‘High-end’ cosmetic caused permanent skin damage

A woman, who developed permanent facial skin damage after using a “high-end” cosmetic product on the recommendation of a beauty therapist, has been awarded €37,500 damages against the salon in the Circuit Civil Court.
‘High-end’ cosmetic caused permanent skin damage

Margaret McLaughlin, a 45-year-old marketing manager, told the court that in March 2013 after receiving a bonus payment from work, she decided to treat herself to a facial at Revive, Milltown Road, Dublin.

Ms McLaughlin told her barrister, Bláithín Gallagher, that after the treatment the beauty therapist advised her she had sensitive skin and recommended that she twice weekly use Image Total Resurfacing Masque, a chemical peel on sale at Revive.

Ms McLaughlin, of Hazelbrook, Kilmacud Road Upper, Stillorgan, Dublin, said she bought the product and used it once but washed it off after five minutes because she felt a burning sensation on her face.

She said it then settled and she thought it was a normal reaction. She had later used it a second time as she had been instructed but the burning sensation became worse. She had also developed swelling of her nose and redness on her forehead and chin. She had gone back to Revive which, the court heard, is now out of business, and had been advised by the manager to apply a hydrocortisone cream.

Ms McLaughlin told Ms Gallagher, who appeared with Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors, that she had felt no improvement of her skin which was red, blotchy and itchy, and she had later gone to her GP. The court heard she developed acne rosacea, a skin disease which causes redness of the face. She said she had ongoing issues with her skin although it has been more than three years since the incident.

“I had a perfect skin before. I went from having a facial as a treat to having permanent skin damage,” Ms McLaughlin told Circuit Court president Mr Justice Raymond Groarke.

She sued Revive Experience Limited with an address at Herbert Street, Dublin, and also product supplier Renaissance Products Ltd, Renaissance House, Church Street, Howth, Co Dublin, for negligence. Both defendants denied liability.

Renaissance Products Ltd alleged the Image Total Resurfacing Masque was a ‘high end’ product sold only by professionals who had been trained.

The court heard that an analysis of the product had not revealed any issue. Ms McLaughlin claimed the product had been too harsh for her skin. She had been distressed and her confidence and her life had been affected. The court heard she needs to be careful not to expose her skin to the sun.

Judge Groarke said Revive Experience Ltd had failed to carry out a skin analysis or a patch test on Ms McLaughlin’s skin before recommending the product and had failed in its duty of care.

Judge Groarke awarded Ms McLaughlin €37,500 damages with her legal costs.

More in this section

Military accident Two further deaths on Irish roads after collisions in Roscommon and Dublin
Russian invasion of Ukraine Demand for State-provided beds to Ukrainians decreasing
Armagh crash Police conducting ‘thorough and sensitive’ investigation into fatal Armagh crash
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited