Health Update: Five wellness trends set to shape 2026 – Experts – What Experts Say

Wellness practices are expected to shift in 2026 as people increasingly rethink how they care for their bodies, minds and communities.

Following a tech-driven 2025 marked by AI therapy, sleep optimisation and a growing focus on healthspan, experts say the next phase of wellness will favour slower, simpler and more specialised approaches.

Personalised health plans, streamlined skincare routines and targeted supplementation are projected to gain momentum as consumers move away from one-size-fits-all solutions. Greater emphasis is also expected to be placed on human connection and community wellness as tools for long-term well-being.

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Emerging trends such as tech-free lifestyles, immersive virtual health experiences and evidence-led self-care practices are likely to shape how wellness is approached in 2026 and beyond.

According to Forbes, here are five wellness trends expected to define the year ahead.

Personalised supplementation takes centre stage

The era of generic supplements is giving way to personalised nutrition plans based on testing and individual health data. Rather than relying on broad multivitamins, more people are turning to functional medicine to understand what their bodies actually need.

This approach involves medical testing, including blood and urine panels, to identify vitamin, mineral, antioxidant and hormone levels. Supplement plans are then created to address specific deficiencies, alongside guidance on food choices.

“Physicians trained in the functional medicine method are not just treating symptoms – the old ‘one drug fits all’ approach – but are looking for root causes of those symptoms,” said longevity expert Leslie Kenny.

“The future of supplementation is bespoke – not in luxury, but in logic. As we understand more about epigenome, microbiome, and lifestyle stressors, it makes sense our supplement routines should reflect that individuality, based on what blood and urine panels reveal about our vitamin, mineral, antioxidant and hormone deficiencies or imbalances,” she said.

Kenny advises starting with a full health history before testing, allowing practitioners to link symptoms to underlying causes rather than surface issues.

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The growth of the tech abstinence movement

Rising screen use and constant connectivity are driving a counter movement focused on reducing digital exposure. Research links prolonged screen time to stress and burnout, with women reporting higher levels of pressure in recent years.

As a result, more people are setting limits around technology. Practices include banning phones from bedrooms, using analogue alarm clocks, tracking screen time and attending digital detox retreats. Trends such as “slowmaxxing” reflect a wider effort to reduce pace and mental overload.

“As humans, a slower and more connected pace is what we crave fundamentally, as our default is presence,” said Sarie Taylor, psychotherapist and founder of Worldwide Wellbeing.

“The benefits of this trend are not only limitless, but they take us back to simplicity, making it much easier to sustain much more helpful habits in a short space of time.”

Taylor notes that reducing digital use can improve sleep, focus and stress management. “Prevention is definitely better than cure when it comes to stress and burnout,” she said.

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Community wellness becomes a form of care

Wellness is moving away from a solely individual focus towards shared experiences built around connection. While self-care content dominates online spaces, research continues to show that social connection supports health and longevity.

In response, community-led wellness spaces are gaining attention. These include group movement sessions, shared health programmes and local gatherings centred on common interests. Many are designed to support women through life stages such as motherhood and menopause.

“After years of remote work, self-improvement in isolation, and hyper-digital living, people are realising that true wellness depends on connection,” said movement specialist and author Sarah Aspinall.

“Women in particular are craving spaces where they can belong, be seen, and move together – a counterbalance to the individualism and optimisation culture of the past decade.”

Aspinall describes this shift as a focus on “social health”.

“This is the era of ‘social health’ – where community becomes medicine. When women move together, their brains release oxytocin and endorphins, chemicals that lower stress and strengthen trust,” she said.

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Wellness expands into the metaverse

Despite the push to reduce screen time, digital tools continue to play a role in health and wellbeing. Virtual reality and online platforms are being used to deliver fitness, mindfulness and therapy sessions in immersive formats.

Virtual workouts, guided meditation, digital spa experiences and blockchain systems that reward physical activity are all part of this trend. AI-led therapy sessions are also emerging, offering structured mental health support.

“The VR healthcare market is growing significantly — forecasted to grow approximately 30% per year through 2030 — as clinical professionals and researchers increasingly validate virtual environments as effective tools for reducing stress, enhancing physical therapy and fitness activities,” said Blen Tesfu, MD and medical advisor.

Research shows that virtual mindfulness programmes can reduce stress and anxiety, while virtual exercise can improve motivation and consistency.

“For women, this trend provides an opportunity for convenient, inclusive, and supportive access to wellness experiences,” Tesfu said, noting its relevance for carers and those with limited time.

A shift towards simpler skincare

Skincare routines are becoming shorter as more people move away from complex regimens. Long routines and online beauty standards have led to fatigue, while studies suggest that excessive product use can disrupt skin health.

In 2026, skincare is expected to focus on fewer steps and targeted products that support the skin barrier.

“The science favours barrier-friendly basics and fewer irritants,” said dermatologist Shamsa Kanwal, MD.

“Harsh surfactants and over-cleansing disrupt your skin’s proteins and lipids, raising irritation and transepidermal water loss, which supports a move to gentler, simpler routines.”

Kanwal recommends a routine with limited steps: gentle cleansing, moisturising, daily SPF use and one targeted active product at a time. She also advises fragrance-free formulas and ingredients such as niacinamide or ceramides when needed.