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Cruelty Free International calls for phase-out of animal testing in the UK

Animal protection NGO Cruelty Free International is asking all Parliamentary candidates in the general election to support calls for the Government to create a roadmap for the total phase-out of animal testing in the UK, and for animal testing for cosmetics ingredients to be made illegal.

As part of the ‘Pledge Cruelty Free Campaign’, which can be signed on the Cruelty Free International website, members of the public can ask all Parliamentary candidates in their constituency to make a commitment to put the 1998 ban on testing cosmetics on animals, covering ingredients used either primarily or exclusively in cosmetics, into law. They can also modernise the system for testing the chemicals that go into the products used every day, such as food, clothes, household cleaning, furniture, electronic goods, paints and dyes, and removing animals from those tests, and ask that the Government creates a plan to phaseout animal testing forever, with a minister dedicated to delivering this target across all Government departments.

The campaign is a direct response to the Government’s decision, revealed in May 2023, to secretly abandon the UK’s 1998 ban on animal testing for cosmetics. This information came to light as part of Cruelty Free International’s legal challenge to the Home Office on the UK’s policy on animal testing.

Since this revelation, and following legal pressure exerted by Cruelty Free International, the Government has partially reinstated the cosmetics testing ban, to include ingredients used exclusively in cosmetics but this only covers approximately 20% of the total ingredients used.

Brits spent record amount on healthcare in 2023

The latest consumer spending figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal UK households spent a record £32.3 billion on health products and services in 2023, up £2.5 billion (8.3%) over 2022’s £29.8 billion.

Last year, patients spent £8.6 billion on pharmaceutical products such as medicines, vaccines and vitamins, up from 2022’s £7.9 billion. Brits also spent £4.2 billion on consultations with doctors and specialists and £4 billion on dentists and hygienists.

They splashed £1.3 billion on acupuncturists, aromatherapists and reflexologists, although this figure includes private nurses and midwives too.

One of the most significant amounts of household expenditure was £10 billion on in-patient hospital services, including medical care, meals and accommodation charges. This was another new record, up from just over £9 billion in 2022.

More than half of Brits get sunburnt accidentally

A shocking 51% of Brits surveyed by the British Skin Foundation (BSF) have accidentally sunburned themselves. “Sunburn is an acute inflammatory reaction that follows over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation, it causes direct damage to DNA, resulting in inflammation and death of skin cells,” explained Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and BSF spokesperson. “Sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of developing melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, in later life.”

41% of people surveyed indicated that they would welcome reminders about protecting their skin in the summer months.

To help fight against skin cancer and educate the public, the BSF has just launched its ‘More, More, More’ sun safety campaign encouraging Brits to wear more protective clothing, use more sunscreen and seek more shade during the summer months. With a quarter of people surveyed admitting that they forget about sun safety measures and need regular reminding, this campaign gives the British public a nudge to look after their skin health.

Ozempic searches increase by 900% in the UK following heart health news

Analysis of Google search data has revealed that daily ‘Ozempic’ searches have exploded by 865% in the UK, as of May 14, 2024, compared to the same time period last year. New research done by the European Congress of Obesity (ECO) found that taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in the weight-loss injections Ozempic and Wegovy, could reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death due to cardiovascular disease by 20%.

The analysis, by weight-loss clinic Simple Online Pharmacy, revealed that searches for ‘Ozempic’ increased to over eight times the average search volume in one day – an unprecedented increase in Brits looking to find out more about the medication that could have a range of cardiovascular benefits and improve their overall health.

Data has also revealed the UK areas most interested in weight-loss medications, with Bolton taking the top spot. In second was Croydon, while Doncaster followed in third.

Interest in weight-loss medications has soared globally over the past couple of years, with almost half (45%) of adults living in the US expressing interest in prescription weight-loss drugs according to research by health policy organisation, KFF.

This pattern has been emphasised by the recent Ozempic trend, in which many celebrities and social media influences have promoted use of the drug. This has led to a huge surge in interest, and Ozempic was found to be the most searched-for weight-loss drug in every area across the UK.

Caroline Larissey steps down from JCCP

Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF), has decided to step down from her role at the Joint Council for Cosmetic Procedures (JCCP) after five years. Larissey’s involvement with the JCCP was originally through a previous work role at Habia as head of quality and standards for over six years, which led to her being invited to be a trustee in a personal capacity, as recognition of her contribution and commitment to raising standards in non-surgical cosmetics (aesthetics).

“During my tenure at the JCCP, I had the privilege of supporting its creation and serving as a trustee,” Larissey said. “The UK hair and beauty sector is vibrant and dynamic, empowering individuals, promoting self-expression, and contributing to overall wellbeing and self-care. With a substantial £4.6 billion contribution to the UK economy, the sector plays a vital role in driving footfall to high streets, supporting jobs, and fuelling growth nationwide. As I step down from this role, I am excited to focus my efforts on championing the voice of the NHBF and the wider beauty sector.”

