Acne Treatment · Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Acne Treatment in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Treatment for teenage and adult acne, hormonal acne along the jaw and chin, and acne on the back and chest, planned by our specialist dermatologists, with nurse-led peels, LED and laser to settle breakouts sooner when they help.
Specialist consultations from $395 · Nurse-led LED $95 and peels from $150 · No referral needed to book · Total cost confirmed in writing before you start · See fees
A dermatologist-led clinic. Your acne is assessed and treated by specialist dermatologists Dr Emily Shao, Dr Benny Yau and Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD, who treat acne and acne scarring under one roof.
Meet Our TeamAcne Treatment at a Glance
Inside a pore
What Causes Acne? Four Things Go Wrong at Once
Acne isn't a hygiene problem, and it isn't something you caused. It's a condition of the hair follicle, where four processes overlap. That's why a treatment aimed at only one of them rarely works on its own.
The pore blocks
Sticky skin cells plug the opening of the follicle.
Oil builds up
Hormones drive the oil gland, and the oil has nowhere to go.
Bacteria multiply
Acne bacteria thrive in the blocked, oily pore.
Inflammation
The follicle wall can break, and this is where scars begin.
The first step happens weeks before anything shows. A spot you can see today began forming around two months earlier, which is why acne treatment is kept up on skin that already looks clear. In deeper spots the follicle wall breaks well below the surface, and that's where scars form. Hormones, especially around puberty and the menstrual cycle, turn up oil production, and your genes decide how strongly your skin reacts.
Why Do Some People Get Acne, and Does Diet Matter?
Why you, and not someone else
Acne is strongly genetic. Your genes set how strongly your oil glands react to completely normal hormone levels, which is why two people with the same blood test results can have very different skin. It isn't a failure of willpower, diet or hygiene, and it rarely means there's a hormone problem.
Nodules and cysts are the type that scars, so we treat them early and firmly. Please tell us about your chest, shoulders and back too. Body acne is often under-treated simply because people don't mention it.
Four myths worth clearing up
“Chocolate and greasy food cause acne.” Diet is never the main driver. If a food, protein powder or supplement seems to trigger breakouts, mention it at your appointment.
“Washing more will clear it.” Over-cleansing strips the skin barrier and makes every treatment harder to tolerate. Blackheads are dark because oil meets air, not because of dirt.
“The sun clears acne.” It hides redness for a while, then darkens marks and makes them last longer.
“Waiting it out does no harm.” Acne often continues into the 30s and 40s, and every month of inflammation is a month in which scars can form.
Brisbane can make acne worse. Heat, humidity and sweat, tight gym gear, helmets, phone screens and heavy sunscreens or makeup can all block pores.
What Type of Acne Do You Have?
Naming the type matters because each one responds to different treatment. Most people have a mix.
Blackheads and whiteheads
Blocked pores, called comedones, often on the forehead, nose and chin. Every red spot starts as one. Treatment that unblocks pores, plus peels and extractions, helps most.
Red spots and pustules
Inflamed bumps, some with a yellow head. Treatment calms inflammation and keeps pores clear so new spots don't form.
Nodules and cysts
Deep, painful lumps that last for weeks. They're the type most likely to scar, so they need a dermatologist sooner rather than later, not another round of products.
Hormonal and body acne
Jawline breakouts that flare before periods, and acne on the back and chest. Both are covered below.
Is It Acne, or Something Else?
Several skin conditions look like acne but need different treatment. Acne products can make some of them worse, which is often why "nothing works".
- Rosacea: redness, flushing and small red bumps on the cheeks and nose, usually from your 30s on, without blackheads. More on rosacea.
- Fungal folliculitis: small, even, itchy bumps on the chest, back and forehead, often worse in heat and humidity. Standard acne treatment doesn't clear it.
- Perioral dermatitis: fine bumps and scaling around the mouth, nose or eyes, often triggered by heavy face creams or some medicated creams.
- Painful lumps in the armpits or groin: these can be a separate condition called hidradenitis suppurativa, which needs its own plan.
See a doctor sooner if
- You have deep, painful lumps or cysts
- Spots are leaving marks, dents or raised scars
- Acne started suddenly as an adult
- You also have irregular periods or new hair growth on the face or body
- Your skin is affecting your mood, sleep or confidence
How Do Dermatologists Treat Acne?
