NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee Introduces First Wales Skin Camouflage Service
The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC), alongside charity Changing Faces and a private donor, has launched the first Wales Skin Camouflage Service to support the emotional wellbeing of people living with visible differences. Launched in November 2025 with appointments beginning in January 2026, the new free service will provide practical and emotional support to individuals across Wales and will be delivered by Changing Faces, the UK’s leading charity for people with marks, scars or conditions that affect appearance.
Visible differences can lead to anxiety, low confidence and social isolation. Following the success of similar services in England and Scotland, where 96% of clients reported feeling satisfied with the support they received and confidence levels more than doubled after their appointment, NWJCC has worked with Welsh Government to bring this service to Wales.
The service offers people choice and control over how they want to look, helping them feel more confident and supported in everyday life.
Trained practitioners from Changing Faces will provide free, confidential appointments using specialist creams and powders to reduce the appearance of marks, scars or skin conditions. Products are suitable for all genders, all skin tones, and for adults and children aged five and over. Whether someone wishes to use skin camouflage every day or only for certain occasions, practitioners will guide them through what works best, empowering individuals to feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Referrals can be made now with appointments available until June 2027 as part of a pilot period. The aim is to deliver more than 200 appointments during this time.
The service will be based in Bridgend during the pilot period, but it is open to people across Wales.
Referrals can be made by healthcare professionals or via self-referral through the Changing Faces website, and the service is free of charge to clients, although travel costs are not reimbursed.
Adrian Clarke, Interim Director of Commissioning for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Vulnerable Groups, said: "Visible differences can have a profound impact on mental health. This service is about more than appearance; it’s about restoring confidence and supporting emotional wellbeing.
“For many children, young people and adults, the impact goes beyond physical appearance, affecting participation in social life, work and education.
“By commissioning and introducing this new service, the NWJCC is ensuring that people receive support for both the emotional and practical challenges of living with a visible difference. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for people in Wales during this pilot phase."
Sam Cheatle, Head of Services at Changing Faces, said: "Living with a visible difference shouldn’t mean feeling invisible or excluded. With this service we’re proud to offer personalised camouflage support - not just a cosmetic fix, but a way to help people feel more confident and supported to go about their lives with less self-consciousness.
“We’re excited to bring this free service across Wales and ensure that everyone aged five and over has the chance to access this support, no matter where they live."
The Wales Skin Camouflage Service is now accepting referrals. For more information or to self-refer, visit:
English: https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/services-support/skin-camouflage-service/