Medik8 to be sold through HealthxchangeUK

Skincare brand Medik8 has announced aesthetic distributor Healthxchange as its UK distribution partner.

The company shares Healthxchange will service new and existing Medik8 clinics in the UK and Republic of Ireland for both professional and retail products.

Founded in 2000, Healthxchange has become a prominent distributor for medical aesthetics, skincare and treatments. Medik8 is distributed among thousands of clinics worldwide, and the skincare company explains it is committed to ethical training and enhancing relationships within the aesthetics specialty.

Healthxchange will be exhibiting at ACE 2025. Click here to register: Aesthetics Conference & Exhibition (ACE) 2025

SKN Group acquired by Optical Express

Laser eye surgery provider Optical Express has completed acquisition of SKN Group and SK:N Clinics, potentially saving hundreds of jobs.

The acquisition incorporates five brands which went into administration on July 19: Harley Medical Group, SK:N Clinics, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical.

David Moulsdale, Optical Express chairman and CEO, shared, “We hope to re-recruit as many of the Harley Medical Group and SKN Group employees as possible, as we know they are best placed to serve the existing and new patients.”

The company has shared that around 60 of the original 70 SK:N Clinic locations will stay open under its management, with Harley Medical Group, SKN and ABC Medical services also being made available at more than 100 other Optical Express locations.

In the new partnership, the clinics will also begin to offer eye surgery primary care, refractive consultations and NHS eye examinations, alongside medical aesthetic services.

Moulsdale continued, “Over the coming days, weeks and months ahead there will be further updates with regards to this exciting development for our Group. We have a challenging time ahead, but I am certain that this acquisition is the right thing for all patients and ex-employees.”

This is a developing story which will be updated when more details are unveiled.

Hundreds of jobs lost as SK:N clinic group shuts down

One of the UK’s largest aesthetic clinic chains SK:N Clinics has collapsed, with all premises shutting immediately and 800 people losing their jobs.

The clinic group had 70 clinics across the UK, including 17 locations in London, all of which closed on July 17. The group had also been working with the NHS to provide treatment for several dermatological conditions.

Other brands owned by the SK:N Group – Harley Medical Group, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical – have also ceased trading with immediate effect.

A statement made by SK:N Group said, “The company has undertaken an extensive process to secure investment to enable it to continue trading, but sadly we have been unsuccessful. We recognise that this outcome will have a significant impact on our team 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.”

The Aesthetics Journal has reached out to SK:N Group for further comment.

Since the announcement, individuals and companies across the specialty are taking action to help those who have lost their jobs, as well as patients who are missing appointments. For example, aesthetic training provider Cosmetic Courses is working on a scheme to provide SK:N patients with discounted treatments.

Aesthetics has also set up a LinkedIn group – the Aesthetics Recruitment Support Network – to help connect individuals with potential employment opportunities. The group conveys regular job postings from industry partners, recruitment agencies and aesthetic clinics. Tips for searching for jobs, honing your CV, interview preparation, networking and more will also be shared to provide optimal support for those seeking employment.

This story will be updated if and when further developments occur.

Sofwave recognises the top clinics in Southern England

Aesthetic device company Sofwave is sponsoring the Best Clinic South England category at The Aesthetics Awards 2024.The Sofwave Award for Best Clinic South England will recognise top clinics who display commitment to exemplary customer service, patient care and patient safety, …

Medictapp dictation system launches to UK clinics

New robo-typist Medictapp is now available to UK aesthetic clinics, designed to assist with dictating clinical documents. 

The company explainsthat the technology can be used from your phone to dictate and transcribe conversations automatically using artificial intelligence. Medictapp says the software is healthcare specific so it is programmed to understand clinicallanguage, and is also GDPR compliant.

Dr Francesc Malagelada, CEO, co-founder and orthopedic consultant, commented, “As both an NHS and
private practice consultant, I could not believe that in the 21st century we were still using a typist for clinic letter dictations. I had been asking myself the same question for ages until I decided to take matters into my own hands.”

Sales Recruitment and Retention

Aesthetic commercial professionals Sue Thomson and Jean Johnston share advice on avoiding the pitfalls of sales team recruitment and retention Effective sales teams are the lifeblood of successful clinics, manufacturers and distributors. As a clinic, it’s easy to forget that …

The Role of an LPA

Biomedical engineer and laser protection advisor (LPA) Rob Knowles explains why you need an LPA and how to make an appropriate selectionA large and growing number of clinics in the UK now work with high power lasersor intense pulsed light …