NEWS

The Skn Group acquired by Optical Express Group

Eyecare specialist Optical Express Group has acquired Skn Group, along with the Harley Medical Group, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical.

The deal came after The Skn Group 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.”

Following the rescue, Optical Express Group’s chief executive, David Moulsdale, said he planned to offer the services of sk:n, The Harley Medical Group and ABC Medical from its locations in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Croatia and Slovenia, and added that he was hoping 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”.

Sk:n previously ran more than 60 aesthetics clinics across the UK, and Moulsdale said he plans to reduce the number of clinic locations by transferring business to some of Optical Express Group’s existing clinics, of which there are over 100.

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.

37% of Gen Z admit to feeling overwhelmed when buying skincare products

With the rise of skinfluencer culture on social media, and conflicting information, it can be difficult for viewers to know which products are suitable for them, with 37% of Gen Z admitting to feeling overwhelmed by choice.

Searches for “easy skincare routine” have soared by 1,043%, making it clear that people are looking for a simple skincare solution.

The recent study, by Tropic Skincare, surveyed 2,000 people and found that when it comes to choosing products, those between 18 and 25 find that affordable pricing is the most important factor in their decision making, with only 18% feeling influenced by TikTok. Meanwhile, 31% of millennials admitted to being influenced by the platform.

40% of Gen Z said they were too busy to follow a skincare routine, with 27% not even taking off their makeup at the end of the day.

When it comes to choosing products, those between 18 and 25 find that affordable pricing is the most important factor in their decision making.

News in brief

Kerry Summers has joined Rutland Hall in Leicestershire as wellbeing manager.

Previously, Summers worked as a personal therapist for BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing. Rutland Hall’s Four Roots Wellbeing spa is undergoing a major refit and Summers’s initial role will be to recruit and train a team of therapists to do bespoke treatments.

Mii offered its first in-person training course at its Borehamwood-based training academy in July. Delegates shared that the training allowed them to pick up tips and tricks and a closer attention to detail than they had previously. They were also invited to view the showroom in the centre.

Congham Hall Hotel and Spa in Norfolk has responded to a rise in men booking treatments with the addition of the Gentleman’s Facial to its offering. The facial features AHA exfoliation, shoulder, face and scalp massage, detox mask and facial moisturise along with a foot and ankle massage.

Salon franchise Mooeys has launched its latest salon in Winchester. Situated at 36 The Brooks Shopping Centre, the salon will be run by franchise owner Katie Jansons, who was first introduced to Mooeys as a client.

The Reeds lakeside lodges have launched at South Lodge Spa in Sussex, designed by Sparcstudio. Placed on the edge of the lake in the grounds, the eight eco-lodges have their own cantilevered private decks, with six of the lodges overlapping the water. Each lodge is named after lakeside flora and fauna, and incorporates biophilic design principles while following sustainable construction processes, materials and finishes.

Importance of spas and salons underlined as loneliness and low life satisfaction rise in UK

A new Government report – UK Measures of National Wellbeing – has given a snapshot of the “state of the nation”.

It shows a drop in life satisfaction and a rise in loneliness and anxiety, indicating that the community and wellness benefits offered by spas and salons has never been more valuable.

Some 23.3% of Brits rated their anxiety the previous day as high when asked in 2024, up from 20.5% in 2019.

These findings are reflected in the percentage of Brits reporting that low life satisfaction has increased since 2019. 5.3% rated their life satisfaction as low in 2024, up from 4.5% in 2019. However, 70.2% said they tend to feel hopeful about their future.

Looking at relationships, one in 13 Brits reported feeling lonely often or always, but on the bright side, nine in 10 Brits feel they have people to rely on if they have a serious problem.

New pigmentation peptide could enable tanning without UV or fake tan

Coegin Pharma has entered into an exclusive agreement with the University of Bradford to complete product development and commercialise a patented pigmentation peptide platform.

Pigmentation peptides are short chains of amino acids that when used as a topical formulation on the skin encourage melanocytes to produce melanin and transport it to the surface, creating a natural tan without the need for UV or self-tan.

The collaboration, which began in 2019, aims to develop solutions for skin and hair pigmentation.

Coegin has now obtained full commercial rights to the pigmentation peptides, with the potential for the first cosmetic tanning product launch as early as 2026.

