POPULAR WORDS

October 5, 2009

Queensland-based Microskin is preparing to take its award winning ‘second skin’ technology to the United States and United Kingdom, with new clinics planned for early 2010.

Since taking off in the Australian market, the company has been pursuing further commercialisation opportunities abroad with its unique ‘spray-on-skin’ for burn victims.

Microskin is a cosmetic camouflage product aimed at helping children and adolescents cope with the psychological problems associated with scarring and skin conditions.

Much more than a make-up, it is colour-corrected using state-of-the-art technology to the unique skin tone of the user.

The US clinic is expected to open in New York in January next year, and will have world-renowned skin specialist Roy Geronemus as one of its franchisees.

Geronemus is the MD Director at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, and is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center.

The Directors of Microskin recently met with the office of Trade Queensland and Minister Peter Beattie during their business trip to the United States, and are currently exploring the possibility of franchisees on the West Coast of the US and in Latin America.

Microskin founder Linda Lowndes says she believes these two new clinics will not only further boost the company’s reputation internationally, but will increase its capacity to help those in need.

“Whilst Microskin has had great success, particularly in the domestic market, I’m very happy that we’ve now got an opportunity to help more people overcome the aesthetic disabilities that come with some difficult skin conditions,” she says.

The company has also finalised a deal with a quasi-government body in the UK that will see a clinic open early next year, as well as create wide ranging alliances that will incorporate research and development, product trials, manufacturing, distribution and funding components.

A former make-up artist, Lowndes spent eight years developing the spray-on simulated skin made from a formulation that colour-corrects each person's individual skin condition.

The company now employs 15 staff with more than 2,000 patients seeking treatment from all over the world.

Due to burgeoning interest in the medical-world, Microskin is currently raising capital to pursue further commercialisation opportunities abroad.