It’s a success story that defies convention: a general practitioner with a passion for wellness, and a visionary entrepreneur with an eye for design, join forces. The result? A South African skin clinic empire that has delivered over 8 million treatments, pioneered physician-owned aesthetics, and trained a generation of local experts to global standards.
“What started as a single clinic offering non-surgical treatments has blossomed into a national network of 20 clinics, underpinned by a holistic four-pillar approach that blends aesthetic medicine, functional health, regenerative therapies, and personalised care,” says founder and medical director Dr Maureen Allem.
Origins: Where confidence meets care
Dr Allem’s journey into aesthetics began in a very different environment—working in public hospitals.
“My journey into aesthetic medicine began not in a luxury clinic, but in the intense and often chaotic wards of a provincial hospital. As a general practitioner, I was deeply fulfilled by the work – yet I sensed a missing link between healing illness and helping people feel truly whole,” she explains.
That missing link revealed itself through a personal experience: the transformative power of aesthetic medicine. The result was the launch of Skin Renewal in 2005.
“It wasn’t just about the outer change—it was about inner confidence. That spark led to the founding of Skin Renewal… where science and self-esteem could converge.”
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From lounge to legacy: The unstoppable rise of a national brand
When architect-turned-CEO Victor Snyders joined the journey early on, Skin Renewal rapidly evolved from a modest solo practice into a thriving national operation. Snyders brought more than just business acumen—he shaped the brand’s identity as its digital strategist, clinic designer, and culture architect, becoming Dr Allem’s most trusted partner.
While Dr Allem continues to lead Skin Renewal’s clinical and medical vision, Snyders drives its operational strategy and business innovation. Their synergy has become the foundation of the brand’s enduring success.
“We built Skin Renewal on the premise that ‘you treat yourself as an employee’—we separate the fact that we own the business from how we operate within it. This philosophy creates equality and mutual respect throughout our organisation,” says Snyders.
Today, Skin Renewal operates 20 fully physician-owned clinics across Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, each delivering cutting-edge treatments under uncompromising medical standards.
Rejecting the franchise model from the outset, the team chose a hands-on approach that prioritises consistency and excellence. Every doctor is personally trained by Dr Allem, and each piece of technology undergoes extensive testing to ensure efficacy across South Africa’s diverse range of skin types and tones.
What sets Skin Renewal apart
✔️ No franchises – Every location is directly owned and managed, ensuring consistent care.
✔️ Holistic care – Their four pillars of health address not just appearance but stress, nutrition, hormones, and wellness.
✔️ Training academy – They run Africa’s premier aesthetic mentorship program, ensuring every practitioner meets world-class standards.
✔️ Inclusive innovation – From Pico Lasers to Revanesse® fillers, every tool is chosen for safety, efficacy, and inclusivity.
✔️ Scientific leadership – both Dr Allem and Snyders regularly attend global conferences like IMCAS Paris to bring back the latest insights and technologies.
“We’re not just changing appearances—we’re changing lives, one patient at a time. That’s the Skin Renewal difference,” says Dr Allem.
Tech and treatment at the forefront
Their 2024 rollout of Pico Lasers was a milestone, bringing cutting-edge laser technology to treat pigmentation, acne scars, and skin laxity across all skin tones.
“Each piece of equipment undergoes thorough evaluation not just for its technical capabilities, but for how it performs across the diverse range of skin tones we serve in South Africa,” the company says.
The practice has also expanded its in-house skincare line, offering dermaceuticals that target collagen loss, pigmentation, and cellular ageing.
Among their most exciting advances is PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) therapy—an injectable regenerative treatment that kickstarts natural collagen and elastin production. It’s part of their shift toward sustainable beauty, not just short-term results.
Empowering the next generation
Skin Renewal’s two-month training program for new doctors, led by resident doctor and the practice’s national training manager Lindi Scheffers, is rigorous and research-backed. Therapists undergo a bespoke three-month program covering skin protocols and patient care.
“”Our newly onboarded aesthetic physicians undergo an intensive two-month mentorship before any patient interactions,” notes Dr Allem.
By keeping all training in-house, they ensure that every team member lives and breathes their culture of excellence, care, and science-first results.
Building for the future
In 2025 and beyond, their focus remains crystal clear: grow with purpose.
“Our commitment to providing world-class standards and global best practices remains unwavering,” Snyders explains, adding: “We’re not just maintaining our position in the South African market; we’re positioning ourselves to establish a presence on the global stage.”
The company’s roadmap includes expanding regenerative medicine, integrating functional health more deeply, and increasing research and development efforts.
20 years of transformation: Giving back, growing forward
As Skin Renewal marks its 20th anniversary, its founders remain deeply committed to the values that launched the brand: care, integrity, and impact. But their legacy extends beyond world-class treatments and innovation—it’s also one of meaningful contribution to South African communities.
From supporting ILoveBoobies’ breast cancer awareness campaigns to collaborating with grassroots organisations like Souper Troopers, Khulisa Streetscapes, and Komani, Skin Renewal’s social investment has touched countless lives.
For Dr Allem and Snyders, giving back isn’t a marketing strategy—it’s a responsibility.
“Our story is not just about beauty—it’s about transformation, empowerment, and restoring radiance from the inside out,” says Dr Allem.
Their vision for the next chapter is clear: expand their regenerative medicine focus, train a new generation of doctors, and uphold international gold standards—while deepening their commitment to South Africa’s people and potential.
“After 20 years, we still run the business with the same passion that created our first clinic,” Snyders reflects.
Two decades on, Skin Renewal continues to thrive—powered by purpose, anchored in science, and inspired by the belief that true beauty starts from within.
For more on health innovations shaping South Africa, visit NOWinSA Health & Fitness.
