem-cell–adjacent techniques and exosome add-ons for skin and scalp, all aimed at nudging the body’s own healing and regenerative pathways. This is where the practitioner and sourcing become very important. Always do due diligence before going ahead.

Your actions at a glance

• Dullness/crepey texture, but you still look like you: Start with skin boosters or polynucleotides → reassess → consider light toxin for expression lines.
  
  
• Slack skin; jowl blur, “Ozempic face”: Prioritise RF microneedling or ultrasound lift; add targeted filler only if needed.
  
  
• You want movement, not marble: Consider baby Botox/Microtox + device or booster instead of high-dose toxin alone.
  
  
• Curious about exosomes: Vet your clinic’s protocols and ask about sourcing, consent, testing, and intended outcomes; proceed only with reputable oversight. Or look for plant-derived alternatives.

The Invity Playbook: Repair, Re-energise, Refine

These trends align with Invity’s philosophy: support the skin’s biology first, then layer targeted in-clinic treatments for refinement. Practically, that means:

• Before procedures: two to four weeks of barrier-fortifying skincare to reduce post-procedure reactivity.
  
  
• Between sessions: antioxidants, peptides and nightly barrier support to maintain the gains from boosters and energy devices.
  
  
• Long term: seasonal micro-plans (Q1–Q4) rather than ad-hoc appointments – small, steady inputs beat heroic corrections.

ACTION 1: Calm “Inflammaging” to slow premature ageing

SuperNAD Youth Activating Sheet Mask

Why it works: Chronic, low-grade inflammation from UV, stress, pollution and harsh actives (“inflammaging”) speeds up collagen loss and causes dullness. This delicious sheet mask’s updated formulation helps rebuild the barrier, quench oxidative stress, and keep skin in a calm, high-repair state. It is especially useful between device sessions or retinoid cycles and for stressed, reactive, and sun-exposed skin.

• Re-energise & protect: NAD + White Snow Tea support cellular energy and defend against damage/senescence.
  
  
• Soothe & fortify: Probiotic Bifida ferment, encapsulated Ca²⁺, biosaccharide gum strengthen and hydrate sensitised skin, reduce water loss, and reinforce the barrier, for lasting comfort.
  
  
• Delay visible ageing: Chios mandarin helps calm inflammaging; sunflower sprout supports resilience, energises and helps delay visible signs of ageing.
  
  
• Hydrate & firmer feel: Prickly pear + biosaccharide gum give long-lasting, velvety hydration for conditioned, firmer-feeling, refreshed skin.

How to use: 2–3 times weekly, or any time skin feels hot, tight or reactive. Great for travel.

ACTION 2: Smooth expression lines – no needles

Youth Activating Instant Filler

The updated formulation of everyone’s favourite now includes instant and long-term actions.

Goal: Softer look of forehead, smile and crow’s-feet lines by easing the tiny micro-contractions that etch dynamic wrinkles – fast.

• Quick smoothing: The new-generation peptides Acetyl Octapeptide-3 + s-Mu-conotoxin CnIIIC have and immediate action, helping to dial down micro-muscle activity, for a needle-free, smoothing effect.
  

• Short- & long-term: WK Pep® Erasin targets micro-contractions to help reduce wrinkle depth quickly. Its long-term action: supports the skin’s collagen network (helps increase key collagen types I, III, IV, VII, XVII) over time for better firmness and elasticity.

How to use: AM/PM on clean skin, especially on expression-prone areas; layer under SPF/make-up.

ACTION 3: Rebuild structure & bounce

Microshot Collagen Serum

What it does: Delivers clinic-inspired skin regeneration – firmer feel, better snap and smoother look – by stacking biomimetic peptides, vegan PDRN, exosomes, and an at-home “liquid microneedling” delivery system.

• Biomimetic collagen peptides (I, III, IV, V, VII, XVII): stimulate collagen/elastin production and reinforce the dermal “scaffold” for smoother, firmer, tighter-looking skin.
  

• Vegan PDRN Polydeoxyribonucleotide): Plant-based, high-purity DNA fragment complex encourages skin repair and fresh collagen production while helping calm redness/sensitivity.
  

• Centella exosome fraction: supports collagen I & III, barrier recovery, and antioxidant defence.
  

• NMN + postbiotic ferment: re-energise cellular metabolism, fortifies fibroblasts to restore firmness, bounce, elasticity, and strengthens the microbiome.
  

• Microspicules (“liquid microneedling”): create micro-channels to enhance delivery of collagen peptides, PDRN, and NMN into the dermis, boostinf absorption and kick-startinf renewal. 

How to use: Once daily (PM recommended). If skin is sensitive, start 3–4 times a week and build up.

The takeaway

Pair calm + smooth + rebuild: SuperNAD to quiet inflammaging and fortify, Instant Filler to relax micro-contractions and soften lines, and Microshot to restore structure and elasticity. It’s a biology-first path to skin that looks lively, resilient, and naturally you.

Your Simple 6-Week “Less-Injectable” Plan

This approach is perfect if

• You’re pausing or spacing out Botox and want movement-friendly smoothing.
• You’ve dissolved filler (or are considering it) and want architectural support without volume.
• Your skin gets reactive from actives/devices and needs smart soothing that doesn’t sacrifice results.

Weeks 0–2 | Reset & Smooth

• AM/PM: Instant Filler to soften micro-lines and boost hydration → sunscreen (AM).
  
  
• 2–3 times/week: SuperNAD Sheet Mask to calm, hydrate, and reinforce the skin barrier.
  

Weeks 2–6 | Rebuild & Lift the Look

• Daily (PM): Microshot Collagen Serum for scaffold-strengthening peptides + vegan PDRN + exosomes via microspicules. Expect firmer tone and better snap.
  
  
• Optional clinic layer (if desired): If you still want a lift, talk to your clinician about ultrasound tightening or conservative RF microneedling protocols (with full risk counselling); avoid stacking intense procedures too closely, and only with trained and certified medical providers. 

Maintenance | Keep It Natural

Keep peptides in the mix daily; space any toxin touch-ups further apart and at lower doses if you prefer more expression. If you’re dissolving prior filler, give your tissues time to normalise before re-planning structure with your provider. 

• Continue Instant Filler for dynamic lines.
  
  
• Use SuperNAD after travel, workouts, or device days.
  
  
• Stay consistent with Microshot for cumulative firmness and elasticity.

Bottom line

2025–2026 is all about restoration over inflation... fewer syringes, smarter stacks and skin-first biology. Celebrity reversals haven’t “killed injectables” – they’ve legitimised natural proportions and precise dosing. 

Invity’s trio delivers the less-injectable path: SuperNAD to calm and energise, Instant Filler to ease micro-contractions, and Microshot Collagen Serum to rebuild structure, for skin that looks alive, resilient, and unmistakably you.

References

Nguyen, T. T. M., Yi, E.-J., Jin, X., Zheng, Q., Park, S.-J., Yi, G.-S., Yang, S.-J., & Yi, T.-H. (2024). Sustainable Dynamic Wrinkle Efficacy: Non-Invasive Peptides as the Future of Botox Alternatives. Cosmetics, 11(4), 118. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11040118