Beauty therapy services

The beauty therapy industry offers a range of skin services, and cosmetic or anti-aging services.

Be aware that many services are new or may be harmful and you can't always rely on government regulations to provide a safe experience. You should educate yourself about the services and products involved and be aware of what is regulated.

Cosmetic injections

Botulinum toxin (Botox®), Hyaluronic acid (Juvederm®, Restylane®) and dermal fillers like collagen injections are only available on a prescription and cannot be supplied or administered by a beauty therapist. This includes internet or overseas purchases.

Some therapists are promoting the use of ‘needleless injection devices’, such as a ‘Hyaluron pen’ to administer hyaluronic acid into the skin using pressure. A Hyaluron pen is considered a therapeutic device and is required to be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration before it is used in Australia.

Only qualified and endorsed health practitioners (such as medical practitioners or nurses) can supply or use these medicines or injection devices (including needleless injection devices) preloaded with these medicines (under the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996).

• be wary of home-based salons offering these services, or 'botox parties'
• always ask to see your therapist's qualifications
• always ask if the medicines and devices the therapist is using are registered for use in Australia.

Read cosmetic injection advice and cosmetic injection resources for consumers from the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Other cosmetic services

Other services may not be formally regulated but you should still be aware of some of the health risks you may encounter when undergoing beauty therapy services like:

• chemical peels
• microdermabrasion
• scar removal or reduction
• skin needling / derma rolling
• removal of veins
• removal of sunspots
• skin resurfacing.

There may not be a licensing requirement, but you should always feel comfortable with the level of cleanliness and the staff's experience.

Read more about some of the risks to be aware of.