From Beauty to Brilliance: Rikki Bruxner’s Journey in Skin and Aesthetics

By Louise May

Rikki Bruxner’s journey into skin and aesthetics began over 20 years ago when she completed her diploma of Beauty therapy. She spent her first years as a qualified beauty therapist working in some of Australia’s leading day spas and medi-clinics which gave her a strong foundation in both holistic and clinical skin care.

Driven by a desire to expand her knowledge and perform more advanced treatments, Rikki went on to complete her Bachelor of Nursing and worked under a leading cosmetic physician. After working extensively across the beauty and cosmetic industry, she founded Skin Forum - a space where results driven treatments are delivered with warmth, integrity and genuine care.

Editor of Mocha Beauty, Louise May, chats with Rikki about her industry journey and Skin Forum.

What inspired you to create Skin Forum, and what vision did you have when launching the clinic?

The vision for Skin Forum was born from recognising a clear gap in the industry. At the time, results-driven cosmetic treatments were only offered in clinical settings that lacked warmth and personal touch. On the other hand, beauty treatments were limited to day spas, which focused more on relaxation than real, lasting results.

I wanted to build a true hybrid of the two... a space where you could relax, feel pampered, and still receive advanced, results-driven treatments. It was important to me that Skin Forum not only delivered real skin results but also offered an environment where every client feels genuinely welcomed, comfortable, and cared for from the moment they walk in.

With such an impressive background in both dermal therapy and cosmetic nursing, how have those experiences shaped the Skin Forum philosophy?

My background in both dermal therapy and cosmetic nursing has really shaped the way I approach skin and aging, and that’s had a big influence on the philosophy behind Skin Forum. Having a deep understanding of skin health, combined with a clinical knowledge of the aging process, allows us to take a more holistic and long-term approach to treatment.

We look at what the skin needs to age well, stay healthy, and truly glow over time. This means treating the skin at a cellular level, supporting its natural functions, and using advanced techniques that deliver real results without compromising its integrity.

At Skin Forum, our philosophy is heavily built around education, empowerment, and personalised care.

What do you believe truly sets Skin Forum apart from other advanced skin clinics on the Gold Coast?

What truly sets Skin Forum apart is the people behind it—our team. We invest heavily in staff education to ensure everyone is not only highly skilled but also up to date with the latest techniques and technologies. This commitment means our clients always receive the best, safest, and most effective treatments available.

As an owner-operator, I’m deeply involved in every part of the business, from staff training to client care. That hands-on approach ensures our values of honesty, personalised attention, and genuine care are felt in every interaction.

Above all, we’re focused on client satisfaction, not just the immediate results but how our clients feel throughout their experience with us. Creating a welcoming environment where people feel valued and supported is at the heart of everything we do.

What areas of skin health or cosmetic medicine are you most passionate about, and why?

I’m very passionate about the science behind skin health and cosmetic medicine. There’s something fascinating about how the skin works, its layers, how it repairs itself, and how it naturally changes as we age, and how we can support that natural process with both treatments and medical knowledge.

Skin Forum offers a curated mix of clinical skin treatments, what’s your approach when combining different modalities for long-term results?

I truly believe the best results come from combining different treatment modalities that work together to support both the skin’s surface and what lies beneath. That’s why we often pair our skin treatments with cosmetic procedures, ensuring not only the health of the skin itself but also the underlying structure is cared for.

We work closely between our clinical nursing team and skin therapists, cross-referring clients as needed so each treatment plan is tailored and comprehensive. By blending these modalities, we can deliver more balanced, long-lasting and more effective results.

You’ve built a team that shares your values, what qualities do you look for in the professionals who join Skin Forum?

When I’m looking for new team members at Skin Forum, it’s really about more than just skills and qualifications. I want people who contribute to a positive, uplifting culture because I know that energy flows through the whole clinic. A happy and supportive work environment isn’t just good for the team, it creates a space where clients feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for from the moment they arrive.

So, I look for professionals who are not only talented but also kind, passionate, and genuinely committed to making a difference for every person who walks through our doors.

Education seems to be a big part of your ethos; how do you keep clients informed and empowered about their skin journey?

Education is definitely a core part of how we work at Skin Forum. We spend a lot of time upfront creating detailed treatment plans and making sure our clients understand exactly what to expect at each step of their journey.

Regularly reviewing progress photos with our clients is a big part of keeping them motivated and excited about the changes happening over time. We want every client to know from the very beginning that their skin journey is a process, and by setting clear expectations, they feel informed, supported, and confident throughout.

For us, it’s all about empowering clients with knowledge so they can take control of their skin health alongside us.

How do you stay ahead in such a fast-evolving industry, and how does that translate into the client experience at Skin Forum?

I regularly attend conferences, online webinars, and invest in extra learning to keep up with the latest advancements and best practices. Bringing this knowledge back to Skin Forum means our clients benefit from cutting-edge treatments and techniques delivered safely and effectively. It also means we can offer honest, up-to-date advice tailored to each person’s unique needs.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you and for Skin Forum? Any exciting plans or areas you’re expanding into?

To be honest, I’ve never really followed a strict business plan, I tend to pivot and evolve when it feels right. That approach has served me well so far, and it keeps things exciting.

While I’d love to expand Skin Forum into a third location one day, right now my focus is on refining and perfecting what we’ve already built. I want to make sure our existing clinics continue to deliver the highest standard of care and experience for our clients.

I’m always keeping an eye out for new treatments and technology that align with our philosophy, so while there’s no set roadmap, there’s always something on the horizon.

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