Medical aesthetic products. Sephora unveils opening date for hotly-anticipated UK store 

THE WHAT? Sephora has announced the opening date for its UK store, with the cult beauty retailer opening at Westfield White City in West London on March 8, 2023. 

THE DETAILS The 6000ft store sits alongside beauty competitors within the shopping centre, including Lush, L’Occitane, Space NK and Boots, and will stock 135 beauty brands, including the perfumery chain’s own Sephora Collection as well as Vegamour, Skinfix and Makeup by Mario. 

THE WHY? Sephora re-entered the UK market in October 2022 with an online offering, teasing fans with its bricks-and-mortar return this year. 

While failing to crack the UK beauty market following its exit in 2005, blaming rising rents and costs, the U.S. retailer cites the UK’s ‘dynamic beauty and wellness market’ as a reason for its return. 

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.