Curious About Aesthetics, But Overwhelmed By All the Options? Here are the 5 Most Popular Cosmetic Treatments for 2026

Have you been considering trying a cosmetic treatment, but are unsure where or how to take the plunge?

Maybe you heard about a friend’s recent Botox® treatment. Or you’ve decided that this is the year you’re going to have that scar or those stretch marks removed. Or perhaps you’re simply curious about what you can do to look more like your natural self.

The good news is: You are not alone! A recent 2025 Pew report shows that nearly a quarter of adults either have gotten or would consider getting nonsurgical treatments to improve their skin. The reasons go beyond sheer vanity: Cosmetic patients often experience improved psychosocial health, enhanced social interactions, and a heightened sense of overall quality of life—proving that aesthetic improvements go beyond skin deep. In this ”undetectable era” of beauty that we are in, patients simply want subtle, natural changes that help them love the way they look, but that others around them can’t detect.

If this realm of cosmetic dermatology is new to you, it might seem a little overwhelming at first. Where do you begin? You might want to start by looking into these popular non-surgical options.

The top 5 aesthetic treatments for 2026

Neuromodulators

Wrinkle relaxers such as Botox®, Juveau®, and Dysport® are consistently the most requested treatment by patients seeking rejuvenation. These FDA-approved injectables temporarily relax muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles—those caused by facial expressions like frowning and smiling. Tox injections, as they are sometimes referred to, are also effective at reducing excessive sweating, treating migraines, and even relaxing the jaw in those with TMJ.

The benefits of neuromodulators include:

• Softening of lines on the forehead, between the eyes (11’s), on the nose (bunny lines), and along crow’s feet
• No downtime
• Results in as little as 3–7 days
• Smoother skin for 3–6 months

Most patients report extremely high levels of satisfaction with their neurotoxin treatments, especially when administered by a provider who’s skilled at delivering a “natural look.” In a recent study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, more than 90% of patients surveyed reported feeling happy with their appearance within 30 days of treatment, and more than half said they felt an improvement in their psychological well-being.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers

If you want to add volume to areas of the face that have lost their “plumpness” over time, this may be your answer. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the skin that holds moisture, keeping the skin plump and hydrated. As we age, we produce less of it, and that’s when skin becomes thin and dry – and starts to sag. Injecting hyaluronic acid into the cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds (smile lines that reach the nose), and marionette lines (lines from the corners of the mouth to the chin) can smooth out those areas.

The benefits of hyaluronic acid fillers include:

• Enhanced facial contours in the cheeks, jawline, and chin for a more defined look
• Pouty, fuller lips
• Immediate results
• Results lasting up to a year, and some last for two years

Recently, the FDA has warned against buying or using lip or facial fillers that are sold directly to the public. Not only are they less likely to deliver desirable results; they may be contaminated with chemicals and infectious organisms. Injection sites are also likely to become infected when administered by a non-medical injector. The only FDA-approved dermal fillers are supplied by prescription for injection by licensed medical professionals, such as our board-certified dermatologists at Forefront. Look for trusted brand names like Juvéderm and Restylane.

Biostimulatory injectables

While dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid are eventually broken down by the body, biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse work by encouraging the body to regenerate what it needs for stronger, firmer skin. When injected into areas that have lost volume, biostimulators provide re-hydration to dermal layers while stimulating collagen production to help with wrinkles, sagging skin, fine lines, and loss of firmness. Since it takes several weeks to months for new collagen to form, results aren’t seen as quickly as other injectables, but the bioregenerative effect can last for several years.

The benefits of biostimulatory injectables include:

• Subtle, natural-looking enhancements that develop over time
• Firmer, smoother skin in cheeks, nasolabial folds, neck, chest, jawline, arms, hands, and buttocks
• Results that last for up to three years, with yearly maintenance visits recommended

Biostimulators are very effective in aging women who are naturally thin, or those who have lost weight rapidly via GLP-1 treatment and have “Ozempic Face.” As collagen and elastin build back up naturally, patients begin to see a graceful fullness that looks healthy.

Microneedling

Another cosmetic procedure that stimulates collagen and elastin production, microneedling uses tiny needles to create micro-punctures in the skin. The body reacts to these “wounds” by producing new skin tissue, which is firm and elastic — leading to improved skin texture and fewer wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars (including acne scars). Unlike biostimulators, though, collagen and elastin do not continue to produce over time, so annual maintenance sessions are recommended.

The benefits of microneedling include:

• Reduced or faded scars from surgery and acne, particularly if the scars are depressed rather than raised
• Fewer dark spots and more even skin tone
• Smaller pores
• Firmer skin for reduced wrinkles and fine lines
• Results that last 3-5 months, with maintenance once a year

Radiofrequency, or RF microneedling adds heat to this treatment, which can increase the body’s ability to produce collagen for better results – although research is still being performed on whether or not this is safe for people with darker skin tones. Before scheduling any microneedling session, a dermatologist will need to check the current condition and tone of your skin. Microneedling is not recommended for patients with eczema or psoriasis, sunburns, or tans, and acne flare ups will need to clear up prior to treatment. If you are taking isotretinoin, you’ll need to wait at least one month since you took your last pill.

Fractional laser resurfacing

Fractional lasers are exceptional at targeting specific areas of the skin while leaving surrounding skin untouched, which is beneficial for treating acne scars and age spots. The lasers penetrate to the deeper layers of dermal tissues to stimulate collagen and elastin. As new tissue grows in place of damaged skin, you’ll see fewer wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and discoloration with a relatively fast recovery time than traditional lasers.

The benefits of fractional laser resurfacing include:

• Evens out skin tone and discoloration
• Improves the appearance of wrinkles and scars
• Especially effective at removing scars resistant toward other types of treatment
• Can be used on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands
• Treatment takes less than an hour
• Results last several months

While melanin-rich skin types tend to develop keloid scars and pigmentary changes with other laser resurfacing treatments, fractional lasers have been shown to reduce those chances. An evidence-based review published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that fractional lasers are a favorable treatment option for a variety of dermatological diseases in skin of color.

IPL/BBL photofacial therapy

Freckles, brown spots, or even larger patches of discolored skin are common effects of hyperpigmentation, which can happen from years in the sun, and even from hormones. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy uses short pulses of light waves to target melanin in the skin and also restricts blood vessels to reduce redness in patients with rosacea.

The benefits of IPL therapy include:

• Improved skin tone, texture, and pigmentation
• Less redness from inflammation or rosacea
• Smaller pores
• Noticeable results within a week or two, with 3-5 sessions recommended
• Suitable for treating the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands

Broadband Light (BBL) therapy is a more advanced form of IPL therapy. It uses a higher power energy with cooling technology to penetrate deeper into the skin, targeting deeper pigments and stimulating collagen for a natural repair process.

The benefits of BBL therapy include:

• Fewer sessions needed than IPL
• Enhanced comfort
• Less visible birth marks
• Firmer skin
• Slows down signs of aging
• Results that last about a year

A dermatologist will be able to tell you which photofacial therapy is best for your skin condition. Generally, you would choose IPL if primary concerns are redness, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone, while BBL is better for achieving younger looking skin overall.

Not sure which cosmetic treatment might be best for you?

It’s completely normal to feel apprehensive about aesthetic procedures, even though there’s no knife involved. A knowledgeable dermatologist at Forefront will examine your skin, discuss your concerns, and recommend treatments that will allow you to look like yourself — but better than ever!

Schedule a consultation at a Forefront Dermatology location near you to get started.