Medical aesthetic products. Tesco, Unilever and In Kind Direct team up to tackle hygiene poverty

THE WHAT? Unilever, Tesco and In Kind Direct have teamed up to help British families in hygiene poverty, according to a report published by the Grocery Gazette.

THE DETAILS The initiative, which will be in place until March 7, will see Unilever donate an item from its Dove, Radox, TRESemme or Simple ranges when shoppers buy two items from a selection of participating personal care products in Tesco stores.  

THE WHY? In Kind Direct has revealed that nearly half of low-income households have had to forgo hygiene products due to a lack of affordability. Unilever General Manager, Personal Care UK and Ireland, Chris Barron told Grocery Gazette, “Following the impact of our first hygiene poverty campaign in partnership with Tesco and In Kind Direct last year, it’s great to have launched our second campaign already and to share our commitment to working together over the coming years to respond to the growing issue of hygiene poverty and to supporting those who are most vulnerable.”

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.