The short answer: there's no single right treatment for acne, but there is a right treatment for your acne. A dermatologist works out which type you have and what's driving it, then combines treatments that work on more than one of the four causes. Most people see a clear change within 2 to 3 months, and the aim is skin that stays clear, not a quick fix.
Creams and gels: the foundation
Prescription and pharmacy creams that unblock pores and calm inflammation are the base of most plans. They take 8 to 12 weeks to work, can cause dryness at first, and sometimes bring a brief flare as blocked pores come to the surface.
Tablets: for widespread or deeper acne
When acne is moderate to severe, deep or not responding to creams, your dermatologist may add a tablet for a set period, alongside creams. We explain the benefits, side effects and any monitoring before you start.
Hormone-based treatment
For women whose acne flares with their cycle, treatment that works on hormonal triggers can help, often alongside other care. It isn't used in pregnancy.
Specialist treatment for severe or scarring acne
Some treatments for severe, scarring or relapsing acne can only be prescribed by a dermatologist. If one suits you, your dermatologist will go through the benefits, risks, monitoring and pregnancy precautions in detail at your consultation.
We see teenagers and adults from Mount Gravatt and across Brisbane's southside, including Holland Park, Carindale, Mansfield and Sunnybank.
Weeks for change. Months for control.
How Long Does Acne Treatment Take to Work?
Acne treatment is slower than most people hope, because a blocked pore can take weeks to surface as a spot.
- Weeks 1 to 4: settling in. Skin can feel dry or irritated, and some people get a short flare, often called a purge, as blocked pores come to the surface.
- Weeks 6 to 12: fewer new spots and less redness. This is when most people first notice a real difference.
- Months 3 to 6: most people reach good control. Treatment is stepped up or down depending on how your skin has responded.
- After that: a lighter maintenance plan, because acne tends to come back if treatment stops too early.
What results can you expect? The early wins are fewer inflamed breakouts and calmer skin. The bigger win is stable control over time. Some people clear quickly; others need longer, especially with hormonal acne, cysts or acne that is already scarring. No one can promise completely clear skin.
Got an event coming up? Start 3 to 6 months before a wedding, formal or photos. Have a peel at least a week beforehand, and LED or laser a few days beforehand.
Dr Mitch on Acne Treatment
"I see acne as a chronic condition. Treating it like a short-term problem is how people end up in the same loop for years, flare, suppress, flare again."
"Even mild acne matters. Any acne can scar."
From Dr Mitch's notes on treating acne.
What a Typical Course Looks Like
For more severe or scarring acne, medical treatment usually runs over several months. This is the shape most people's skin follows, and why the first weeks are the hardest.
Often worse before it's better, around weeks 2 to 6. Spots that were already forming come to the surface at once.
New spots slow, then stop, and redness starts to settle.
Skin looks good, and you keep going. Finishing the plan is what keeps it clear.
Treatment is brought to a planned finish, then a lighter routine protects the result.
An illustration of the usual pattern, not patient data. Individual journeys vary: this is the typical shape, not a promise. Your dermatologist reviews you regularly throughout, and the DERM Acne Intensive (below) is timed to the early flare, when most people are tempted to stop.
The DERM Acne Intensive
A 9-Week In-Clinic Programme for Inflamed Acne
The first weeks of a new acne plan are often the hardest. Many people get an early flare, plus dryness, redness and sensitivity, and it's the most common reason people stop before treatment has had a chance to work. The DERM Acne Intensive is nine weeks of in-clinic care built for that window, started alongside your medical treatment.
LED, every week
Healite II low-level light to calm inflamed skin and support barrier repair. About 20 minutes.
DermaV, weeks 1, 4 and 7
A vascular laser that targets the blood vessels feeding inflammation, treating redness as it forms.
Potenza, if needed
RF microneedling, added where inflammation is prominent or early scarring is already showing.
A nurse review, every visit
Your skincare is adjusted weekly, not every few months, so your skin stays comfortable enough to stick with your plan.
