Sk:n and Harley Medical Group relaunch under Lorena Cosmetics Holdings.
The Sk:n clinics and Harley Medical Group (THMG) have reopened under new ownership following their acquisition by Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV Limited.
This move is part of a larger consolidation effort by Lorena Investments, which also includes The Skin Experts and ABC Medical, alongside ophthalmology provider Optical Express under its portfolio.
Lorena Cosmetics has focused on re-employing many former Sk:n and THMG staff and remains dedicated to delivering premium medical aesthetic and cosmetic services across more than 30 locations in the UK. Flagship clinics are located on London’s Harley Street and Glasgow’s St. Vincent Street.
Over half of the reopened Sk:n clinics have relocated to enhanced facilities within Optical Express locations. These premises comply with stringent Care Quality Commission (CQC), Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), or Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) standards, enabling the delivery of advanced aesthetic treatments and surgical procedures.
The company plans to expand Sk:n and THMG services to additional UK locations in 2025, with new offerings such as polynucleotides, advanced dermatology, and skincare technologies.
Leadership Comments
David Moulsdale, chairman and chief executive of Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV, said that
“the integration of Sk:n and THMG into the Lorena portfolio highlights our commitment to world-class patient care, regulatory excellence, and innovation. With nearly 35 years of healthcare expertise, we aim to elevate these brands, ensuring patients receive outstanding, medically-led care in state-of-the-art facilities.”
Stephen Hannan, clinical services director, added, “We acknowledge the challenges faced by patients, staff, and suppliers during the previous business’s liquidation. Our focus is on rebuilding trust through robust infrastructure, employing expert clinicians, and supporting former patients.”
Restoring consumer trust
Lorena Cosmetics has re-employed around 150 former Sk:n and THMG staff and continues to build relationships with top clinicians. For previous patients, the company is reviewing cases individually to provide tailored support.
Hannan said, “Patient care is our priority. We are committed to connecting with affected individuals, offering clear guidance, and encouraging them to return to their trusted practitioners.”
Lorena Cosmetics is setting a new benchmark for the medical aesthetics industry, ensuring excellence across its clinics and services.
Optical Express Group absorbs Sk:n Group
On July 26, the eye care specialists completed the acquisition with the company's chair and chief executive, David Moulsdale, releasing a statement on Optical Express Group's LinkedIn page.
Moulsdale said, "I am delighted to share the exciting news that on Friday 26th July 2024, we completed the acquisition of the following companies: The Harley Medical Group, sk:n, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical."
Optical Express Group currently has over 100 clinics and Moulsdale plans to reduce the number of Skn Group clinic locations by transferring business to some of its own clinics.
Moulsdale said that Optical Express Group will offer the services of sk:n, The Harley Medical Group and ABC Medical from its locations in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Croatia and Slovenia.
Moulsdale went on to say, "We hope to re-recruit as many of the Harley Medical Group and Skn Group employees as possible, as we know that they are best placed to serve the existing and new patients.
"Over the coming days our HR and recruitment teams will be very focussed on this task and will be making contact with as many of these employees as possible. I am hopeful and quietly confident that many of them will choose to join us.
"Colleagues who wish to contact our team directly can do so via [email protected] or 01236 795146."
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.
Aesthetic Medicine 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.”
The Sk:n clinics and Harley Medical Group (THMG) have reopened under new ownership following their acquisition by Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV Limited.
This move is part of a larger consolidation effort by Lorena Investments, which also includes The Skin Experts and ABC Medical, alongside ophthalmology provider Optical Express under its portfolio.
Lorena Cosmetics has focused on re-employing many former Sk:n and THMG staff and remains dedicated to delivering premium medical aesthetic and cosmetic services across more than 30 locations in the UK. Flagship clinics are located on London’s Harley Street and Glasgow’s St. Vincent Street.
Over half of the reopened Sk:n clinics have relocated to enhanced facilities within Optical Express locations. These premises comply with stringent Care Quality Commission (CQC), Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), or Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) standards, enabling the delivery of advanced aesthetic treatments and surgical procedures.
The company plans to expand Sk:n and THMG services to additional UK locations in 2025, with new offerings such as polynucleotides, advanced dermatology, and skincare technologies.
Leadership Comments
David Moulsdale, chairman and chief executive of Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV, said that
“the integration of Sk:n and THMG into the Lorena portfolio highlights our commitment to world-class patient care, regulatory excellence, and innovation. With nearly 35 years of healthcare expertise, we aim to elevate these brands, ensuring patients receive outstanding, medically-led care in state-of-the-art facilities.”
Stephen Hannan, clinical services director, added, “We acknowledge the challenges faced by patients, staff, and suppliers during the previous business’s liquidation. Our focus is on rebuilding trust through robust infrastructure, employing expert clinicians, and supporting former patients.”
Restoring consumer trust
Lorena Cosmetics has re-employed around 150 former Sk:n and THMG staff and continues to build relationships with top clinicians. For previous patients, the company is reviewing cases individually to provide tailored support.
Hannan said, “Patient care is our priority. We are committed to connecting with affected individuals, offering clear guidance, and encouraging them to return to their trusted practitioners.”
Lorena Cosmetics is setting a new benchmark for the medical aesthetics industry, ensuring excellence across its clinics and services.
Optical Express Group absorbs Sk:n Group
On July 26, the eye care specialists completed the acquisition with the company's chair and chief executive, David Moulsdale, releasing a statement on Optical Express Group's LinkedIn page.
Moulsdale said, "I am delighted to share the exciting news that on Friday 26th July 2024, we completed the acquisition of the following companies: The Harley Medical Group, sk:n, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical."
Optical Express Group currently has over 100 clinics and Moulsdale plans to reduce the number of Skn Group clinic locations by transferring business to some of its own clinics.
Moulsdale said that Optical Express Group will offer the services of sk:n, The Harley Medical Group and ABC Medical from its locations in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Croatia and Slovenia.
Moulsdale went on to say, "We hope to re-recruit as many of the Harley Medical Group and Skn Group employees as possible, as we know that they are best placed to serve the existing and new patients.
"Over the coming days our HR and recruitment teams will be very focussed on this task and will be making contact with as many of these employees as possible. I am hopeful and quietly confident that many of them will choose to join us.
"Colleagues who wish to contact our team directly can do so via [email protected] or 01236 795146."
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.
Aesthetic Medicine 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.”
