The next big beauty breakthrough won’t come from a syringe – it’ll come from AI

Botox… fillers… nowadays they’re viewed in the same way as popping to the dentist. In fact, according to the British Society of Aesthetic Medicine, 9.2 million people had an aesthetic treatment in the last 12 months, and the UK non-surgical aesthetics industry is valued in excess of £3bn in the next 12 months. But that means it is ever evolving. So, will Botox soon be old hat? 

Here’s what experts say will be the new innovations in beauty and aesthetics in the next few years. 

AI will lead the way 

Dr Dan Marsh and Dr Mo Akhavani, founders of The Plastic Surgery Group say: 

‘Artificial intelligence (AI) is making a significant impact on plastic surgery and this is something which is set to become even more prevalent in the future. AI is already being used to help improve the planning of cosmetic surgery, where it leverages data analytics of previous surgeries to help predict any potential complications. 

It’s also used in the form of 3D imaging technology which creates detailed models of a patient’s anatomy in order to help visualise the planned and expected outcome. This tool can be both beneficial for patients and surgeons alike.  

There’s no doubt that as this, and other AI advances related to cosmetic surgery become more sophisticated and readily available, they will be used to support and enhance the patient journey further.’ 

We’ll study how the brain perceives beauty 

Dr Saif Abbas Cahto, Medical Director at Institute of Medical Physics (www.medicalphysics.institute) says: ‘I believe we’ll see major innovation in four key areas: personalised treatment planning using AI genomics, and microbiome testing; energy-based devices (like lasers and electrotherapies) engineered for broader skin types; at-home diagnostic and skincare technology; and perhaps most excitingly, neuroaesthetics – a new field studying how beauty is perceived and processed in the brain. 

‘At the Institute of Medical Physics, we’re already developing and producing our own laser technologies that are safe for all skin tones incorporating longer wavelengths, fractional ablation, and enhanced cooling systems to reduce trauma and improve outcomes. This level of precision and biological integration will become the new gold standard, especially as patients demand better results for their investment.’ 

Head: Beauty will be eco-friendly – and inseparable from general health 

Ines Abdall is founder of Inês Cosmetics & inêSKN. She says the future of aesthetics is both good for the planet and our general health. 

‘Sustainability will be as standard,’ she says. ‘Eco-friendly formulations, upcycled bio-actives and refillable or carbon-neutral packaging won’t just be nice-to-haves, but table stakes for brands and clinics.’ 

But that’s not all. Ines says that beauty will no longer be considered as separate from our general bodily health. 

‘Holistic wellness integration is the future,’ she says. ‘Beauty will be inseparable from health – gut-skin supplements, stress-management protocols and microbiome-balancing cosmeceuticals alongside traditional aesthetic procedures. 

‘In terms of Botox and fillers, I see them becoming part of a broader, layered approach: micro-dosing combined with regenerative boosters rather than standalone fixes. And longer term, regenerative gene- and cell-based therapies may gradually reduce reliance on repeat injections.’ 

Botox will evolve and even cure depression  

More people are having injectable treatments than ever before, says Nina Prisk, a registered Nurse and Independent prescriber who is also a leading trainer in aesthetics and founder of Update Aesthetics. ‘Tweakments’ such as fillers and botulinum toxin are regarded by many people as a completely normal part of our beauty routine,’ she says.  

In fact, Nina predicts Botox – now seen as part of many women’s beauty routine – will evolve to include body parts we might not have thought about. 

She says: ‘The exciting thing is that science will continue to advance so that these treatments will simply get better and better,’ explains Nina. ‘And I can see Botox being used to help many more medical conditions as well as aesthetic issues, from nostrils to feet, and one article I read recently suggested even depression – now that really would be incredible!’ 

We’ll stop treating ageing and start treating the mechanism behind it 

Dr Emanuel Paleco, Research Scientist, Biophysicist and Founder of the Institute of Medical Physics (www.medicalphysics.institute) says: ‘Future protocols will be informed by genomic data, cellular diagnostics, and predictive models that map not just how the skin is ageing, but why. AI will help stratify this data to reveal micro-patterns and early warning signs invisible to the naked eye. From there, practitioners will be able to develop phased, adaptive plans that evolve with the patient not just by skin type, but by biological age, metabolic function, and even circadian variation. In essence, treatment becomes dynamic. We stop treating symptoms of ageing and start working with the mechanisms behind it.' 

Beauty and aesthetics will be personalised 

Dr Ellie Rashid is a consultant dermatologist. She says: ‘I’m noticing a real shift away from traditional cosmetic approaches that focus on surface-level changes and moving towards treatments that work at a cellular level, stimulating the body’s own repair mechanisms to achieve natural, lasting improvements in skin and hair.  

