If you’re looking for an acne specialist in South Yarra Melbourne, you’ve probably already tried everything. Every cream at Priceline, countless YouTube videos, maybe even some questionable TikTok advice—and you’re still breaking out. Look, dealing with acne sucks. If you’re done with the guesswork, it might be time to see an actual specialist.
Let’s talk about what you’re actually dealing with
Before you book anything, it helps to know what kind of acne you’ve got. Are we talking about the occasional blackhead situation? Those annoying red bumps that pop up before important events? Or are you dealing with the deep, painful cysts that stick around for weeks and leave marks behind?
The thing is, different acne needs different approaches. Some people need the heavy-duty prescription stuff, while others do fine with good topical treatments and maybe some lifestyle tweaks.
What actually makes a good acne specialist?
Here’s what matters when you’re looking for someone to help with your skin:
They actually listen to you. Seriously. You want someone who asks about your history, what you’ve tried before, and what your life is like. Cookie-cutter approaches rarely work with acne.
Proper qualifications. In Australia, the gold standard is a dermatologist who’s a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists. These doctors have done years of specialised training beyond med school. They’ve seen it all and know how to handle even tricky cases.
You can actually get an appointment. What’s the point of finding a great specialist if you can’t see them for three months? Acne treatment needs monitoring and adjustments along the way.
The whole telehealth thing (It’s actually pretty good)
We know, we know—seeing a doctor through a screen sounds weird at first. But hear me out, because telehealth has become an increasingly accessible option for acne treatment.
Remember the old routine? Wait weeks or months for an appointment, take half a day off work, fight traffic into the city, sit in a waiting room flipping through ancient magazines. It was exhausting.
Now? You can talk to a specialist dermatologist from your couch in South Yarra, your desk at work, or even while you’re visiting family interstate.
Places Acne Express provides telehealth dermatology consultations with qualified dermatologists, including Fellows of the Australasian College of Dermatologists—so you’re getting proper specialist expertise, not some random online service. They’ve even won awards for it (like the 2019 Telstra Business Award). Plus, you can use Medicare rebates if you’ve got a GP referral, and they do after-hours and weekend appointments. For urgent cases too.
Real conversations, just through a screen
These aren’t those dodgy "fill out a form and maybe someone emails you back" services. These are actual real-time video calls with your dermatologist. You can ask questions and get immediate answers. They can look at your skin, you can have a proper conversation, and they’ll give you guidance just like they would in their office.
The best part? You can do this from literally anywhere in Australia. Home in South Yarra, visiting mates in regional Vic, working up in Sydney—doesn’t matter. Your treatment doesn’t have to stop just because you’re traveling.
What happens in your first telehealth appointment
So you’ve booked your appointment—what now?
The first chat usually goes something like this: they’ll want to know your whole acne story. How long has this been going on? Does it flare up at certain times? What have you thrown at it already? (And be real about everything—your skincare routine, what you’re eating, how stressed you are, any meds you’re on. They’ve heard it all, trust me.)
You’ll need to upload photos of your skin beforehand. Different angles, good lighting—nothing fancy, just clear enough so they can actually see what’s happening. Those photos plus everything you’ve told them give a pretty complete picture.
Then they’ll work out what you’re dealing with. What kind of acne, how bad it is, where it’s showing up. Location is actually a big clue—breaking out along your jawline? Probably hormonal. Forehead covered? Could be stress, or maybe that new hair product you’re using.
After that, they’ll put together a treatment plan for you. Maybe it’s topical treatments like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Maybe you need oral antibiotics or something hormonal. Sometimes it’s a combination. A good specialist will actually explain what each thing does, what side effects to watch for, and give you realistic expectations about timing. Because spoiler alert: nothing works overnight.
The treatments you might get
Melbourne dermatologists have quite a few weapons in their arsenal:
Topical retinoids can be effective for a lot of people. They unclog pores and calm inflammation, though they can make your skin pretty dry and sensitive at first.
Oral antibiotics for moderate to severe acne help knock down bacteria and inflammation. Usually you’ll use them short-term alongside topical treatments.
Hormonal treatments can be effective for some people whose acne is linked to hormone fluctuations.
Isotretinoin (you might know it as Accutane) is a prescription treatment sometimes used for severe or persistent acne that has not responded to other options. It can be highly effective for some people but requires close medical supervision. Your dermatologist will let you know if it’s right for you and walk you through the whole process.
Having a specialist who really knows these medications—how to prescribe them, manage them, adjust them—makes a huge difference.
Your skincare routine matters too
Your specialist will recommend specific products to support your treatment. A few basics:
Cleanse gently. Those harsh scrubs? They can actually make acne worse by irritating your skin. Most specialists recommend a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser twice a day.
Moisturise. Yes, even with oily, acne-prone skin. Especially when you’re using treatments that dry you out. Look for lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Particularly with treatments like retinoids that make you more sun-sensitive. Melbourne’s UV is no joke—you need protection year-round.
Why South Yarra people are going the telehealth route
A lot of locals are finding that telehealth just makes sense. No parking dramas, no waiting rooms, no taking time off work. The convenience is unbeatable.
For South Yarra’s busy crowd—whether you’re working in the CBD, running your own business, or juggling uni—you can schedule appointments around your actual life. Plus, there’s something nice about seeking treatment in the privacy of your own space.
With Medicare rebates available (if you’ve got a GP referral), specialist care becomes way more accessible. And you’re not spending money on parking or losing income from taking time off.
You need to be patient (Sorry)
Real talk: most acne treatments take at least 8-12 weeks to really work. Some can even make things worse before they get better. This "purging" phase happens when the medication brings underlying breakouts to the surface faster. It’s annoying as hell, but it actually means the treatment is working.
Your specialist will prep you for what to expect at each stage and help you figure out the difference between normal adjustment and actual problems that need a treatment change. Regular check-ins keep you on track and let your specialist fine-tune things as you go.
Making your choice
Finding the right acne specialist in South Yarra comes down to this: someone who listens, offers treatments backed by actual evidence, and fits your lifestyle and budget.
Acne Express offers telehealth dermatology consultations with Fellows of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, providing the same level of specialist expertise as in-person clinics. Appointments can be scheduled from anywhere in Australia, including after-hours and weekends. Medicare rebates may apply with a GP referral.
Getting started is easy
First, see your GP and ask for a dermatology referral for acne. This lets you claim Medicare rebates and makes everything more affordable.
Once you’ve got your referral, book a consultation when it suits you—evenings and weekends included. Fill out your medical history, upload some photos, and have a real-time video call with a specialist dermatologist. Your prescriptions can usually go straight to your pharmacy, and you can book follow-ups as needed.
Time to actually do something about it
Many people can achieve significant improvement with the right specialist support and treatment plan. Telehealth services offered by Acne Express make specialist dermatology care more accessible across Australia. With telehealth services offered by Acne Express, people across Australia can access specialist dermatology care regardless of their location.
Reach out to a qualified specialist and start sorting out your skin. You deserve to feel good about your complexion.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Teledermatology services have limitations and may not be appropriate for all skin conditions. Some conditions require in-person examination, physical assessment, or procedures that cannot be performed remotely. Always seek the advice of a qualified dermatologist or other healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read in this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.
