
The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and Dermalogica have launched an industry-wide ‘Sharp Standards Guide to Microneedling’, a toolkit aimed at standardising one of the UK’s fastest-growing cosmetic procedures.
Launched on 22nd April at the Houses of Parliament, the guide provides skin care clinics with guidance and information to navigate the complex and varying regulatory landscape of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Bridging the Regulatory Gap
While microneedling is now a mainstream treatment, the UK currently lacks overarching regulation for non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed by beauty practitioners. Standards often vary by local authority, leaving many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to interpret complex legislation alone.
Speaking on why guides such as these are so important within the current landscape, Lesley Blair MBE, CEO of BABTAC said “In the absence of legislation, we self-regulate to ensure members hold the correct qualifications to practice and we enhance that learning with up to date best practice guidance. The Sharps Standards is an excellent and comprehensive resource that provides professional practitioners with clear and practical guidance to ensure they continue to pursue excellence in their treatments.”
Commitment to Standards
The British Beauty Council remains a steadfast advocate for the professionalisation of the aesthetics sector. Working alongside organisations such as BABTAC, we continue to lobby the Government for a mandatory national licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures and their premises, as well as nationally agreed training standards to end the “wild west” of unregulated short courses.
The launch event featured an expert panel, including British Beauty Council Advisory Board member and journalist, Alice Hart-Davies, who spoke on the need for greater consistency of standards in aesthetics services when it comes to what consumers expect and deserve.
This new guide from BABTAC and Dermalogica marks a positive step toward this and the industry-wide excellence the British Beauty Council consistently strives to achieve.
You can download the guide from the BABTAC website here.

The Sharp Standards Guide to Microneedling Event Panellists with Carolyn Harris MP, Chair of the Beauty & Wellbeing All-Party Party Parliamentary Group
Left to right:
Alice Hart Davis – Beauty Journalist, the Tweakments GuideJennie Hudson – Dermalogica Professional Skin Therapist and business ownerGemma Jarvis – Dermalogica Professional Skin Therapist and business ownerLesley Blair MBE – CEO BABTAC & CIBTACCarolyn Harris MP – Chair of the Beauty & Wellbeing All-Party Party Parliamentary GroupCandice Gardner – Education Manager – Learning & Content Dermalogica UK