Health and Beauty Expert Vanessa Brown
CELEBRITIES like the Kardashians are expected to spotlight a 2025 shift away from invasive beauty treatments towards more natural and regenerative options, says a leading health and beauty expert.
Vanessa Brown, founder of UK-based VL Aesthetics and Head of Sales and Marketing, Europe, Middle East, and Africa for US-based laser aesthetics firm Erchonia, believes weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy will continue to influence a trend towards body transformation and more natural aesthetics.
“Weight loss drugs really broke into the aesthetics market last year, and 2025 is set to be the ‘Year of Ozempic & Co,’” Vanessa explained.
“However, people must be cautious. Counterfeit ‘skinny jabs’ are now circulating and can even be bought in inappropriate places like pubs. It’s crucial to understand that weight loss drugs are prescription-only and obtainable only through a qualified medical professional. Safety must come first.
“The other key trend is the over-filled look is out, with more people opting for a subtler, natural appearance. This shift reflects a growing preference for treatments that enhance rather than artificially alter one’s features.”
Vanessa noted that while Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) remain popular, the risks associated with unqualified practitioners remain a significant concern:
"Despite tragic deaths in the UK last year after individuals used unqualified practitioners for BBL procedures, this trend persists. For patient safety, BBLs should be carried out exclusively by medical professionals, such as board-certified plastic surgeons.”
Vanessa also predicts a move towards regenerative treatments such as exosomes and polynucleotides, which promote skin repair and renewal: “These innovative therapies represent the future of aesthetics, offering natural and effective solutions for healthier, younger-looking skin.
“As always, leading celebrities like the Kardashians will play a key role in popularising this shift. Although they may not publicly disclose the source of their transformations, their influence will drive demand for these more natural, body-kind approaches.”
Vanessa added that 2025 is also likely see a rise in laser treatments, regenerative medicine, and biohacking — such as taking supplements to help the body heal and repair itself — further emphasizing the importance of both internal and external treatments that are non-invasive and sustainable.
“It has been a Wild West period, but I’m pleased by more momentum towards regulation, usually driven by horror stories, including a recent plotline on ‘Coronation Street’ showing that there’s a ‘Wild East’ too, with people risking cheap ‘tweakments’ in Eastern Europe and Turkey, for instance.
“This renegade element has gained more UK Government attention, though more due to industry campaigning than change of government.
“So, the public is now more aware of the consequences of medical treatments and aesthetics, and while fillers usually disperse unless they are regularly administered, people realise that they can also harden and/or migrate, particularly in the case of lip fillers.”
But she warned that even the shift to more natural works posed risks: “During the Botox heyday we saw door-to-door injections and even Botox parties, and we are already aware of non-medical practitioners offering treatments like NAD (see below) drips and supplements.
“So, people should seek reputable brands and qualified medical advice on biohacking and regenerative medicine, due to the complexity of the human body. We must avoid the scenario where someone of normal weight thinks they need to take Ozempic and steps outside of qualified channels.”
Vanessa also called for a balanced view on weight loss drugs: “I’m sure some people will argue for common sense alternatives instead, like diet and exercise, but they simply aren’t working for most people.
“Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) stats show we are the 10th heaviest of the world’s 36 wealthy nations, and Western Europe’s most obese, with soaring levels of heart and respiratory diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancers, musculoskeletal disorders, and depression. All of which overload the NHS.
“So, Ozempic and the like seems a far healthier and cheaper option than stomach reduction or gastric band surgery, especially when tests show these drugs are safe, with few side effects. Of course, nobody can say what longer term issues might arise – and there is a suggestion that long term use could damage the stomach lining - but ever-spiralling weight gain is the chilling alternative.
“I also want the Government to promote a cutting-edge health and diet education programme, while also reviewing the food industry’s production of UPFs (ultra-processed foods) and its excessive use of sugar and salt.
“I’m quite excited by how weight loss drugs can quickly fix people’s weight issues, making them feel so much better about themselves rather than eating or drinking to cheer themselves. Having broken what can literally be a death spiral, they really might then buy into a gym and diet regime as well.”
Leading beauty and aesthetics trends expected in 2025:
- Wider use of Ozempic and other weight loss drugs
- Skin tightening devices to tone the body after rapid weight loss afforded by the new drugs
- Greater interest in diet and exercise as people feel the benefit of the ‘hard yards’ weight loss through Ozempic & Co and see how to go further
- Laser skin treatments, which can smooth wrinkles and scars, even out skin tone, and tighten skin by removing tired outer layers and promoting new collagen fibres
- Bio hacking using supplements, notably NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) a coenzyme that boost the body’s metabolism.
Celebrities Embracing a Natural Look:
- Pamela Anderson: Known for her '90s glam, Anderson has recently embraced a makeup-free appearance, showcasing her natural beauty and inspiring others to do the same.
- Paris Hilton: At 43, Hilton claims she has maintained her youthful appearance entirely through natural means, without the aid of Botox, fillers, or cosmetic surgery.
- Alicia Keys: The singer often appears at events without makeup, enhancing her natural beauty and inspiring a movement towards minimalism.
- Jennifer Garner: Garner frequently opts for a fresh-faced look in both her daily life and at events.
- Ashley Graham: The supermodel is a role model for many, often challenging traditional stereotypes by going makeup-free and championing body positivity.
Celebrities Criticised for Overuse of Fillers:
- Kim Kardashian: Kardashian has been reported to spend significant amounts on cosmetic procedures, including Botox and fillers, contributing to a highly enhanced appearance. This should change in 2025 as she begins to embrace a more natural look
- Madonna: The singer has faced public scrutiny for her appearance, with discussions around the overuse of fillers leading to a "pillow face" look. She has recently reversed this.
- Simon Cowell: The television personality has openly discussed his use of facial fillers and subsequent decision to have them dissolved after unfavourable results.
- Courteney Cox: The actress has admitted to using fillers in the past, later expressing regret and choosing to have them dissolved to return to a more natural appearance.
- Kristin Davis: Davis has been open about her use of fillers and the criticism she has faced, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a natural look.