As someone who’s worked in the skincare industry for over 40 years, I’ve seen it all - the good, the bad, and the downright dangerous.
In recent years, the UK beauty industry has seen a surge in demand for non-surgical cosmetic treatments. This has, in no small part, been driven by social media platforms that are flooded with higly filtered and misleading aesthetic trends, plus the desire for quick, transformative results and advancments in skincare science. The boom, however, has also led to an explosion in the number of practitioners - some of whom, have minimal training but offer medical-grade products and treatments.Sadly, the industry and government have not kept pace with this growth, leading to an alarming number of people taking unecessary risks with their skin, often without realising it.
In this blog I explore the risks of trusting your precious skin - which is also your largest organ - to those without the skills and experience to effectively treat it, and how social media trends can sometimes lead you astray.
The dangers of unqualified practitioners
First things first, your skin deserves the best care, right? You need to invest in it wisely, as it's with you a very long time. That's why it's so crucial to choose a skincare expert who is properly qualified and experienced.Procedures like Botox, dermal fillers and chemical peels aren’t just about injecting or slapping on some product and looking fab — they require serious skill and knowledge to get the right results. When done by someone without the proper training, these treatments can lead to nasty reactions, infections, scarring, muscle loss, or worse. The sad reality is that, in the UK, the beauty industry is largely unregulated. It's a bit like the Wild West, meaning anyone can set up shop with little to no oversight.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing recently highlighted this issue, noting a “complete absence” of regulation in the non-surgical beauty sector. This means dangerous procedures are being taught on dodgy one-day courses or even online. The report wisely recommended mandatory training for all practitioners and a national licensing system to ensure treatments are done safely and hygienically.
The role of social media in beauty trends
Most of us are on social media, right? It's become part of our day-to-day. But it's a double-edged sword.Trends like 'glass skin', 'dolphin skin' and 'Korean beauty' look absolutely stunning on Instagram, but they can sometimes set unrealistic expectations. These trends are often pushed by influencers and celebrities who have their own glam squads and editing tools. I once heard a trusted industry colleague of many years standing comment that "anyone can have glass skin if you shave it, put enough oil on it and use a ring light". She's not wrong!
Seeing these flawless, filtered images can mess with our self-esteem and push us towards quick-fix treatments, but it’s essential to remember that what you're seeing might not be the whole story. And what works for one person may not be right for you - especially if it’s based on a trend rather than solid science.
So, how can you protect yourself?
It's not difficult to make sure you’re putting your skin in the hands of someone who knows their stuff. Here are my top tips for keeping your skin safe:- Check qualifications and training: Always ensure the practitioner has the right training and recognised qualifications. Look for awards or training certificates from reputable brands, colleges, training centres, and also organisations like BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology). Most medical grade skincare companies, such as AlumierMD or Matis, will demand that their associate therapists undertake constant training every year. I attend weekly training on subjects that help the skin, such as hormones, stress control, gut health and how to get good sleep. We also learn about ingredients, skin type and study research papers. Last night's Zoom call was about the power of Peptides!
- Ask Questions: Don’t be shy! Ask your therapist about their training, experience and the products they use. A good practitioner will be open and happy to chat. I would never resent such questions, as I want my clients to feel well informed and able to trust me!
- Read Reviews and Testimonials: See what others have to say. Check out reviews and testimonials to get a sense of someone's reputation.
- Take a good look at the clinic: Have a look around. A clean, well set out and uncrowded professional clinic is a good sign. You want to feel relaxed, comfortable and confident in your environment.
- Homecare advice: You want a therapits that will provide you with hints and tips on improving your skin between appointments.
- Check Insurance: Make sure your treatment is being done by someone with appropriate insurance. It’s a safety net in case anything goes wrong.
In conclusion
The beauty industry is full of amazing treatments that can make you look and feel fantastic, and years younger. But remember, it’s vital to be cautious and ensure you’re getting those treatments from qualified professionals like me.Social media trends can be fun and inspiring, but they shouldn’t dictate your choices. By doing a bit of homework and asking the right questions, you can protect yourself and make informed decisions.
Your skin is precious. Don’t compromise on quality just to follow a trend. Choose a practitioner who is qualified, experienced and committed to giving you the best care possible.
Stay beautiful, stay safe!
Ask the Expert!
If you’d like a consultation to discuss your homecare skincare routine, or have any other skin concerns, please contact me.
Telephone and video appointments are available as well as face-to-face consultations. Your consultation will typically takes 30 minutes and is valuable for you to feel educated about your skin health and confident in your product choice.
