10/10/2025
New Aesthetics Regulations – The Truth
If you’ve been anywhere near a Facebook group, training advert, or industry WhatsApp chat lately, you’ve probably seen it:
“New law coming in – only medics will be allowed to inject!”
“You must do this £££ course now before it’s too late!”
“Licensing is starting in January – act now or be banned!”
Let’s take a breath.
Yes, the UK Government is introducing a new licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England.
Yes, it will affect non-medic practitioners.
But no, it’s not happening tomorrow — and there is no need to panic or spend thousands on unnecessary courses because of fear-based marketing.
What’s Actually Happening?
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has now published the results of its first consultation on licensing the aesthetics industry. The aim is to raise standards, protect the public, and create consistent rules for training, hygiene, insurance, and premises.
The proposed framework uses a 3-tier risk system:
Green (low risk) – e.g., microneedling, superficial peels, LED, non-ablative hair removal.
Amber (medium risk) – e.g., Botox, facial dermal fillers, PRP, weight loss injections.
Red (high risk) – e.g., Brazilian Butt Lifts, breast/genital fillers, deep chemical peels, thread lifts, IV infusions.
Only red tier procedures will be restricted to regulated healthcare professionals in CQC-registered premises.
Green and amber procedures will still be available to non-medics, provided you meet the new licensing and training requirements.
When Will This Happen?
Here’s the reality:
The next consultation (to decide final procedure lists, training requirements, and definitions) is due in early 2026.
After that, the rules must go through Parliament as secondary legislation.
Then there will be a transition period to give everyone time to comply.
The Government has said high-risk (red) procedure rules will come first — realistically late 2026 — with green/amber licensing following later, most likely 2027.
In other words:
Nothing changes today. Nothing changes next month. You have at least 18–24 months before any licensing affects day-to-day practice for green/amber treatments.
What You Should NOT Do Right Now
Don’t rush into expensive “licence-ready” courses that no official body has approved yet — because the exact training requirements haven’t been finalised.
Don’t panic if you’re a non-medic — there will still be a place for you in the industry.
Don’t believe claims that you’ll be “banned” overnight. The Government is taking a staged, consultation-led approach.
What You CAN Do to Prepare
Keep training to a high standard – choose accredited, Ofqual-regulated qualifications where possible.
Maintain great hygiene and safety – the new scheme will check premises standards.
Stay insured – and be sure your policy covers the treatments you offer.
Keep records – consultations, consent forms, before/after photos, complication management.
Follow updates from official sources – DHSC, JCCP, local authority announcements.
The Bottom Line
The new licensing scheme is coming — but it’s coming gradually, with time for you to adapt.
There is no need to make rushed or fear-based decisions now. Focus on delivering safe, high-quality treatments, keeping your skills current, and staying informed from official channels — not from panic posts on social media.
When the final rules are published, you’ll know exactly what’s required — and you’ll have time to meet those requirements.
So breathe. The sky isn’t falling. Your career isn’t over. And you don’t need to buy a £3,000 “emergency” course today.
As always we’re always here to support you and your business.
