The new ways to supercharge your grooming regime this year.

It may look relatively static by comparison, but the grooming industry moves with the same enthusiastic pace as the technology market. Just as hardware is rendered obsolete moments after its release, skincare is subject to constant revisions and upgrades. We’ve rounded up the five most promising innovations of 2019 and explain how they’ll irreversibly change your grooming routine (and your face).

The manufacturing process that revolutionised prototyping and construction has made its first mark on the beauty industry. At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Neutrogena debuted MaskiD, a 3D-printed hydrogel sheet mask that can be customised according to the wearer’s specific needs. Skin is scanned by a special camera that attaches to your smartphone, the app then sends the data to a device that bioprints a specific combination of ingredients onto a custom-fit mask. Wear said mask, never look back.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) have, until now, been considered one of the most effective chemical exfoliants on the market. These fruit acids unglue dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, smoother complexion. The only downside to AHAs is that they can sting, dehydrate or aggravate certain skin types. Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) work in much the same way, but without the risk of irritation. This is because they have a larger molecular structure, which allows them to penetrate the skin at a much slower rate. Guys with sensitive skin might want to consider making the switch as PHAs become more widely available.

Retinol has been a game-changer for those looking to stall the cruelty of time. But, as many users have found out, this potent derivative of vitamin A can cause chronic dryness and irritation. Retinol also comes from animals, which makes it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. Plant-derived alternatives are becoming more popular and can deliver on retinol’s promises without causing sensitivity. Ren Skincare made massive strides with its Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil and ingredients such as bakuchiol, an extract of the babchi plant, are giving traditional low-concentration retinoids a run for their money.

Imagine an adhesive patch studded with tiny spikes designed to perforate the skin. Like professional microneedling treatments, these microscopic holes allow active ingredients (contained in the self-dissolving spikes) to penetrate the skin more deeply and thus deliver tangible results. Eye patches that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid will be a game changer for insomniacs and workaholics alike. The medium is so effective that it has been embraced by the medical field. Microneedle patches may well be used to deliver flu vaccinations and long-lasting contraception for women in the future.

The beauty industry doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to sustainability. As corporate social responsibility becomes a priority for businesses around the world, beauty brands have continued to manufacture products with excess packaging and non-recyclable plastics. The #PassOnPlastic campaign gave the industry a much-needed nudge, and there’s a good chance you’ll see high-performance products with a lot less secondary (and, indeed, tertiary) packaging. Ren, for example, has teamed with innovator TerraCycle to create a 100 per cent recycled bottle, which contains 20 per cent ocean plastic. On a related note, cosmetics juggernaut L'Oréal aims to reduce 60 per cent of its water consumption per finished product by 2020. Unilever, one of its main competitors, has promised to halve its water footprint by the same deadline.