Jens Eriksson, chief executive of Coegin Pharma, said, “These pigmentation peptides are very exciting and could revolutionise the market for skin and hair care products.

“We look forward to starting the commercialisation, which has many common denominators with our hair growth project FOL005, and aim for launch in 2026."

News in brief

Wellness brand Happy Paul is looking to add two new fragrances to its range, through a rewards-based Kickstarter campaign.

Supporters of the campaign would be the first in line to receive the new fragrances, as well as having exclusive access to several other offers.

In October, Liz McKeon, salon business expert, is hosting her 2024 Industry Business Owners Retreat in partnership with learning and development expert Sinead O’Sullivan. The event includes 10 classroom sessions with McKeon to map out personal and business goals, morning wake-up yoga sessions, group activities, and networking.

Salon software provider Phorest has updated its Ads Manager to offer the ability to create video ads. This feature helps salons showcase their work, environment and team spirit in a format that sees high engagement. The Ads Manager also allows salons to target and track their adverts and has an AI caption feature.

Hydrafacial has created a Verified Provider Programme to ensure clients receive genuine treatments. To be involved, providers must perform treatments with an authorised device, and offer the add-on boosters. They must also follow the brand’s protocols and be up to date in training.

Ragdale Hall Spa has designed a new restorative experience, the Wellbeing Day, including three treatments: sound healing, a Heavenly Holistic Facial and a relaxing Body Massage, all designed to restore, rebalance and renew. Guests have access to all fitness classes and spa facilities including the Thermal Spa, with over 12 heat and water therapies.

Impact of air and water on skin health worst in South London and Kent

South London and Kent are the worst areas to live for skin and hair health, with Devon and Cornwall being best, according to new stats.

Mira Showers measured pollutants in water supplies and within the air across different UK regions. Each was then ranked and given a score out of 10 0.

The South London and Kent area scored 95 and has 137% more air pollutants than the national average. It also has the highest average levels of calcium (152.6) and magnesium (610.1) in water sources and the highest levels of nitrogen oxide (0.0998) and sulphur dioxide (0.0097) in the air.

West Thames scored 60, with lower levels of magnesium than South London but higher levels of harmful compounds. North London and Hertfordshire ranked third-worst at 57.

Devon and Cornwall was named the best region for skin health and the least age-accelerating area, with a score of 3, and 854% less air pollutants than South London. Cumbria and Lancashire was second-best region, and the combined area of Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire third.

Psychedelic treatments offered in Scotland for the first time

Scotland’s first psychedelic clinic has opened its doors. Eulas combines evidence-based psychedelic therapies with holistic programmes for mental health and wellness.

Eulas offers evidence-based treatments, including ketamine therapy, psychotherapy, virtual reality (VR) therapy, breath work and stroboscopic light therapy.

Under the supervision of medical professionals, ketamine is administered in a controlled environment, alongside psychotherapy.

Virtual reality therapy offers an immersive experience to help individuals confront fears and anxieties in a controlled setting.

Stroboscopic light therapy uses rhythmic light patterns to promote positive neural connections.

“Our hope is that in the future, these treatments will be recognised under the NHS, making them accessible to a broader population,” said John Gillen, founder of Eulas.

The Hair & Beauty Charity to host two charity bike rides in September

The Hair & Beauty Charity is inviting all cycling enthusiasts to Pedal with Purpose in its new one-day bike ride challenge, taking place in two locations on Sunday, September 22.

The northern route, hosted by Paul Brooks of Alan Howard, will take cyclists through the picturesque Peak District.

The southern route, hosted by Toby Dicker of The Chapel and Philip Sharp of Salon Vision, will guide riders through the landscapes around Tunbridge Wells.

The entry fee is £25, which is contributable towards a minimum fundraising pledge for the Hair &Beauty Charity of £100.

