27 July 2023
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the Australasian College of Dermatologists have collaborated to update advice on cosmetic treatments using non-ionising radiation for consumers and treatment providers.
Associate Professor Ken Karipidis says that there are some key takeaways for consumers of cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation.
‘Safe use of non-ionising cosmetic procedures is an ongoing area of research and focus for the health impact assessment team at ARPANSA,’ A/Prof Karipidis said.
‘The update for consumers provides more information to help people determine if a treatment provider is reputable and what consumers should know before a procedure.’
‘Something we added to this advice is for consumers to make sure their provider correctly classifies the colour of their skin as most cases of burns in laser hair removal treatments are due to wrong classification of skin type.
‘For providers we have also included further recommendations, including taking extra care with procedures near the eye and classifying skin correctly, to make sure they are keeping consumers safe.’
ARPANSA is supervising a PhD project with Monash University Accident Research Centre and Monash Law School to look at the injury incidence from cosmetic radiation procedures to see what, if any, regulation is needed to protect people.
As the Australian Government’s primary radiation protection authority, ARPANSA works with peak bodies like the Australasian College of Dermatologists to communicate risk and minimise harm.
You can view the updated advice for consumers and providers on our website.
