REMEMBER: DON’T RUSH INTO ANYTHING

LASER treatments and light therapy are increasingly popular, but the regulations governing their use are limited. The Care Quality Commission no longer regulates cosmetic laser or IPL treatments.

But practitioners offering these treatments should be able to produce a certificate from a training body to show they are qualified to use the device in question — though often these certificates can be obtained as a result of a short course.

You need to find a practitioner with proper experience of using the machine they are proposing to treat you with.

Ideally, get a recommendation from someone who has had a successful treatment, don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be forced into a procedure you aren’t comfortable with.

The General Medical Council also has a useful leaflet on what to consider when thinking about cosmetic procedures.

Visit gmc-uk.org to find out more.