Diary dates

//September 20–22

World Wellness Weekend International The annual wellness event is set to be celebrated by 8,000 venues across 150 countries with free wellness activities. world-wellness-weekend.org

// September 29–30

Professional Beauty North Manchester Central The largest beauty exhibition in the North returns with product launches, education, competitions and more. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.co.uk/north

// October 13–14

Salon Beauty ExCeL, London Formerly known as Olympia Beauty, autumn’s biggest event for beauty pros features stages and competitions. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.co.uk/salon-beauty

// October 10–11

CCR ExCeL London Trade show featuring education, networking and aesthetic manufacturers, suppliers and brands. 020 3196 4370 ccrlondon.com

//October 23–27

British Beauty Week Nationwide British Beauty Week 2024 will run under the theme of “A Beauty Industry that Looks Like You”. britishbeautyweek.co.uk

// November 10

Babtac and Cibtac Awards The Fairmont Windsor Park Awards celebrating individual practitioners, salons, spas, and educators. 01452 623110 babtac.com

Aromatherapy Associates introduces Bath Butler service to let hotel spas offer in-room treatments

A new bespoke offering for Aromatherapy Associates’s spa partners, the Bath Butler service, is designed to provide a sensory and wellness journey to clients.

The service helps hotel spas to allow guests to experience wellness treatments even if the spa is fully booked.

Guests can choose from five bathing routines, with each routine designed to meet the specific needs of the guest.

A member of the spa or hotel team will visit the guest’s room to prepare a bath and explain the usage and benefits of each product to help ensure a positive experience.

This offering combines the therapeutic benefits of essential oils with the relaxation of a warm bath, allows guests to absorb the oils through their skin and inhale their soothing aromas, offering physical and mental wellbeing benefits.

Novoxel appoints The Smart Group as UK distributor

Manufacturer of global brands Tixel and Mezotix, Novoxel, has appointed The Smart Group as its exclusive UK distributor.

Josh Yardley, director at The Smart Group, commented, “We are delighted to partner with a global player in the medical device sector.” He continued, “We aim to bring new energy to the brand, enhancing both clinical and commercial support and recognition of this unique technology.”

Zenoti announces a business investment competition

Zenoti’s beauty and wellness summit, Innergize 2024, is set to host a competition offering a prize of £40,000 investment for the winning salon, spa or clinic.

The Deep End competition will see owners of small and mid-size salons, spas and clinics pitch their plans to become a national franchise to a panel of experts. The winning pitch will receive ongoing mentoring and coaching, as well as £40,000 worth of investment.

CACI introduces compact, multi-technology platform Synergy Flex

CACI has launched a multiple technology aesthetics system, the CACI Synergy Flex, which combines the results-driven technologies of CACI Synergy and its simultaneous photo electrical delivery (SPED) with new independent Flex Tec and microcurrent innovation ports, designed to power future technology handsets in a new compact system.

Customisable system Synergy Flex incorporates a range of non-surgical technologies for facial toning, skin exfoliation, skin rejuvenation, problematic skin, sun-damaged skin, and the reduction of lines and wrinkles.

The device offers customised treatment options, designed to cater for men and women of all ages, skin types and skin concerns.

The system delivers simultaneous LED light stimulation for skin rejuvenation with microcurrent facial toning, known as SPED, and is clinically proven to reduce wrinkle depth by up to 75% and skin elasticity by up to 88%.

Design and technology The compact design with built-in attachment holder has an HD screen with pre-set settings, promotional videos and facemaps. The new Flex Tec port provides an independent 12V power source to power future technology handsets – so that the Synergy Flex system never becomes outdated and enables salons and clinics to offer new innovations as and when they are developed.

The new Microcurrent Innovation port provides a dedicated microcurrent power source. The microcurrent innovation screen is customisable, enabling the user to select any frequency, any waveform and any microcurrent power level and then save the selected parameters as a custom preset button, providing microcurrent flexibility.

Advanced attachments The CACI Synergy Flex includes all the advanced attachments and, after training, the salon and clinic will gain CACI’s “advanced clinic” status.

• SPED Technology delivers simultaneous LED skin rejuvenation at the same time as microcurrent facial toning, enabling both a tightening and lifting of facial muscles, while improving the complexion.

• Wrinkle Comb provides a needle-free and noninvasive alternative to collagen dermal fillers.

• Orbital Microdermabrasion delivers controlled skin resurfacing without the use of crystals.

• Ultrasonic Actuator delivers piezoelectric vibrations 27,000 times per second to deeply cleanse the skin

• Electro Gloves provide hands-on delivery of microcurrent treatments.

Price on application / cacibeauty.com