Medical aesthetic products. All the tea on Sephora’s hotly anticipated UK store

THE WHAT? Sephora has confirmed the location and specifics of its hotly anticipated UK store. The LVMH-owned retailer re-launched onto the UK market last autumn with an online store and is set to follow up with a bricks and mortar site in March, according to a report published by The Independent.

THE DETAILS The new store will be located in London’s Westfield White City and stock more than 135 beauty brands, including the perfumery chain’s own Sephora Collection as well as Vegamour, Skinfix and Makeup by Mario.

THE WHY? Sephora has tried and failed to crack the UK market before but, if the hype surrounding each rumor of its return is anything to go by, the beauty retailer’s return will be triumphant. However, it goes without saying that launching a new presence in the midst of a recession is a bold move.

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.