How even the country’s most acknowledged medical professionals stressed the importance of cross-collaborative care, and why they are now saying Dermal Clinicians are crucial to successful patient outcomes.

SKINCON, hosted by the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians (ASDC), was held at the Rydges Hotel in Melbourne across the 13th – 15th September. With a jam-packed agenda, exhibitor hall, and engaging workshops, this year’s SKINCON set a new standard for medical aesthetic events, attracting top-tier professionals eager to push the boundaries of skin health.

Sparking innovation

The excitement was buzzing as attendees arrived, enjoying a networking coffee and a special ‘Members Breakfast’ workshop led by Stephanie McLean, Creative Director of Social Aesthetic Co.

Stephanie’s session was a high-energy dive into the world of branding and advertising compliance, showing clinics how to rise above the noise and win in the competitive digital space.

With caffeine-fuelled enthusiasm, the event rolled into the SKINCON opening session, setting the tone for a day filled with revelations, fresh perspectives, and actionable strategies. From start to finish, the emphasis on collaborative, multi-disciplinary care shone through, showcasing how dermal clinicians are now essential players in Australia’s aesthetic and medical landscape.

Scientific sessions that packed a punch

Leading the morning charge was Dr. Ryan De Cruz, Consultant Dermatologist at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, who shook things up with his keynote on acne management. Dr. De Cruz’s session was a wake-up call for the industry, stating that “Gone are the days of just medicating acne.”

He championed cross-disciplinary approaches, emphasising the importance of integrating dermal clinicians for more comprehensive care. His insights into the newly available Winlevy, a topical spironolactone, and adjunctive LHA moisturisers gave the audience exciting new tools to tackle acne with greater efficacy.

Next up, Joanne Healy took the stage for an illuminating talk on skin barrier and microbiome. Joanne wowed the audience with her discussion on plant-derived exosomes—natural, science-backed solutions that mimic vitamins and revolutionise the way we think about barrier repair. This session struck a chord with attendees keen to explore new ways to protect and nourish the skin microbiome.

Another highlight of the afternoon was Dr. Michelle Rodrigues’ session on hyperpigmentation. Dr. Rodrigues shared game-changing insights into treating melasma and other pigmentary disorders, underscoring the need for accurate diagnosis and a tailored, multi-disciplinary approach. Her admiration for dermal clinicians was evident, acknowledging their expertise in topical therapies and their crucial role in managing these complex cases.

“50% of the global population are concerned by a pigmentary disorder, which overrides other known common conditions such as acne or eczema”.

Dr Michelle Rodrigues, Chroma Dermatology

A future-looking focus on integrated care

Throughout the day, the evolving role of dermal clinicians was a key focus. As more healthcare professionals across Australia become aware of their critical contribution to skin health, dermal clinicians are gaining recognition as key players in multi-disciplinary teams.

This collaborative spirit was reinforced in the closing panel session, featuring industry leaders like Amelia Cartmel, Stefanie Milla (CEO of ABIC), and Stephanie McLean. The panel explored upcoming regulatory changes and how aesthetic clinics can stay ahead of the evolvements, especially with last year’s changes with Ahpra, which confused aesthetic clinics that employ both Ahpra and non-Ahpra clinicians.

Tech, trends and networking

Meanwhile, the latest aesthetic technology and skincare was on display in the exhibitor hall, alongside networking opportunities which ran throughout the event, with plenty of time for professionals to catch up with old friends, make new connections, and exchange insights on the latest industry trends. Whether over lunch or during breaks, these interactions added a lively, social element to an already jam-packed day.

Day 2 – Cinical exploration workshops

Day 2 of SKINCON24 brought another wave of high-energy sessions, insightful workshops, and expert-led discussions. Held at Victoria University within the Dermal unit, three standout sessions ran concurrently, offering attendees a chance to explore versatile, high-impact treatments designed to elevate their clinical practice.

Cryomed Aesthetics showcased the incredible versatility of the 1927nm laser, a game-changer in non-invasive aesthetic treatments. The session demonstrated how this wavelength is effective in treating a range of skin concerns from pigmentation and skin resurfacing to scar management. Science Skincare took attendees on a journey into evidence-based skincare, showing how the power of scientific research can dramatically improve clinical outcomes. 

Dermocosmetica led an insightful session on Dermaceutic’s range of superficial to medium-depth chemical peels, offering a comprehensive overview of how these peels can be used to address various skin concerns. Attendees learned how to tailor peel treatments to individual patient needs, with a focus on improving skin texture, tone, and clarity. 

The key message? The future of skin health is collaborative, and dermal clinicians are leading the charge. As multi-disciplinary care becomes the gold standard, the role of dermal clinicians in Australia’s medical aesthetic space will only continue to grow.

If you missed it, mark your calendars for next year— dates announced soon!

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