The previously closed Sk:n clinics and Harley Medical Group clinics have relaunched following acquisition by Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV.
Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV Limited has acquired and relaunched the sk:n and The Harley Medical Group (THMG) aesthetic and cosmetic surgery clinic chains.
The acquisition is part of a broader strategic consolidation which also includes The Skin Experts and ABC Medical – who now join ophthalmology providers Optical Express under the Lorena Investments group portfolio.
Lorena Cosmetics says it has actively worked to re-employ many former Sk:n and THMG employees and are dedicated to ensuring ongoing delivery of high-quality medical aesthetic and cosmetic services at over 30 clinic locations across the length of the UK, with flagships at London’s Harley Street and Glasgow’s St. Vincent Street.
Over half of the reopened Sk:n clinics have moved to upgraded premises within existing Optical Express clinics, all of which have full Care Quality Commission (CQC), Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), or Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) registrations which allow for the delivery of advanced treatments and surgical procedures.
Lorena Cosmetics plans to continue launching sk:n and THMG services in further locations throughout the UK in 2025. Sk:n will also be introducing an expanded range of treatments and technologies in 2025 including polynucleotides, dermatology services and advanced skincare.
David Moulsdale, chairman and chief executive of Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV, commented, “The acquisition and integration of sk:n and THMG into the Lorena portfolio reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class patient care, regulatory excellence, and innovative treatment solutions.
"By leveraging our almost 35 years of healthcare expertise, we aim to elevate the Sk:n and THMG brands, ensuring every patient receives exceptional, medically-led, clinician-delivered care in state of the art facilities.”
Stephen Hannan, clinical services director of Lorena Cosmetics, said, “We are acutely aware of the impact the previous business liquidation had on patients, employees and suppliers alike. As a patient-centric business already delivering care to stringent regulations and the highest standards of service, we are committed to rebuilding consumer trust by implementing a robust business infrastructure and support for patients affected by the previous closure to ensure they receive the best possible care moving forward. A doctor-led, clinician delivered model will ensure the highest standards of care are provided to patients”.
Rebuilding trust
Recognising the challenges left by the previous Sk:n and THMG liquidation, Lorena Cosmetics says it has focused on re-establishing consumer confidence.
This includes re-employing around 150 former Sk:n and THMG employees and forming relationships with expert clinicians.
Former Sk:n and THMG patients are also being offered support on an individual basis. Hannan said, “For us, patient care is at the centre of everything we do, and our teams are actively reviewing each individual case, providing support where possible to previous sk:n and THMG patients.
"Our aim is to connect with all adected patients to provide clear next steps and encourage them to come back and be served by their previously chosen practitioner.”
Skn Group ceases trading
The Skn Group, which owns Sk:n, The Harley Medical Group, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical, ceased trading on July 17, posting a statement on its website which read:
“It is with regret that we advise that the Skn Group, including Sk:n, The Harley Medical Group, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical has ceased trading as of 17th July. The Mole Clinic is a separate part of the group and continues to trade as normal.
“The company has undertaken an extensive process to secure investment to enable it to continue to trading, but sadly we have been unsuccessful.
“We recognise that this outcome will have a significant impact on our team members and customers, and we are deeply sorry for the stress and inconvenience this has caused. We are doing all we can to address the concerns of those affected. We will be contacting all clients still awaiting test results as soon as possible. All further updates will be provided on this website as and when available.”
Sk:n runs more than 60 aesthetics clinics across the UK with over 450 consultant doctors, nurses and medical practitioners.
Professional Beauty has approached Skn Group for comment.
We have also rounded up some of the job opportunities available for employees of Skn Group – check them out here.
New distributors for Skinbrands portfolio
Skinbrands, which was part of the Skn Group, distributed brands including Medik8, Epionce and Grande Cosmetics. Some of these brands have now appointed new professional distributors.
Medik8 has partered with Wigmore Medical as its distributor for the UK and Ireland, while Epionce joins Dermapure Clinical's portfolio.
Government advice concerning Skn Group closure
The Government has released information for patients and their relatives and carers, employees and creditors of the five Skn Group of companies in liquidation.
A statement on the Government's website reads:
"Winding-up orders were made against five companies from the Sk:n Group of companies on Thursday 18 July 2024.
"The court appointed the Official Receiver, Joseph Sullivan, as liquidator of:
- Lasercare Clinics (Harrogate) Limited (company number 02545572)
- LCHMG Limited (company number 12325705)
- ABC Lasers Ltd. (company number 04795786)
- Cosmeceuticals Limited (company number 06114019)
- Cellite Clinic Limited (company number 03639621)
"The companies in liquidation traded under the following brands: Sk:n, HMG, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts, ABC Medical and ABC Lasers.
"The Official Receiver’s priority is to wind-down the companies in accordance with his statutory duties, for the benefit of the companies’ creditors. He also has a duty to inquire into the conduct of current and former directors.
"The remaining Sk:n Group companies continue to trade as normal."
The Government then goes on to give guidance for patients requiring post-operative care, patients with cancelled operations, patients and customers who have paid for services not yet received, customers who have entered into credit agreements to pay for services, employees and creditors.
To read the full information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/five-skn-group-companies-in-liquidation-information-for-patients-employees-and-creditors
The Skn Group, which owns sk:n, The Harley Medical Group, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical, ceased trading on July 17, posting a statement on its website which reads:
“It is with regret that we advise that the Skn Group, including sk:n, The Harley Medical Group, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical has ceased trading as of 17th July. The Mole Clinic is a separate part of the group and continues to trade as normal.
“The company has undertaken an extensive process to secure investment to enable it to continue to trading, but sadly we have been unsuccessful.
“We recognise that this outcome will have a significant impact on our team members and customers, and we are deeply sorry for the stress and inconvenience this has caused. We are doing all we can to address the concerns of those affected. We will be contacting all clients still awaiting test results as soon as possible. All further updates will be provided on this website as and when available.”
