Cosmetic Training Level 7

Regulation and safety in Cosmetic Dermatology

Cosmetic training Level 7

Unfortunately, cosmetic dermatology practice remains unregulated. As things stands, it remains the responsibility of the client to ensure their practitioner is properly trained, offers ethical standards of practice and is insured. With the Government refusing to legislate to protect consumers, even after the PIP scandal, the industry has witnessed ‘a race to the bottom’. Unscrupulous organisations are issuing training ‘certificates’ to people with no medical or even beauty skills who have paid to attend courses which not accredited or recognised. They are awarding cosmetic training level 7 certificates to people with virtually NO training. The people running these courses are hairdressers and beauty therapists who call themselves ‘doctor’  but have no qualifications.

In addition, it is likely that many of these people will obtain unregulated products over the internet.

Dr Charlson is a member of the Joint Council, a body of industry experts and representatives from the Department of Health who are working to introduce regulation and accredited  Level 7 training in June 2017.  Anyone claiming to have level 7 training from accredited company may be liable for criminal proceedings.

The Government issued a review of findings in cosmetic industry Government review of Cosmetic Industry

In 2013 Sir Bruce Keogh produced a report on non-surgical cosmetic procedures. He concluded that action as the industry was largely unregulated. He said: ’A person having a non-surgical cosmetic intervention has no more protection and redress than someone buying a ballpoint pen or a toothbrush. Dermal fillers are a particular cause for concern as anyone can set themselves up as a practitioner, with no requirement for knowledge, training or previous experience. Nor are there sufficient checks in place with regard to product quality – most dermal fillers have no more controls than a bottle of floor cleaner.’

Sadly the Government has declined to legislate to prevent non-clinical practitioners injecting nor made dermal fillers prescription items. It did however ask Health Education England to produce a set of guidelines to encompass all levels of non surgical cosmetic practice. The report was published at the end of 2015.

Paul charlson works on Joint Council working for Level 7 regulation