Twelve appointments over nine weeks, overseen by your dermatologist. The aim is to soften the early flare, treat red marks while they're forming rather than months later, and protect your skin barrier so you can stay on track. Your first sessions are booked when you start your plan.
Laser and nurse-led treatments don't attract a Medicare rebate. You get the full cost of your programme in writing before anything is booked.
Support, not a substitute
Can Laser, LED and Chemical Peels Help Active Acne?
Yes, as part of a plan. They settle inflamed breakouts and blocked pores sooner, while the medical side of your plan builds lasting control.
DermaV Laser for Inflamed Acne
Suits: red, inflamed breakouts, and red marks left behind by spots.
The DermaV is a vascular laser. It targets the blood vessels that feed inflammation, which helps calm red spots and fade the pink marks acne leaves. For active acne it's usually a short programme of 3 to 4 sessions, every 3 to 4 weeks. Expect mild redness for a day or two. Sessions take 15 to 30 minutes; most people feel a quick snap, with cooling. More on DermaV laser.
Chemical Peels and Extractions
Suits: blackheads, whiteheads, congested skin and mild inflamed acne.
A peel loosens the dead skin that blocks pores, so existing blackheads clear and fewer new spots form. Adding extractions clears stubborn blackheads and whiteheads by hand. Expect light flaking for 2 to 5 days. Peels are usually done as a series of 3 to 6, about 2 to 4 weeks apart. Face peel $150, peel with extractions $250, back or chest peel $195. More on chemical peels.
LED Light Therapy
Suits: calming inflamed, irritated skin between other treatments.
LED uses low-level light to calm inflammation. It's gentle, takes about 20 minutes, and you can go straight back to your day. On its own it isn't a cure, so we use it as support, often booked on the weeks between laser sessions. $95 a session. More on LED light therapy.
For congested skin, texture and marks, a combined RedTouch PRO laser, peel and LED session is $495 for the face.
RF Microneedling (Potenza)
Suits: inflamed acne with oily skin, and early acne scarring.
Fine needles deliver radiofrequency energy into the deeper skin, targeting inflammation around the oil glands. We often add it within the DERM Acne Intensive when inflammation is prominent or early scarring is showing. Expect redness for a day or two. More on Potenza.
PicoSure Pro for Brown Marks
Suits: flat brown marks and uneven texture once acne is settled.
A picosecond laser for the marks acne leaves behind, used across a wide range of skin tones. $650 for the face, $400 for a small area. More on PicoSure Pro.
On a laser and light course, a patient coordinator keeps your bookings and reviews on track.
What Happens at Your Acne Appointment?
From your first visit to your reviews, here's what to expect.
Your Acne Assessment
Your dermatologist checks your acne type, how inflamed it is and your scarring risk, and goes through what you've tried, medicines, supplements and pregnancy plans. Photos track progress.
Your Plan
You leave with a written plan: skincare, any prescriptions, and whether laser, LED or peels would help. If in-clinic treatments are recommended, you get the total cost of the course in writing before you start.
Review and Adjust Your Acne Plan
Acne changes as it improves, so your plan does too. We compare photos and step treatment up or down based on progress, side effects and what you can keep up.
Skincare
What Skincare Should You Use During Acne Treatment?
Skincare decides whether you can stick with your treatment. Most acne treatments dry out the skin barrier, so both routines below support it rather than scrub it. Products are named as a guide, and we may suggest equivalents.
Clear Start · From the pharmacy
The essentials
- Cleanse: La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Iso-Biome Cleanser, a soap-free cream wash with niacinamide for skin dried out by acne treatment.
- Moisturise: La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Iso-Biome Moisturiser, with a prebiotic and niacinamide, for oily skin weakened by drying treatment.
- Protect: We Are Feel Good Inc. Ultra Light Mineral SPF 50, with zinc oxide as the only filter.
Clear Clinical · Dispensed at DERM
Practitioner grade
- Cleanse: Synergie Skin UltraCleanse, a pH-balanced gel cleanser that doesn't strip the skin.
- Balance: Synergie Skin Dermiotic, a pre- and postbiotic serum used straight after cleansing.
- Calm and repair: Synergie Skin DermaCalm, a barrier-repair cream for reactive, red skin.
