Auckland-based skin care maker and clinic operator, Skinsmiths, is on a mission to give women “skin confidence” all over the world. Here, a report on the brand’s new London stores and plans for 2019.

New Zealand’s leading chain of skin care clinics, Skinsmiths, has opened three clinics in London, including a store in tony Belgravia and bustling Putney Bridge, with plans to open an additional 40 across England over the next two years. Their mission? Deliver simple, accessible skin care to inspire skin confidence.

“Skin confidence is a feeling you get when you have healthy, happy skin. It’s different for everyone – we all have different concerns and different skin types. But ultimately, we’re all looking for the same thing, a little skin confidence, whether it’s leaving the house with no makeup, or having your makeup sit a little smoother. Skin confidence is hugely powerful and can be truly life changing,” said Jackie Smith, Founder of Skinsmiths. Jackie, a former nurse who describes herself as a people-person and problem solver, opened the first clinic in Auckland in 1994, under the brand name Caci after identifying a business opportunity while living in the UK. Since then, the brand franchised, and there are now 50 clinics in New Zealand. Skinsmiths, which is the name of the global clinic and skin care brand, is owned by the FAB Group. The brand also offers an extensive skin care range to attend to skin beyond clinic doors.

“When we opened our first clinic in the early Nineties, we quickly gained a lot of interest, so we decided to franchise the business. Laser hair removal was the revolutionary treatment that really led the charge. We were one of the first in the world to offer the treatment. Being such an early adopter gave us a huge edge. Laser hair removal is still a large part of our business, but delivering great skin is our real passion,” she said.

In keeping with the typically easygoing Kiwi mentality, Skinsmiths is focused on making skin care easy. “Our typical consumer is the everyday woman, with a busy life, who doesn’t have time for complicated skin care regimes in the vain hope that they will perform a miracle. We are not here to judge if your skin concern is good or bad or big or small. We just want to help solve the problem,” said Jackie.

The London stores offer Treatment Plans and payment by subscription, rather than presenting beauty treatments as “a facial here and a facial there.”

“With our Treatment Plans you receive a schedule of treatments that you can pay off in installments that suit your budget. Our team of skin experts (both Aesthetic Specialists and Skin Technicians) work with each customer to plan out their regular schedule of treatments, so you know what to expect, and how much it will cost. Consistency gets results,” said Jackie.

Jackie was determined to create an unintimidating environment via the retail stores, so while they are beautiful, they are carefully designed to be open and relaxing. “We sit between cosmetic surgery and beauty therapy so it’s important our clinics and team reflect this too.”

Skinsmiths offers a range of treatment plans: Reformaskin includes Signature Detox Treatment (using Aqua Microdermabrasion and Thermal Heat Laser); Skincare Infusion; Fractional CO2 Laser; Microneedling; IPL (Intense Pulse Light) for Pigmentation & Redness. Skinsmiths’ most popular treatment is the signature Detox Facial, which uses a combination of heat and light to improve skin tone and texture.

The Skinsmiths skin care range includes minimalist products that are divided into simple categories: Cleanse; Treat; Hydrate; Protect. Jackie’s favorite product is the sunscreen. “If you can only do two things, always start with sunscreen to protect the cell’s DNA and its function, and end the day with a cleanse.” Jackie’s ambitions for Skinsmiths?

“Our ultimate goal is to build a recognized global brand and take a bit of New Zealand to the world in the process.”