When it comes to skin care, there’s always something trending. Whether it’s a tried and true ingredient experiencing a resurgence in popularity or an innovative new therapy making a splash, it can be tricky to keep track of everything. We’re breaking down four skin care treatments that are having a moment, so you can feel confident about what you put on your skin.

red light, green light
Red light treatment uses low-intensity red light to stimulate skin cells to trigger them to respond to damage and rejuvenate themselves. It is used to treat skin conditions like wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, psoriasis and persistent wounds. The process is thought to work by increasing the function of the mitochondria in skin cells, allowing for increased energy inside the cells. While laser treatments work by creating controlled damage to the outer layer of the skin, red light therapy penetrates below the skin’s surface and does not cause damage. Because the light is specially calibrated, unlike with sunlight, there also is no risk of skin cancer with exposure.

Red light isn’t the only wavelength having a beauty moment. Green light also is rising in popularity. The treatment primarily is used to treat dark spots and inflammation. It does not penetrate as deeply as other light therapies, affecting only the first few layers of the epidermis. Not much research has been done on green light as a skin care treatment, but light therapy is generally considered a safe option, unless you have increased photosensitivity. In-office green light treatments are not as common as other light therapies, but there are at-home devices that offer it.

something fishy
Salmon is coming to your skin care—kind of. In Korea, the viral salmon sperm facial involves injecting DNA from salmon semen to rejuvenate the skin. That treatment has not been approved by the FDA for use in the U.S; however, the facial’s superstar ingredient, Polydeoxyribonucleotride (PDRN), is making a splash stateside. It works as a bio-stimulator, increasing collagen production, blood vessel growth and wound healing. As well as repairing the skin, it also has antioxidant properties to protect the skin from damage.

You can find PDRN in Korean beauty products, including face masks and moisturizers. It also can be used as topical treatment for in-office products like microneedling and laser skin resurfacing. Since these procedures break the skin, PDRN can boost their rejuvenating effects.

take that to the (collagen) bank
Once we hit our mid-20s, we start losing collagen as part of the natural aging process. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it is responsible for skin elasticity among other things. Collagen banking refers to proactive measures to preserve the protein or even stimulate new production before it starts to diminish. The idea is to start earlier so the impact of depleted collagen is not as apparent later, combating the appearance of fine lines
and wrinkles.

There are several ways to start collagen banking. It can be as simple as wearing sun protection, since UV rays damage the skin and deplete collagen. There also are collagen supplements and skin care products on the market that can help boost the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Vitamin C plays a role in collagen production, so a diet rich in foods like leafy greens and citrus can have benefits. In-office procedures such as microneedling also can induce production. The tiny punctures signal the body to create more collagen and elastin to heal.

which witch
Witch hazel has a long history in skin care. Scientifically known as Hamamelis virginiana, it is a strong astringent, meaning it draws water out of the skin. It is most commonly made into toners to treat oily or acne prone skin. Recently, there has been a resurgence in its popularity thanks to new formulations that work better for a wider range of skin types. Witch hazel can reduce inflammation, tighten pores and control your skin’s oil balance. Thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it also works as a treatment for bug bites, burns or other minor wounds.

Many products made with witch hazel are distilled with alcohol, which can be extremely drying. This has given the ingredient a bit of a bad rep. However, there are alcohol-free options, which are better for people with dry or sensitive skin. The efficacy of witch hazel as a treatment for eczema or rosacea is unclear, and its use may not be beneficial for people with those conditions. If you have any concerns, consult your dermatologist.