News

PB NEWS

From consumer safety laws to longevity and wellness trends, here’s what’s shaping the industry now

Government plans crackdown on illegal underage sunbed use to cut teen cancer risk

The Government has announced plans to strengthen sunbed regulations in England as part of its forthcoming National Cancer Plan, aiming to curb illegal underage use and reduce avoidable skin cancer risk among teenagers.

Proposals confirmed by the Department of Health and Social Care include banning unsupervised commercial sunbed sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to ensure users are over 18. A public consultation is expected to launch in spring 2026, with new rules potentially coming into force in 2027.

The move follows evidence that some tanning salons continue to flout the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010, which bans under-18s from using commercial sunbeds. Investigations have found teenagers as young as 14 still accessing tanning facilities.

Health minister Karin Smyth MP said, “The evidence is clear: there is no safe level of sunbed use, yet too many young people are being exposed to a known carcinogen with little understanding of the risks. These proposals will crack down on rogue operators and ensure the law is properly enforced.”

The Government’s tougher stance comes amid wider regulatory pressure on the tanning sector. In a separate crackdown, the Advertising Standards Authority has banned multiple sunbed adverts for promoting “safe tanning” and health benefits, reinforcing official guidance that there is no safe or healthy way to tan using UV.

The rulings followed a proactive investigation using the regulator’s AI-powered Active Ad Monitoring system, which identifies online ads that may breach the CAP Code.

Scottish Government agrees to principles of Non-Surgical Procedures Bill

The Scottish Parliament has agreed to the general principles of the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill.

On February 5, the bill was passed at stage one in the Scottish Parliament when MSPs backed the introduction of restrictions on cosmetic procedures.

The Bill, introduced on October 8, 2025, follows the Government’s earlier consultation on the regulation and licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, which ran from December 2024 to February 2025.

It aims to ensure that procedures such as dermal fillers, microneedling and chemical peels are carried out safely, by appropriately trained practitioners, and within licensed premises that meet strict hygiene and safety standards.

The Bill is now progressing to Stage 2, allowing MSPs to submit amendments to current principles. Any suggested amendments will be debated at the next meeting (which was scheduled for February 24 as PB went to press) before proceeding to the next stage. In the final stage, any remaining amendments will be considered before Parliament votes on the Bill, with a simple majority needed for it to pass.

The proposed Blll includes a ban on certain procedures for under-18, licensing and safety standards, and Government powers to expand regulation.

Pleasure-led wellness, skin longevity and stress regulation to shape spas in 2026

New global research predicts a shift away from high-tech, data-driven wellness towards skin longevity, nervous system regulation and pleasure-led, human-centred care.

The Global Wellness Summit’s (GWS) Future of Wellness report outlines 10 trends expected to shape the wellness economy over the next year, from changes in how beauty approaches ageing to the growing role of stress management, women’s health and sensory spa experiences.

One of the most relevant trends for the professional beauty industry is the rise of skin longevity, replacing traditional “anti-ageing” narratives. Advances in skin diagnostics, regenerative treatments, biotechnology and AI-driven analysis are accelerating this shift.

The report also identifies a growing backlash against over-optimisation, driven by consumer fatigue with constant self-tracking and performance metrics.

For spas, this is reflected in rising interest in touch-based therapies and low-stimulation environments and treatments designed to regulate the nervous system rather than optimise performance.

Closely linked is the rise of neurowellness, which the report describes as the next frontier of health and wellbeing.

The report also predicts 2026 will be a pivotal year for women’s wellness, with focus on hormonal health and strength-based fitness.

57% of women say menopause-related skin changes make them feel anxious

A global survey of more than 4,300 peri-and postmenopausal women across nine countries has found that menopause triggers multiple skin changes, yet awareness of these effects remains low. The findings were presented by pharmaceutical company Galderma at Imcas 2026 in Paris.

Women reported experiencing an average of three menopause-related skin changes, most commonly lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and elasticity, dryness and dullness. These changes were rated six out of 10 in severity, underlining their visible impact.

The survey also highlighted an emotional toll, with 60% of respondents saying menopause-related skin changes made them feel less attractive, while more than half reported feeling anxious or less confident.

A significant knowledge gap was identified, with over 50% of women only learning about skin changes once they began experiencing them, typically in their 40s.

Many said they would have preferred to be informed earlier, and more than half were neutral or dissatisfied with their level of understanding.

Aesthetic treatments recorded the highest satisfaction in addressing visible skin changes, with strong future interest in anti-wrinkle injections, hyaluronic acid treatments and biostimulators. Galderma said it is now incorporating menopausal status into all injectable aesthetics clinical trials.

…IN BRIEF

Aesthetic skincare brand Circadia held its Circadia Maison Paris event at the end of January, celebrating innovation, education and community. From personalised facials to masterclasses led by industry experts, the event was designed to showcase the Circadia experience. Guests were also able to connect through exclusive networking opportunities designed to elevate their practice and enrich their professional journey.

Financial technology platform Adyen has partnered with booking platform Fresha to launch Fresha Capital, providing small and medium-sized businesses with access to working capital. Now live across seven markets including the UK, the initiative has already delivered more than £4 million in loans, offering pre-approved funding between £500 and £50,000 with repayments automatically adjusted based on daily sales.

CACI has appointed Beauty Standards as its distributor in Canada, marking a new phase of international expansion. Led by managing director Sergey Blinstov and training and education director Daryna Blinstova, the partnership will focus on education and awareness of CACI’s microcurrent technology across the Canadian market.

Healthxchange has launched a new, tech-enabled ePharmacy designed to simplify how aesthetic clinicians discover, purchase and manage products online. Replacing the company’s previous platform, the upgraded system introduces advanced search and filtering, clearer visibility of promotions and mobile-optimised checkout.

Sk:n Clinics has opened a new clinic in Dundee. Located on High Street, the site expands the brand’s presence in Scotland and will offer skin treatments, including Hydrafacial, microneedling and peels.

Hydrafacial has appointed John Campbell as country manager for the UK, Ireland and EMEA distribution markets. Bringing nearly 20 years’ experience across medical aesthetics and pharmaceuticals, he will focus on supporting clinics and partners to drive treatment performance, patient outcomes and long-term growth.

111Skin Spa/Clinic has partnered with sonic wellness specialist Myndstream to introduce evidence-based soundscapes into its spa experiences. The collaboration, which debuted at Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, aims to enhance relaxation through customised sonic music designed to support mood, focus and overall wellbeing, creating a more immersive, multi-sensory experience for guests.

Elite Hotels has refreshed its spa offering through partnerships with two wellness brands, Ishga and Oskia, across selected properties. The update forms part of a wider strategy to enhance guest wellbeing experiences, expanding treatment menus and introducing new therapies aligned with luxury spa and holistic health trends.

Kichi Skin by Natasha Clancy has launched a limited-time residency at The Dorchester Spa. Available every Thursday and Friday, the residency introduces a menu of advanced facial treatments, including two created exclusively for the hotel, combining Korean technology with results-driven aesthetic expertise.

Buff Browz is renovating its first dedicated training and studio headquarters, set to open in spring 2026. Located in Hurst Green, Surrey, the space will house the Buff Browz Training Academy, provide a base for content creation, and host regular training days and community events as part of the brand’s continued growth in the brow and lash sector.

Almost £50,000 lost to social media beauty and aesthetics scams last year

Consumers across the UK lost almost £50,000 to beauty-related scams in 2025, with fraudsters targeting demand for cosmetic treatments such as botulinum toxin and dermal fillers, as well as counterfeit makeup and perfumes.

Data released by bank Santander showed that a total of £49,846.32 was stolen by beauty scammers last year, with victims losing an average of £227 each.

Fraudsters commonly used influencer-style content and heavily discounted deals to lure victims, before moving conversations into private messaging apps to request payment by bank transfer or payment link.

Social media played a major role in the scams, with 33% taking place on Facebook and 25% on Instagram. Other platforms used by scammers included Snapchat, TikTok and WhatsApp. Women were disproportionately affected, accounting for 68% of victims.

While losses dipped slightly to £13,442.98 in the third quarter of 2025, the bank said overall figures for the year remained concerning.

Transparency and proof must define sustainable beauty businesses in 2026, warns Positive Luxury

Some 59% of consumers do not trust sustainability claims unless they are backed by clear evidence, putting pressure on beauty businesses that rely on ethical or green positioning.

The findings come from Luxury at a Crossroads: A guide to engaging consumers and driving growth in 2026, a new report examining how sustainability, regulation and consumer trust are reshaping the beauty, wellness and luxury sectors.

It highlights a shift away from aspirational messaging towards accountability, with sustainability increasingly viewed as a commercial risk rather than a marketing advantage if claims cannot be substantiated.

Waste management and packaging were identified as some of the most scrutinised sustainability issues facing the beauty sector in 2026, particularly in the UK, where extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations are increasing accountability for packaging waste.

Positive Luxury also warned against “greenhushing”, where businesses avoid talking about sustainability altogether due to fear of greenwashing accusations.

Amy Nelson-Bennett, chief executive of Positive Luxury, said: “Luxury consumers have made their expectations unmistakably clear: responsibility, transparency and creativity with conscience. They don’t want lectures. They want proof.”

One in three clients have never considered the impact of cancelling salon appointments

A new UK-wide survey has revealed the growing financial and emotional toll of cancellations and no-shows on beauty and wellness businesses.

Research from salon software provider Fresha found that only 8% of UK salons, spas and grooming businesses never experience cancellations, with many facing them weekly.

More than half of businesses (56%) said cancellations cause significant income loss, while one in six lose more than 10% of monthly revenue.

Late cancellations are a major issue, with 62% of clients giving less than 24 hours’ notice and one in five cancelling with under 12 hours to spare.

The survey also highlighted a lack of client awareness, with 29% saying they had never considered the impact of cancelling on salon owners. Younger clients were most likely to cancel at short notice.

Beyond finances, four in 10 business owners say repeated no-shows negatively affect their mental health.

Wellbeing brand Saunassa launches franchise model

Cornwall-based Nordic sauna and cold-water therapy brand Saunassa has launched a franchise model, two years after opening its first site in Newquay.

Founded in 2023 by Zoey Cotton and Derry Smith, the business has grown from a single local startup into a franchise-ready wellbeing brand, welcoming more than 20,000 visitors and signing up over 200 members.

Saunassa attribute its rapid growth to strong local demand, a scalable operating model and consistent financial performance.

The move into franchising follows backing from Johnny Pearce and Tom Stringer, owners of surfacing company Oltco and British Franchise Award winners, who cited the brand’s community impact and growth potential.

The Saunassa franchise will initially focus on Cornwall locations, targeting operators and landowners seeking to introduce a community-led sauna and cold-water therapy concept to their area.

Galgorm invests £3m in new Forest Spa Garden and resort upgrade

Renowned Northern Ireland spa resort Galgorm has announced a £3 million investment, led by the opening of a new Forest Spa Garden designed to expand its thermal and outdoor wellness offering.

The Forest Spa Garden represents a £1 million investment and is across the River Maine from the existing Thermal Spa Village.

The new space includes four relax cabanas, three private hot tubs, a sauna and forest walkways, with a dedicated bridge connecting it directly to the main spa facilities. The other £2 million has been invested in guest accommodation. The £3 million project is part of Galgorm’s wider £40 million expansion strategy through to 2027.

…IN BRIEF

Therme UK, owner of the Therme Manchester wellness resort due to open in the former site of Event City Manchester, has appointed Jonathan Lingham as chief commercial officer to accelerate its expansion across the UK. Formerly commercial director at Manchester City Football Club, Lingham will lead commercial strategy across sales, brand activation and customer experience.

British medtech brand Lyma has reported revenues of £36 million for the year ending December 2025, reflecting continued growth in the UK and accelerating momentum in the US. The brand’s US expansion has been driven by strong demand following the FDA-cleared launch of its Lyma Laser Pro, with the market now representing more than 70% of global sales.

Mac Cosmetics has announced the return of MACzine after a nine-year hiatus, relaunching the editorial platform in a fully digital, social-first format. Marking the new chapter, Mac global brand ambassador Doja Cat appears as the first cover star of the reimagined MACzine, celebrating beauty, culture and creative expression.

Valmont has partnered with Lopota Lake Resort & Spa in Georgia to introduce its Swiss skincare to the destination’s Forest Spa. The collaboration brings Valmont’s science-led formulations and signature treatments to the resort, offering bespoke spa rituals inspired by cellular science, alpine purity and the region’s heritage.

Vivamayr Medical Health Resort in Maria Wörth, Austria, has appointed Dr Sepp Bodo Fegerl as its new medical director. A specialist in modern Mayr medicine, Dr Fegerl will oversee the resort’s medical programmes, supporting its integrated approach to diagnostics, prevention and longevity-focused health treatments.

DIARY DATES

March 1-2

SALON GROWTH SUMMIT

Olympia London

Connect with salon and spa owners committed to business growth, meet key decision makers and hear from world-class speakers.

020 7351 0536

professionalbeauty.co.uk/summit

March 13-14

AESTHETICS CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

Business Design Centre, London

Trade show featuring education and aesthetic suppliers.

020 3096 1228

aestheticsconference.com

March 26-29

COSMOPROF WORLDWIDE BOLOGNA

BolognaFiere exhibition centre, Bologna

Trade fair for beauty with a UK pavilion.

+39 041 2719009

cosmoprof.com

April 27

GLASGOW REGIONAL SUMMIT

The Briggait, Glasgow

With world-class education and supplier networking, the first of Professional Beauty’s new regional summits will equip salon owners with the tools to grow their businesses.

020 7351 0536

professionalbeauty.co.uk/regional-growth-summits

May 11

BIRMINGHAM REGIONAL SUMMIT

Eastside Rooms, Birmingham

The second of Professional Beauty’s new regional summits.

020 7351 0536

professionalbeauty.co.uk/regional-growth-summits

June 8

LEEDS REGIONAL SUMMIT

Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds

Wrapping up the new regional summit schedule, we’re bringing expert business education to Leeds.

020 7351 0536

professionalbeauty.co.uk/regional-growth-summits

Oriele Frank steps away from Elemis after 33 years

Elemis co-founder Oriele Frank has confirmed she is leaving the British skincare brand after 33 years.

Frank, who most recently served as chief product and sustainability officer, described her departure as “time for a new chapter”.

She said she plans to continue advising and mentoring brands and entrepreneurs, while championing business as a “force for good”.

A founding member of Elemis alongside Noella Gabriel and Sean Harrington, Frank held multiple senior roles during her tenure, including chief marketing officer and managing director. She was appointed to her latest role in 2020, leading product development and sustainability strategy.

Frank was closely involved in the co-creation of two of Elemis’ best-known products, Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm and Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Her departure marks a significant leadership change for the L’Occitane Group-owned brand.

UK Spa Association outlines 2026 strategy with education drive and industry jobs board

The UK Spa Association has outlined a careers-led strategy for 2026, aiming to tackle skills shortages, improve retention and strengthen support for UK spas through education initiatives and the launch of a new industry jobs board.

Following the launch of its online Suppliers Directory in December, the association has published a new mission statement for 2026: “Uniting and empowering the UK spa industry through support, education, collaboration, national advocacy and an ongoing drive for positive change within the wellness sector”.

Education will be a central focus, with particular attention on promoting clearer industry pathways, including apprenticeship schemes.

Another strand of work will see the association collaborate more closely with its charity partner, Look Good Feel Better, to improve awareness and accessibility across member sites.

Alongside these priorities, the UKSA has announced the creation of a dedicated industry jobs board.

Capital Hair & Beauty becomes exclusive UK wholesale partner for Bio-Therapeutic

Wholesaler Capital Hair & Beauty has signed a deal to distribute device and skincare brand Bio-Therapeutic in the UK.

To kick off the partnership, Capital Hair & Beauty will introduce two flagship Bio-Therapeutic devices, with additional launches planned later in the year. Alongside professional devices, Capital Hair & Beauty will also distribute BT-ceuticals, Bio-Therapeutic’s professional skincare range, which includes cleansers, masks and targeted treatment formulations.

Julie Winchester, general manager at Capital Hair & Beauty, said, “This partnership reflects our commitment to being a trusted partner to professionals, bringing world-class skincare technology to the UK alongside the service, advice and training that empowers businesses to thrive.”