THE WHAT? Swedish pharmacy chain, Apotek Hjartat has announced that it will usher in age restrictions on skin care products containing ‘advanced’ anti-ageing ingredients such as AHA and BHA acid, vitamin A and vitamin C.
THE DETAILS According to a report published by The Guardian, the retailer, which has 390 branches across Sweden, will require under 15s to produce parental consent of proof of a skin condition to purchase such products.
THE WHY? Monika Magnusson, the company’s CEO, told The Guardian, “We want to be ahead of the curve, and take greater responsibility for not being involved in pushing unhealthy behaviours and ideals that have grown up among many young people.”
Clinical aesthetics products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics or cosmetic dermatology. These products are typically designed and formulated to be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals, such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or trained aestheticians. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain active ingredients or formulations that require expertise in their application or administration.
Examples of clinical aesthetics products include:
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Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Examples include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane.
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectables that temporarily paralyze facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by repetitive movements, such as frown lines and crow's feet.
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Chemical Peels: Solutions applied to the skin to exfoliate and improve its texture. They can treat acne, pigmentation issues, and signs of aging.
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Laser and Light Therapies: Devices that emit focused light or laser energy to treat various skin conditions, including acne, scars, and signs of aging.
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Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients like retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants to address specific skin concerns under medical supervision.
