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.

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Why Barrier Repair Is the Foundation of Every Great Skin Routine