- Support: Synergie Skin Vitamin B, a niacinamide serum, stepped up to XCell B once your skin has settled.
- Protect: SIMKA Sheer Mineral Milk SPF 50, a zinc oxide sunscreen with vitamin C and squalane.
What helps at home
- A gentle, non-soap cleanser twice a day
- Skincare and sunscreen labelled non-comedogenic
- Showering soon after sport or the gym
- Not squeezing or picking spots
- Giving any new product 8 to 12 weeks before judging it
Still breaking out after 3 months of pharmacy products? It's time to see a doctor.
Will Acne Leave Scars or Marks?
Deep inflamed spots and cysts carry the highest risk of scarring, and picking makes it more likely. The most useful way to prevent scars is to get acne under control early.
Not every mark is a scar. Flat red or pink marks come from small blood vessels and usually fade over months. Flat brown marks come from pigment and can last a year or more. True scars change the surface of the skin: a dent or pit you can see in side lighting, or a raised bump.
Types of acne scar
True scars are a permanent loss of collagen. They won't fade on their own, but every type can be treated, and most people have a mix: ice pick scars (narrow and deep), boxcar scars (wider, with sharp edges), rolling scars (soft dips tethered by bands under the skin) and raised scars. Treatment is matched to the type, from TCA CROSS for ice pick scars and subcision to release rolling scars, to fractional CO2 or erbium laser, RF microneedling, PicoSure Pro, and surgical revision for single deep scars.
Marks that won't fade can be treated with nurse-led laser: DermaV for red acne marks ($495 a session) and PicoSure Pro for brown marks ($650 face, $400 small area). Dented and raised scars are treated once your acne is settled. More on acne scar treatment.
Teenage Acne: When Should You See a Dermatologist?
Acne is close to universal in teenagers. An Australian study of 2,491 school students found acne in 28% of 10 to 12 year olds, rising to 93% of 16 to 18 year olds, and about 1 in 4 students aged 16 to 18 already had acne scars (British Journal of Dermatology, 1998).
Many teenagers do well with pharmacy products or treatment from their GP. It's worth seeing a dermatologist if acne is leaving marks or scars, if there are deep painful lumps, if two or more treatments from a GP haven't worked, or if acne is affecting confidence, school, sport or mood. Treating early is the most reliable way to prevent scars.
Adult and Hormonal Acne: Why Does It Start in Your 20s, 30s or 40s?
Adult acne is common, particularly in women. In one survey of 1,013 adults, about half of women in their 20s and a quarter of women in their 40s reported acne (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008).
Hormonal acne tends to sit along the jawline, chin and neck, with deep, tender spots that flare in the week before a period. It can follow stopping or changing contraception, pregnancy, or stress, and it often keeps coming back despite good skincare.
Adult skin is usually more sensitive than teenage skin, so strong drying products often irritate without helping. A dermatologist can combine gentler skincare with prescription treatment, including hormone-based options where they suit you. We'll also check for signs of an underlying hormone condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, and arrange tests with your GP if needed.
Before Hormonal Acne Treatment, Tell Us If You
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy
- Have irregular periods or new hair growth
- Have recently changed contraception
- Take supplements, protein powders or hormones
- Have had side effects from acne treatment before
Some acne treatments aren't suitable in pregnancy, so this shapes your plan.
Back and Chest Acne: How Is It Treated?
Back and chest acne is often harder to treat than facial acne: the area is large and hard to reach, and sweat, heat and tight clothing keep pores blocked. It's also more likely to leave scars, including raised scars and keloids on the chest and shoulders.
Treatment follows the same principles as facial acne, adapted for the body:
- Wash products you can leave on for a minute in the shower, and loose, breathable clothing for sport
- Prescription treatment from your dermatologist when body acne is widespread, deep or scarring
- A nurse-led back or chest peel ($195) to unblock pores and settle spots, usually as a short series
- Checking it isn't fungal folliculitis, which looks similar and needs different treatment
Body acne usually takes longer to settle than facial acne, so expect a plan measured in months. If you already have raised or dark scars on your back or chest, they can be treated once the acne is controlled. See acne scar treatment and keloid scars.
