Nestled in the heart of Downtown Birmingham, Skin House is a medical and wellness spa that embodies refined elegance and cutting-edge beauty. Occupying a space in the ivy-carpeted Shain Townhouse, built in 1916, the historical landmark features hallmarks of its Arts & Crafts architecture — patinated copper details, herringbone brickwork and stained glass accents — the building is as much a masterpiece as the services offered within.
Dr. Christina Barbat, founder and visionary behind Skin House, has created a space where luxury meets authenticity. The interior, designed in collaboration with her best friend, designer Aleksandra Vitosevic, mirrors the sophistication of its exterior. The moment you step inside, you’re transported into an intimate world of modern glamour, reminiscent of a boutique hotel in New York, Los Angeles or Milan.
“I wanted to create something extraordinary,” Dr. Barbat says. “Not just another med spa, but a space where beauty and luxury intertwine, setting the stage for clients to feel truly pampered.”
Dr. Barbat’s keen aesthetic sense is matched by her medical expertise and warm, approachable demeanor. Clients describe her as calming and personable, someone who makes every interaction feel like a conversation with a close friend while relying on her discerning eye and skilled touch.
Skin House’s journey began humbly, with Dr. Barbat offering injectable treatments like Botox and fillers in a small studio. A physician specializing in family medicine, she discovered her passion for holistic beauty while expecting her first child. “I’ve always cared about looking and feeling my best,” she says. “Being able to share that with others felt like a dream.” By 2020, she had realized her vision with the opening of Skin House, and the business has flourished ever since. Recently, she expanded into an adjoining Shain Townhouse, allowing for an even broader array of luxury services, including massages, body treatments and medical weight loss.
Every service at Skin House is meticulously tested by Dr. Barbat herself. “I treat every patient as if they were family,” she says. “We don’t just focus on today — we think about the future, crafting a journey that enhances each patient’s natural beauty over time.” This ethos is the foundation of Skin House, an “elevated medical spa” where cosmetic injections, advanced skin treatments and wellness therapies converge.
Among its many offerings, Skin House specializes in cutting-edge treatments like Morpheus8, a minimally invasive radiofrequency therapy that stimulates collagen production and targets fine lines and wrinkles. Other standout services include PRP therapy, IV treatments, red-light therapy and lymphatic drainage.
“With our expanded space, we can finally integrate holistic wellness into our aesthetic services,” Dr. Barbat says. “It’s about creating a complete experience, where clients can rejuvenate their body and mind under one roof.”
Beyond traditional spa treatments, Skin House is a pioneer in advanced cosmetic procedures. Dr. Barbat performs liquid rhinoplasties to reshape and balance the nose, injects fillers to restore volume and symmetry to the face, even addresses bone loss in areas like the chin and jawline. “Our goal is facial harmony,” she explains. “While perfection may not be attainable, we help clients achieve the best, most natural version of themselves.”
Dr. Barbat’s philosophy — “working from the inside out” — infuses every aspect of Skin House. Whether you’re seeking age-defying treatments or holistic wellness solutions, Skin House offers a curated approach that combines science, artistry and care. It’s more than a spa: It’s a sanctuary where beauty evolves and luxury feels effortless.