Six years in medical aesthetics—a field pulsating with scientific innovation, demanding expertise beyond anatomy, and pushing for standardisation—has revealed a persistent blind spot: aseptic technique. Despite our drive for precision, many practitioners struggle to distinguish hygienic, aseptic, and sterile practices, particularly when marking patients for treatments. This gap undermines patient safety and our industry’s professionalism.

Moving from community practice to aesthetics was an eye-opener for me. In most medical environments, sterility and aseptic non-touch techniques were non-negotiable—clear protocols governed every procedure to protect patients. But aesthetics is a different beast. The field has evolved rapidly, blending medical rigour with cosmetic creativity, yet hygiene standards often remain unclear. We diligently change gloves, couch rolls, gauze, and needles, yet marking up patients exposes a troubling flaw:

• Grab a makeup pencil or marker, often unsterile.
• Mark cleansed skin, touching the pencil with gloved hands that may carry residue.
• Set it down on an unsterile surface.
• Sharpen it in a contaminated sharpener, then repeat.

This cycle isn’t just sloppy—it risks contamination and erodes trust in our work.

Let’s clarify the terms:

Hygienic Procedure: Cleaning hands, using fresh gloves, and keeping surfaces tidy to reduce microbes and prevent disease.
Summary: This is our baseline, like washing dishes—essential everywhere.

Aseptic Technique: Using sterile tools and non-touch methods to block pathogens during invasive procedures, like injectables.
Summary: When breaking skin, sterile tools—like markers—are critical for safety.

Sterile Procedure: Eliminating all microbes, used in surgical settings with strict controls, like air filtration.
Summary: Think operating theatres—beyond what most aesthetics procedures require.

These distinctions are vital. In injectable aesthetics, the standard is clear: aseptic technique, endorsed by the UK’s British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), and the US’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Yet, after performing thousands of cases and training many burgeoning injectors, I’ve seen hygiene practices vary widely. Marking tools—often unsterile pencils—are a weak link, potentially linked to complications like nodules or infections.

This confusion isn’t anyone’s fault. Aseptic technique has been a mystery in aesthetics, caught between our medical roots and creative flair. When I transitioned from community practice to aesthetics, I was struck by the lack of clear protocols. It took years to fully grasp what aseptic technique meant in this field, a journey I suspect many of you share.

The solution? We can close this gap. SKRYBE’s FMD marker, designed for aseptic precision, has been a game-changer for practitioners. For many, it’s a validation that their push for better hygiene isn’t misplaced.

As aesthetic professionals, we’re driven by excellence. We obsess over outcomes, patient trust, and advancing our field. Yet, our tools must reflect that commitment. Unsterile pencils and sharpeners undermine our efforts, risking patient safety and our credibility. By adopting aseptic techniques and tools, we can eliminate these risks and elevate care.

Let’s demystify aseptic technique. It’s not a mystery—it’s within reach. Our industry thrives on innovation, and hygiene is no exception. We’re one step from setting a new standard, ensuring every procedure showcases our professionalism. Embrace aseptic tools, lead with precision, and let’s redefine aesthetics together.