Aesthetics representatives meet with MSPs at Scottish Parliament to outline concerns about sector

Representatives from the Scottish Medical Aesthetics Safety Group (SMASG), British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM), and British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN) met with a cross-party group of MSPs at the Scottish Parliament on June 13 to outline their concerns and call for change. In recent years, there has been a massive increase in non-healthcare professionals offering medical treatments in Scotland, often using counterfeit medicines and operating from unlicensed premises. In addition, two new threats have emerged as a result of new English regulation creating a “border hopping” phenomenon. Non-healthcare providers from England are travelling to Scotland to take advantage of the void in regulation, and under 18s in England, where it is now illegal to have a procedure, are travelling to Scotland where it is still legal.

Jenni Minto (SNP), minister for public health and women’s health, agreed that action was urgently required and that a decade had been lost since the government created the Scottish Cosmetic Intervention Expert Group to advise on regulation. MSP Miles Briggs expressed his concern that the lack of regulation would enable another bloodborne disease scandal created by non-healthcare providers using unhygienic premises and sharing treatment consumables.

Psychiatric illnesses named as cause of NHS staff absences

New research carried out by personal injury experts at Claims.co.uk has examined NHS data to determine the most common causes of all NHS staff absences from December 2023. Overall, 5.5% of staff were off sick during the period studied.

Psychiatric illnesses were named as the cause for 25.6% of employees taking time away from the workplace, deeming it the largest cause of staff absenteeism. These psychiatric illnesses can range from anxiety to stress to depression. According to Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, one in four people experience mental health issues each year in the UK and 792 million people are affected by bad metal health world-wide. Mental illness is the second-largest source of disease in England and is undoubtedly affecting NHS staff due to the high strain of demand and pressure of their intense and sometimes traumatic working environment. Influenza, cold and cough were named as the cause for 15.3% of absent employees, the second highest cause in this ranking, with musculoskeletal problems the next named cause of staff absences, and 8.2% of employees out of work affected.

Nine out of 10 acne sufferers say insecurities impact their daily lives

Approximately 50% of adults with acne report avoiding social interactions due to their skin condition, which can lead to social withdrawal and isolation, according to AviClear by Cutera’s ‘Acne Impact Report’. Acne is one of the world’s most widespread skin conditions, affecting around 742 million people globally – that’s almost 10% of the Earth’s population whose daily life, mental wellbeing and confidence are at risk of being impacted by the effects of acne. Around 70% of acne sufferers report a negative impact on their selfesteem and self-confidence, with 50% even saying their condition affects their overall life satisfaction. Almost 35% of those affected reported experiencing bullying or teasing due to their skin, which could further exacerbate feelings of isolation and low self-worth, and over 30% said it had strained personal relationships, making them feel less attractive or desirable. People with acne are 63% more likely to develop depression, over 50% of acne sufferers worry they will never have clear skin and six in 10 say the struggle of trying to treat acne can be worse than the acne itself.

Virginia tech researcher creates “invisible tweezers”

Assistant professor Zhenhua Tian and his team have created ‘invisible tweezers’ to move tiny bioparticles, and the work has been published in Science Advances.

Because robotic-assisted tools can be smaller, cuts also tend to be smaller than traditional surgeries, making robotics a preferred choice. Tian’s team has taken this idea a step further by developing a method of moving small targets, such as cells, and medicine within a body in a non-invasive way, with no cuts required.

The secret is found in acoustic energy emitters that Tian’s team uses to surround and capture particles, working like invisible tweezers. The emitters create 3D acoustic vortex fields that can pass through barriers such as bone and tissue, crossing over one another to form tiny ring-shaped acoustic traps.

BAAPS announces honorary council representative for Ireland

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has announced the appointment of Ms Éilís Fitzgerald, consultant plastic surgeon, as honorary BAAPS council representative for Ireland. She is known for her meticulous approach, dedication to patient care, and her role as a mentor to upcoming surgeons. Ms Fitzgerald is also a frequent contributor to leading medical journals and has presented at numerous international conferences. “I am honoured to have been appointed as the Honorary BAAPS council representative for Ireland”, she said.

New study highlights link between scars and body image

A study recently conducted at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in collaboration with the University of Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Kids and University College London has been presented to the British Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeons (BAPRAS).

The results have provided significant insights into the assessment of scars from the perspective of children and young people, between eight and 18 years old. The study highlighted that patients with keloid scarring had significantly lower scores than people with other types of scarring.

Led by Ms Patricia Neves, a plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in scar management, the research aimed to determine the validity of ‘SCAR-Q’, a patient-reported measurement for scars, and its association with body image perceptions, especially in younger patients.

Rent My Clinic addresses space challenges in aesthetics

The aesthetics sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, drawing numerous healthcare professionals eager to enter the field. Despite their expertise, many aesthetic practitioners face the significant challenge of securing professional and credible clinic space, especially when expanding services to new cities. A new platform, Rent My Clinic, aims to address this market inefficiency.

Rent My Clinic offers to transform dormant spaces into revenuegenerating assets by allowing clinic owners to advertise their spare rooms easily and efficiently, enabling them to generate passive income. Healthcare professionals can choose where they work, ensuring they can deliver services to their patients in a professional environment and clinicians can find locations that meet their specific needs, whether they are newcomers to the field or experienced practitioners.