Northampton skin clinic founder continues to save lives through crucial work after her own cancer diagnosis and treatment
The founder of a skin clinic in Northampton continues to save lives through her crucial work, which she has become even more passionate about following her own cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Larissa Warren set up The Expert Skin Clinic in April 2024 and the business moved to Poyntz Lane in Dallington a year later.
The business is proud to offer skin and blemish consultations with a view to treating any benign findings, as well as looking after general skin health – including ageing, rosacea, pigmentation and acne, just to name a few.
Larissa is passionate about the role she can play as a cosmetic practitioner and although she cannot diagnose, she works under consultants to screen things that may need further attention from medical professionals.
An important part of Larissa’s work is the ‘Map My Mole’ service, which she introduced in October 2024 at around the time of her own experience with skin cancer. Larissa has since found deadly cancers with the service and is saving lives as a result.
Larissa opted to seek private treatment with Dr Toby Nelson, the founder of Map My Mole. As her cancer was located in the middle of her forehead, she wanted someone she knew she could trust.
Map My Mole returns detailed reports in between two and 48 hours, offering advice to the individual as to whether action is required. Larissa takes her clients through the next steps when she knows they have received the report.
Larissa also offers to check the skin of all clients across their bodies – even if they only come in for a facial treatment – as she realised she was missing a lot of cancers by not offering her expertise previously.
‘It can be the difference between living or dying’
Larissa has continued her work with skin lesion screening and early detection in 2026, and recently had another case where the outcome was melanoma after being identified through Map My Mole. Her work highlights how vital early detection is.
The Expert Skin Clinic has also done ongoing work with Skcin, The Karen Clifford Melanoma & Skin Cancer Charity, and won best skincare clinic in the Midlands at the 2026 Prestige Awards.
Larissa is proud to be shortlisted as a regional finalist in the Startup Awards for Health & Wellness, and was appointed as a key opinion leader at CACI International alongside launching their new medical-led skin health device at her clinic.
“2026 has been a bit of a whirlwind actually,” Larissa told the Chronicle & Echo. “It’s been a really good start to the year, educating people on skin cancer awareness and taking action. It’s no good having awareness if you don’t take any action. That’s the difference between saving someone’s life or not.
“That’s really where Map My Mole comes in to take that first step. You normally have to wait months to be seen but an early diagnosis means you can action treatment. People need to know it’s accessible to get these things checked and you’ll get an answer within two to 48 hours.”
Larissa has unfortunately seen an increase in people self-treating skin defects, which is dangerous particularly when it is suspected cancer. The founder wants to reinforce the importance of getting concerns checked professionally.
“90 percent of skin cancer is preventable and it’s all about education and spreading awareness of sun safety,” said Larissa, who is proud of her recent award wins and nominations.
She continued: “It does mean a lot and it’s nice to be recognised. I’m not here to diagnose, I’m here to screen. We get the reports back and can get fast track referrals. What I want people to know is that they should stop doing this at home and seek proper advice. It can be the difference between living or dying.”
Larissa urges people to reach out for support if they notice something new that has been on their skin for longer than a month, or a change in something they have had for a while.
The founder advises that SPF 50 should be applied regularly and shade should be sought in the middle of the day. Larissa explained that any sun tan is skin damage as it is your body’s defence.
She believes SPF 50 is the best way to protect the skin from harmful rays all year round and a minimum of SPF 30 should be worn all the time.
Larissa hopes to share her messages to wider audiences, by expanding beyond skin and beauty industry events and delivering her keynote speech to the corporate world as part of their wellness offering. She believes looking after yourself is equally as important as nurturing your mental health.