Acne Treatment for Olive and Darker Skin
Acne in olive, Asian, Middle Eastern, Indian, Pacific Islander and darker skin often leaves flat brown marks, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These marks can last longer than the acne itself.
The priority is stopping inflammation early, because every inflamed spot can leave a new mark. We avoid harsh products, choose peel and laser settings for your skin, and start gently. Daily sunscreen matters, because sun darkens marks.
Once acne is under control, stubborn brown marks can be treated. Many fade with time, sunscreen and skincare alone. More on pigmentation.
Before Acne Treatment on Olive Skin, Tell Us If You
- Tan easily or rarely burn
- Get brown marks after spots, cuts or burns
- Have had melasma
- Have reacted to a peel or laser before
Acne Treatment Risks, and How We Reduce Them
All treatments carry risks. Here are the main ones and what we do about each.
Common, Short-Term Side Effects of Acne Treatment
- Dryness, peeling and irritation. Common in the first weeks of acne treatment. We start gently and adjust your skincare.
- An early flare. Some people break out more in the first few weeks. We warn you in advance and pair treatment with LED or laser where it helps.
- Redness after laser or peels. Usually settles in 1 to 3 days. We plan sessions around your work and social life.
- Medicine side effects. Every prescription has its own. Your dermatologist explains them, monitors you and arranges any tests needed.
Less Common Acne Treatment Risks
- Brown marks after peels or laser. More likely in olive and darker skin. We choose settings for your skin type and insist on sun protection.
- Blistering or crusting. Rare after laser or stronger peels. Careful settings and test areas reduce the risk.
- Cold sore flare after a peel or laser. Tell us if you get cold sores; we'll plan for it.
- Acne returning. Acne can come back after treatment stops. A maintenance plan keeps it controlled.
Acne affects more than skin. Tell your dermatologist if you're feeling low, and let us know straight away if your mood changes during treatment. If something doesn't go as expected, call us and we'll review you here.
When to Call Us After Acne Treatment
- Blisters, crusting or spreading redness after a peel or laser
- Sores that look like a cold sore flare
- A rash, swelling or other reaction to a new treatment
- A change in your mood during treatment
Call 07 3487 1414. Outside hours, see your GP or go to an emergency department.
How Much Does Acne Treatment Cost in Brisbane?
Medical care with a dermatologist and nurse-led treatments are priced separately. Nurse-led prices are per session.
With a Dermatologist
- Specialist consultation: from $395
- Prescriptions: paid at your pharmacy
- Dermatologist-led laser: price on assessment, quoted in writing
Nurse-Led Skin Treatments
- Chemical peel, face: $150
- Peel with extractions: $250
- Back or chest peel: $195
- LED light therapy: $95
- RedTouch PRO + peel + LED, face: $495
Nurse-Led Laser
- DermaV for active acne: price on assessment
- DermaV for red acne marks: $495
- PicoSure Pro for brown marks: $650 face, $400 small area
The real cost of a course. Many people need nothing beyond their consultation, reviews and prescriptions. If support treatments are added, a series of 4 face peels is $600 and 4 LED sessions are $380. You get the total cost of any course in writing before you start, which is the number worth comparing between clinics.
Do you bulk bill? No. Our specialist consultations aren't bulk billed. With a valid referral from your GP, Medicare pays a rebate on part of the consultation fee, and you pay the rest. No referral is needed to book, but without one there's no Medicare rebate.
Medicare and private health. Peels, LED and laser for acne are treated as cosmetic and aren't covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Private health insurance doesn't cover specialist consultations outside hospital. See our fees.
Your acne team
Who Treats Acne at DERM Skin Specialists?
Your acne care is led by a specialist dermatologist. Nurse-led treatments are done by our cosmetic nurses, who are Registered Nurses led by senior nurse Hatsu, with a dermatologist overseeing your plan.
Specialist Dermatologist
Dr Emily Shao
FACD
Treats acne in teenagers and adults, along with other medical skin conditions, and performs laser treatments.
- Teenage and adult acne
- Hormonal acne
- Rosacea and look-alike rashes
Specialist Dermatologist
Dr Benny Yau
FACD
Treats acne and other medical skin conditions in teenagers and adults, and performs laser treatments.
