Case Study: How We Helped One Client Rebuild Her Skin Barrier and Start Fresh
When your skin feels reactive, dry, or like it’s suddenly stopped responding to products — you may be dealing with a damaged skin barrier. It’s more common than you think, and it’s one of the first things we assess during new consultations.
Here’s a fictional case study based on real patterns we see at Platinum Cosmetics — and how we helped one client reset and rebuild her skin.
Meet Clara
Clara, 42, came to our Port Melbourne clinic feeling frustrated. She had:
Constant dryness and flaking
A stinging sensation whenever she applied skincare
Redness that wouldn’t settle
Pigmentation that had worsened over the past year
Tried “everything” — actives, scrubs, serums — but nothing helped
She thought she needed more powerful products. But what she really needed was space to heal.
Step 1: Skin Audit and Barrier Reset
During her consultation, we reviewed Clara’s routine. It included:
A foaming cleanser
Daily AHAs and retinol
Occasional face masks
No moisturiser
SPF only on sunny days
We explained how this “actives overload” was likely weakening her barrier — not improving her skin. Together, we created a reset plan:
Swap cleanser for a gentle, low-foam option
Remove all exfoliants and actives for 3 weeks
Add a ceramide-rich moisturiser and daily SPF
Introduce calming ingredients like panthenol and niacinamide
Step 2: In-Clinic Support With Barrier-Focused Facials
Clara received two barrier-repair facials over the course of 6 weeks:
No exfoliation or aggressive stimulation
Rich hydrating masks and lymphatic drainage
Skin assessed and adjusted at each visit
She noticed:
Less stinging after just 10 days
Redness reduced by her second visit
A healthier glow without makeup
Step 3: Slow Reintroduction of Actives and Laser
Once Clara’s skin felt resilient again, we introduced:
A mild lactic acid serum twice a week
Niacinamide to help with pigmentation and oil control
SPF 50+ applied every morning without fail
We then began gentle Fotona laser rejuvenation to target her pigmentation safely. Because her barrier was strong, she had minimal downtime and excellent results.
Clara’s Outcome
Three months in, Clara’s skin looked:
Calmer, clearer, and more even
Smooth and hydrated — no flakes or stinging
Progressing well with pigmentation support
Most importantly, she felt in control again — not overwhelmed by products or false promises.
Book a Consultation to Rebuild Your Skin Confidence
If your skin feels reactive, overworked or stuck in a cycle, we’re here to help. Book a consultation and let’s build a strong foundation for results that last — starting with skin that feels calm, supported, and truly healthy.