There has been a rapid development in the use of exosomes, growth factors, peptides, biostimulatory treatments and energy-based devices to enhance the skin’s intrinsic ability to repair and regenerate. Energy-based devices will become more refined, focusing on delivering targeted stimulation rather than causing controlled damage. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles, naturally secreted by cells, that act as messengers to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. 

‘Combination therapies and treatment stacking are increasingly popular, such as Keralase by Seriderm, combining advanced laser technology creating microchannels in the scalp, with the application of a serum rich in growth factors and bioactive peptides to promote hair regrowth. 

‘Advances in genomics, microbiome research and artificial intelligence will allow for individualised and personalised treatment protocols based on a patient’s unique biological profile. There will be a move away from out of proportion volume and the frozen look and the emphasis will be on achieving healthy and resilient skin and hair.’ 

3D face scanning for perfect results 

Traditionally, consultations have relied on before-and-after images and verbal descriptions, leaving much to the imagination. But technology is already changing that. 

Silhouette is a groundbreaking new technology from Adoreal, now launching in the UK. Designed to remove uncertainty, Silhouette generates hyper-personalised 3D visualisations of potential results for both face and body, providing clarity, confidence, and control like never before, ultimately redefining how patients approach aesthetic procedures. 

‘For me, patient trust is paramount,’ says Mr Adrian Richards, plastic surgeon and founder of iQonic Aesthetics. ‘With Silhouette from Adoreal, we can move beyond vague descriptions and actually show patients a realistic representation of what’s possible. This is a true game-changer; not just for consultations, but for the entire aesthetic journey.’ 

This technology means an end to guesswork. Aestheticians and patients can now see exactly how a treatment will affect them before it’s even done. 

Bi-engineered material will replace human skin 

Dr Dan and Dr Mo say: ‘The use of bio engineered material to be used as a surgical placement for human skin is already starting to be used in some areas of surgery however this is likely to become much more readily available. Bioengineered skin typically consists of an outer epidermal layer and/or a dermal layer embedded into an acellular matrix. Together, this forms a substitute to biological skin. This tissue can be grown from the patient’s own cells or from other sources and is designed to temporarily take over the functions of the skin until the patient’s skin repairs. It’s believed that introducing these living cells can help to accelerate wound healing.’ 

We’ll stop ageing before it begins 

Dr Emanuel says: ‘We’re entering a phase where we can intervene before visible ageing occurs. This will be made possible by the integration of DNA testing, protein biomarker analysis, and cellular stress mapping, paired with algorithmically guided diagnostics. This allows us to identify hidden deficiencies, mitochondrial inefficiencies, or inflammatory patterns early and act before they manifest as lines, pigmentation, or loss of tone. Chronoageing will be the central target but we must not underestimate the role of photoageing either. Our skin is under constant assault not just from sunlight, but also blue light exposure from screens, which disrupts circadian rhythms and accelerates oxidative damage. Soon, we’ll have multimarker testing panels to assess and score this damage in a quantifiable way and from there, we can prescribe protocols that repair, replenish, and future-proof the skin, backed by science and real data.’ 

The new beauty ingredients you need to know about 

Get in the know with the latest cutting-edge topical treatments...

Azelaic acid 

If you’re looking for a skin calmer that also fades acne marks and brown spots, look for azelaic acid on the ingredients list. It’s an organic compound found in wheat, barley and rye and it’s made by natural yeasts on normal skin. It works to smooth skin texture, too. 

Bakuchiol 

A more gentle, natural form of retinol, bakuchiol is derived from the Babchi plant – it offers a lot of the benefits of wonder-ingredient retinol with less irritation. 

Ectoine 

Ectoine is a natural compound produced by several species of bacteria to protect themselves. It forms what the industry calls a "hydration cloud" around skin cells, shielding them from stressors and promoting hydration. 

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate 

Our favourite hyaluronic acid is superseded by Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, a derivative that’s designed to cling better to the skin's surface, penetrate deeper and provide longer-lasting hydration. 

Hypochlorous acid (HOCI) 

HOCI is a natural disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent produced by the body's white blood cells to fight infections and promote healing. It forms when chlorine dissolves in water. 

Polyglutamic acid (PGA) 

This powerful humectant is derived from fermented soybeans and known for its strong hydrating properties – it holds significantly more moisture than hyaluronic acid. 

Bisabolol 

Long known as a skin soothing agent derived from chamomile and other plants, bisabolol is now making waves in high-end skincare, too. 

Lactobacillus 

One of the most common probiotics found in food such as yogurt, lactobacillus is now popping up in skincare as it helps bind moisture to the skin as well as maintaining a healthy level of sebum and reducing irritation. 

Propolis 

Bees don’t just make honey! Propolis is a resin-like material they make and use for building hives – and it’s used in skincare because it’s anti-fungal, anti-antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant.