A monthly snapshot of the people, products and ideas generating real time buzz in aesthetics
August 2026
Hormonal Acne
Marie Claire investigates the effectiveness of spironolactone for acne.
Beauty publication Marie Claire explored whether spironolactone deserves its reputation for curing hormonal acne, or if the online enthusiasm is overblown. The article explains that the drug, originally developed to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, is now commonly prescribed by consultant dermatologists for hormonal acne and female pattern hair loss due to its antiandrogen effects.
Aesthetic practitioner Dr Christine Hall emphasises that spironolactone should only be used under medical supervision, warning that blood tests are often needed to monitor potassium levels, as elevated levels can cause serious, potentially life-threatening heart complications.
Acne treatments printed by Marie Claire
The ‘Mirror Shock’
Julie Scott explores the science of self-perception.
Independent nurse prescriber Julie Scott shared an Instagram Reel exploring the concept of ‘mirror shock.’ “One day, patients feel the same, then the next day a wrinkle or grey hair jumps out at them,” she explains.
Scott examines the psychology behind medical aesthetics, discussing the hypothesised theory of ‘identity dissonance,’ more commonly referred to as ‘mirror shock.’ She suggests the brain rarely notices gradual changes, saying, “But the moment something stands out, it grabs our attention.”
Scott concludes that patients have not aged overnight, despite often feeling that way in consultations. Instead, “The body has slowly changed, and the mind only just decided to pay attention and catch up.”
Psychological perception addressed by @nursejuliescott
Skin Cancer
Dr Dev Patel calls for ban on sunbeds.
In the wake of the UK Government’s announcement of a consultation for tighter regulation of commercial sunbeds in July 2025, aesthetic practitioner Dr Dev Patel questions if the proposed measures go far enough.
Dr Patel points out that sunbeds are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, placing them in the same category as tobacco and asbestos. Referencing Australia’s regulatory enforcement approach, where commercial sunbeds were banned in 2015, Dr Patel suggests the UK should consider adopting similar legislation.
“Let’s not put this temptation out there, particularly for young, vulnerable people in our society who are constantly exposed to influential content on social media,” he says.
Dangers of sunbeds addressed by @drdevpatel1
July 2026
Peptide Insights
The i Paper explores growing peptide interest
The i Paper published The Dark Truth About Peptides, examining their growing use beyond skincare. The article notes that peptides are most commonly associated with medical aesthetics, with aesthetic practitioner Dr Ahmed El Muntasar claiming they are valued for supporting collagen production, repairing the skin barrier and reducing inflammation. Dr El Muntasar explains them as “WhatsApp messages between cells telling them what to do.” However, the interviewees urge caution. Aesthetic practitioner Dr Sophie Shotter says peptides are “an interesting area of medicine that may have a future role with proper research and regulation,” but notes that none are licensed for injectable use.
Printed by The i Paper
Patient Misconceptions
Mr Ash Soni addresses biostimulator myths
Plastic surgeon Mr Ash Soni has taken to social media to challenge common misconceptions surrounding biostimulators, particularly Sculptra. Addressing facelift concerns, he states, “Myth 1: You can’t have a facelift after having Sculptra – this is false.” Mr Soni explains that successful outcomes depend on an experienced practitioner who understands facial anatomy, surgical planes and appropriate product dilution. He also responds to concerns about reversibility, noting that while Sculptra cannot be reversed, its plant-derived microparticles are absorbed and stimulate collagen production, leading him to question why reversal would be necessary.
Patient concerns raised by @thesoniclinic
Cosmetic Costs
Alice Hart-Davis explores aesthetics amid inflation
In a reflective article for The Times, How Britain Became a £3 Billion Botox Nation – I Should Know, journalist Alice Hart-Davis examines the continued growth of the aesthetics sector despite economic pressures. Citing an estimated £3.2 billion annual spend on tweakments in the UK, she notes that treatments have evolved from a luxury to a mainstream form of maintenance. Hart-Davis highlights demand from Gen X women, younger patients described as the ‘Love Island generation’ and “Youngsters striding into their clinics armed with treatment plans conjured up by ChatGPT.” Despite the cost-of-living crisis, she adds that while some patients are spacing out treatments, very few are giving them up.
The tweakment economy highlighted by @alicehartdavis
June 2026
Digital ethics
Specialty figures raise concerns over celebrity critique content
Olivia Falcon, journalist and founder of The Editor’s List, recently sparked conversation on social media after calling out the rise of celebrity critique content in aesthetics. In a video post, Falcon states, “When a doctor or surgeon starts critiquing celebrity faces on Instagram for likes, with no consent and very little context – that’s not expertise, that’s content chasing,” adding that practitioners should instead focus on showcasing their own results. The post drew support from practitioners including Dr Shino Bay, Dr David Jack, Dr Nina Bal and Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar, with nurse prescriber Khatra Paterson describing the trend as “content at someone else’s expense.”
Online conversation with @theeditorslist
Latest trends
Dr Sophie Shotter outlines her verdict on wellness trends
Aesthetic practitioner Dr Sophie Shotter shares her thoughts on current wellness trends on Instagram – from monitoring glucose levels and cold plunges to the gut–skin axis, nature exposure, nervous system regulation, protein intake and specific supplements. If there is one concept that underpins almost everything in health and skin, Dr Shotter believes it is nervous system regulation, labelling it as “foundational.” She suggests that meditation has strong evidence behind it, citing studies that show it can lower cortisol levels and improve heart rate variability.
Wellness culture addressed by @drsophieshotter
Treatment spotlight
GAIN by Galderma addresses menopausal treatment options
Galderma Aesthetic Injector Network (GAIN) brought together aesthetic practitioners and dermatologists Dr Doris Day, Dr Malda Aldaoudi and consultant plastic surgeon Miss Priyanka Chadha to share insights they wish their menopausal patients had understood sooner. “Many patients come to me and say, ‘My face just fell apart,’ to which I tell them that this is perimenopause and advise on when we should start our aesthetic routine,” says Dr Day. On product selection, Dr Malda cites Restylane Skinboosters for hydration and Restylane HA fillers for volume restoration and facial structure. Galderma will be exploring this topic in more depth during a dedicated session at the Clinical Cosmetic Regenerative Congress (CCR) 2026.
Menopause highlighted by @gainbygalderma