- Teenage and adult acne
- Back and chest acne
- Medical dermatology
Specialist Dermatologist · Founder
Dr Mitch Robinson
FACD
Leads our laser suite and treats both acne and acne scarring, so the two can be planned together. Fellowship training in complex scarring.
- Acne with scarring
- Combined medical and laser plans
- Acne scar treatment
Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Acne Treatment in Mount Gravatt
DERM Skin Specialists is at 2/1437 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, about 15 minutes' drive from the Brisbane CBD, with free parking onsite. Patients come from across Brisbane's southside, including Upper Mount Gravatt, Wishart, Eight Mile Plains and Greenslopes.
Common Questions
Acne Treatment: Common Questions
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist for acne?
No referral is needed to book. A valid referral, usually from your GP, is needed if you want a Medicare rebate on your consultation.
Do you bulk bill acne appointments?
No. Specialist consultations start from $395. With a valid GP referral, Medicare pays a rebate on part of the fee and you pay the rest.
When will I see results from acne treatment?
Most people notice fewer new spots within 6 to 12 weeks. Good control usually takes 3 to 6 months, and treatment is adjusted along the way.
Do I have to take tablets for acne?
No. Many people do well with creams, skincare and in-clinic support. Tablets are considered when acne is moderate to severe, scarring, or hasn’t responded to creams, not by default.
Will my acne get worse before it gets better?
Some people have a short flare, often called a purge, in the first few weeks. It usually settles, and we can pair treatment with LED or laser to help.
Can acne be cured?
Acne can often be cleared or nearly cleared and kept under control. It tends to come back if treatment stops too early, so most plans include a lighter maintenance phase.
Does acne go away on its own?
Teenage acne often settles in the late teens or 20s, but it can last years and leave scars in the meantime. Adult acne often persists without treatment.
Is hormonal acne treated differently?
Often, yes. Hormonal acne around the jaw and chin may respond to hormone-based treatment where it suits you, alongside skincare. We also check for an underlying hormone condition.
Can acne be treated during pregnancy?
Yes, but some acne treatments aren’t suitable in pregnancy or when trying to conceive. Tell us when you book, and your dermatologist will choose suitable options.
Does chocolate or dairy cause acne?
Diet isn’t a main cause of acne, and cutting out foods isn’t a treatment on its own. If a particular food, protein powder or supplement seems to trigger breakouts, mention it at your appointment.
Does LED light therapy work for acne?
LED can help calm inflamed skin. It isn’t a cure on its own. We use it as support alongside medical care, at $95 a session.
Can I just have laser instead of medication?
Sometimes, for milder acne. For most people, laser and light work as part of a combined plan, calming inflammation early while medical treatment builds long-term control.
Do chemical peels help acne?
Yes, mainly for blackheads, whiteheads and mild inflamed acne. Peels are usually done as a series. A face peel is $150, or $250 with extractions. More on peels.
What is the DERM Acne Intensive?
A 9-week in-clinic programme started alongside your medical treatment: LED every week, DermaV laser in weeks 1, 4 and 7, and RF microneedling where needed, with a nurse review at every visit. You get the full cost in writing before anything is booked.
How do I get rid of back acne?
Shower soon after sweating, wear loose clothing, and use a wash you leave on for a minute. If it’s widespread or scarring, see a dermatologist; prescription treatment and back peels can help.
Will treating my acne get rid of my scars?
Treating acne prevents new scars and lets red and brown marks fade, but it won’t lift dents or flatten raised scars. Those are treated separately once acne is controlled. See acne scars.
Who will I see at DERM Skin Specialists?
A specialist dermatologist: Dr Emily Shao, Dr Benny Yau or Dr Mitch Robinson, all FACD. Support treatments are done by our Registered Nurses.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
A list of everything you’ve tried for your acne and how it went, your current skincare, any medicines and supplements, and your GP referral if you have one.
Get a Plan That Keeps Your Skin Clear
Book a consultation with one of our specialist dermatologists. We’ll work out what type of acne you have, explain what treatment can and can’t do, and give you a written plan before you decide on any in-clinic treatment.
Clinical content overseen by Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD (AHPRA MED0001946771). Updated October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. All procedures carry risks; suitability, recovery and results vary between individuals.