For years Aesthetic Medicine has been focused around invasive treatments that freeze movement and plump the face. My goal is to shift that focus to skin health and using preventive treatments and to help women align with their skin quality throughout their lives.
What if the secret to beautiful skin isn’t about looking younger — but about keeping pace with yourself?
For Australian women, our lifestyle and climate create a visible “gap” between our real age and our skin’s biological age. UV exposure, heat, and stress all accelerate that difference — and research backs it up.
A Monash University-led study found that Australian women show visible signs of skin ageing up to 20 years earlier than women in countries with milder UV exposure (Monash University, 2023). Researchers attributed this not to genetics, but to cumulative sun exposure and environmental stress.
Dr Cosima’s philosophy is to realign skin age — helping women understand their skin, protect it, and support it through evidence-based care. “The goal isn’t to erase time,” she says. “It’s to help your skin reflect your vitality, not your environment.”
What exactly is the “gap” between skin age and real age?
When I talk about realigning skin age, I’m referring to the difference between your chronological age and how your skin behaves as a result of daily life. You might be 40 on paper, but your skin might look and feel 50, due to sun exposure, lifestyle and environmental stressors.
My goal is to support the skin so it performs in line with your real age. When your skin feels balanced, hydrated, and resilient, that’s when you look refreshed and confident — not younger, just more you.
How much of that comes down to lifestyle versus genetics?
Genetics set the baseline, but our environment writes the story.
A PubMed-indexed study found that up to 70% of Australian teenagers already show signs of sun-induced skin damage, compared to around a third of teenagers in Scotland. That means the effects of UV start before the age of 20 and compound over time.
Daily SPF 50 sunscreen is the number one key to dramatically reducing the long-term negative impact of skin aging.
Women in their 30s and 40s are already health-focused. What are they missing when it comes to skin health?
Many women are disciplined with their health and fitness but reactive with their skin. They switch products often, trying to “fix” problems instead of understanding what their skin actually needs.
Knowledge is power and consistency is the key. When women come to see me in my clinic my goal is to create clear, personalised information based on the latest evidence so they make more confident, lasting choices for their skin. Women are also time poor, I have 2 children and run my clinic full time so I understand how important having time efficient and effective treatments with minimal downtime is. This is where in depth skin assessments and multimodality treatments using advanced technologies becomes imperative.
How do you balance results with the desire for a natural look?
That’s one of the most common questions I hear. Most women don’t want to look different, they just want to look well-rested and confident.
My approach focuses on skin health first. This incorporates optimising internal supplementation, clinical skincare and a variety of restorative treatment options. When we strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and support its natural repair processes, results follow naturally. The most beautiful outcomes are subtle and harmonious, you still look like you, just fresher.
Can you give us an example of how you Repair, Regenerate and Realign the skin and why you created this treatment method?
As a cosmetic physician I noticed the need for improved skin quality whilst the industry was focused on filling and freezing. Since then I have developed and sourced technology from around the world to improve outcomes and deliver long lasting results not only for my patients, but also to change the industry trajectory towards focusing on skin health.
Step 1: Strengthening the skin barrier involves a Byonik lasers Repair and Recover treatment which uses gentle red and near infrared laser along with Hydrating gels that carry a powerful antioxidant called Ectoin. Especially good for redness and sensitivity, break outs and perioral dermatitis.
Step 2: Regenerating collagen, elastin to improve skin quality, tighten the skin, reduce redness and pigmentation as well as reducing pores is primarily treated using the Aerolase Neo Elite laser. This is the latest technology from the US that can be used on all skin types and even on skins that are being treated with photosensitising medications. This is often stacked with the Double Tite radiofrequency microneedling treatment from Korea that can also infuse products like Rejuran (the Salmon DNA extract) at the same time to target all aspects of skin regeneration.
Step 3: Keeping the skin realigned with its true chronological age through in clinic treatment maintenance, professionally prescribed skincare regime, dietary supplements and lifestyle guidance along with regular follow ups with your practitioner to ensure you are targeting any changes early. Remember prevention is better than cure.
Dr Cosima, you created the Skin Score. What does it tell women, and how should they use it?
The Skin Score isn’t a medical assessment. It’s a simple, guided quiz designed to help you reflect on your skin concerns and priorities.
In four quick questions, you identify your main skin concerns, such as pigmentation, fine lines, sensitivity, or dullness. Based on your selections, you receive:
• Professional insights into possible treatment options
• Information about how each option supports skin health
• A suggested skincare routine
It’s about understanding where your skin needs the most care, and how to support it safely and effectively. It is important to keep in mind that the skin changes with each season and therefore skin products and treatment need to be adjusted accordingly.
What are the earliest signs that your skin age might be accelerating?
The first sign is when your skin stops responding the way it used to. You may notice dullness, fine lines appearing faster, or a feeling of dryness, even with good products.
That’s your skin asking for attention, not alarm. The best response is prevention: sun protection, professional-grade skincare, and regular skin check-ins to adjust your routine as your skin evolves. Small, consistent steps based on an informed treatment plan to suit your individual lifestyle protect you from bigger concerns later.
If you could give one message to every Australian woman about her skin, what would it be?
Your skin is your storyteller. It reflects your lifestyle, your environment, and your strength but it is not your job to know what your skin needs. That is where guidance from a professionally led clinic is imperative to continuously reevaluate your skin needs from inside out.
So instead of chasing youth, focus on supporting skin health. Feed your skin, protect it, and give it what it needs to thrive. When you do, your reflection naturally aligns with how you feel on the inside.
Healthy skin isn’t about vanity. It’s about wellbeing, confidence, and longevity.
For more information: head to drcosima.com.au
Byonik – https://beautytechnology.com.au/byonik-laser/
Aerolase Neo Elite – https://beautytechnology.com.au/aerolase/neo-elite/
Rejuran – https://beautytechnology.com.au/aerolase/neo-elite/
Dr Cosmia – https://drcosima.com.au/skin-type/
