Dr Cara McDonald

28/04/2026

These are a few of my favourite things 🤩
I forgot to include Growth Factor serum - which I love but just ran out of. So many products here but they all have their place depending on your needs and your goals.
CE Ferulic
Anthelios UV MUNE 400
The Rich Cream
Trio Luxe Moisturiser
AlphaRet
Face Hero
PTIOX serum
Phyto Nature E2
Cell Cycle Catalystanz Healer Turnover Ampoule
Hyalu B5
Hydrating B5
Skin Nectar
Effaclar AZ gel cream
Trio Rebalancing Moisture
Even Intensive
AGE Interrupter Serum

31/03/2026

30% of the UV that reaches the earth sits in the 380–400 nm range (Ultra long UVA or UVA1). These longer wavelengths pe*****te deeper into the skin and are associated with pigmentation, photoageing and oxidative stress.

The filter Mexoryl 400 (in Anthelios UV MUNE) is designed to extend protection into this ultra-long UVA range, a range that is not well covered by other filters, including physical blockers.

What does that mean in practice?
• Broader coverage across the UVA spectrum�• More complete protection against wavelengths linked to pigmentation and long-term photoageing�
That said, no sunscreen filters everything so don’t forget all the important factors in protection:�✔ Broad spectrum SPF 50+�✔ Adequate amount applied�✔ Reapplication every 2 hours (and after swimming/sweating)�✔ Protective clothing, hats and shade

*Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of some protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure.

22/03/2026

Been a while… but I’m back with an old-fashioned Cara chit chat (⚠️ not for people with a 15 second attention span) about the difference between correction and augmentation and how this is the key to whether your results are conspicuous or not.

This is for educational purposes only and I am certainly not encouraging anybody to have treatment. The best thing to do is have a thorough consultation with a trusted practitioner to get personalised advice.

By the way 👸 travel brush sets are the 💣 and coincidentally I saw her and she said I did a good job 🤩😝

18/03/2026

Throwback to of my parenting highlights. I think I had a baby in the pram and was trying to multitask with the filming and pushing the swing 🤦🏼‍♀️

Someone made a comment today about how fabulous everything looks on the Gram and it just made me think about everything we don’t post. This was one of those moments 😂

I’m always dropping a ball somewhere…. Missing school events or friend’s birthdays. Stuff piling up that I haven’t attended to. Neglecting my dental care and basic maintenance! Thousands of unread emails…

But I’m trying and I’ll keep showing up and doing my best I can my family, friends, colleagues and patients. Just believe me when I tell you that behind the scenes it is MESSY 🙄🤪

12/03/2026

Toners used to have a bad reputation, for good reason.

Most older formulas were alcohol based and designed to strip oil, leaving skin tight and irritated. A dermatologist’s nightmare.

These days, toners are very different. Modern formulas can hydrate, soothe, exfoliate, or support the skin barrier. Toners certainly aren’t essential but can be beneficial if you choose the right one for you.

22/02/2026

Action packed weekend with our Dermatology Department weekend meeting at followed by a day at to celebrate my daughter’s birthday with her gorgeous friends. Definitely didn’t let them have all the fun 🎢💦. Sadly didn’t have time to make a cake though this year 😢

19/02/2026

It’s never too late…

No matter what your stage of life there are many different options to help you feel like the best version of yourself. Many people think they are “beyond help”, or else will have to go down the surgery path to improve severe signs of ageing.

This lovely 78-year-old lady underwent a single fractional CO2 laser resurfacing and non-surgical rejuvenation with the simple goal of looking as good as she feels.

Treatment plans and treatment parameters are individualised based on many factors such as age, skin type, skin colour, goals and signs of photoaging.

Outcomes and number of treatment sessions vary between patients. These images are shared for educational purposes only with patient consent. A thorough consultation with an experienced practitioner will help you determine the best plan for you.

Performed at Complete Skin Specialists
by Dr Cara McDonald MED0000944625
Dermatologist

31/01/2026

17/01/2026

Jumping on the 2016 trend…
2016 was a big year for me in a lot of ways but my camera roll is basically just full of photos of the kids. Funny thing is that now it’s all work photos and I forget to take photos of them.

#2016

09/01/2026

Aesthetics moves fast and there are always new products becoming available. New doesn’t always mean better but having more options can mean that our patients can be given more individualised, specific treatments designed to meet their goals and needs.

There are too many products on the market for every practitioner to have every product available but what’s most important is that we have enough tools and enough expertise in each of them to meet the patient’s needs and achieve the results we want.

In general, the practitioner is more important than the product in achieving your goals.

I’ve been impressed with each of these products which will be available in Australia in early 2026. In my opinion, they each offer something different to the options we already have on the Australian market.

This information is not a recommendation. It is for educational purposes only and working out what the best treatment is for each person is determined by numerous factors. The best option is to see your practitioner for a thorough assessment and consultation rather than seek out specific treatments.

05/01/2026

At this time of year, I just like to slow down a bit, spend time with my kids and try to renew my energy levels before I hit the ground running again.

But with it being 30 years since I left school, the beginning of a new year and hitting 20K followers (thank you), I wanted to share a few things about myself and how I got here.

Thanks for joining me on the ride. I can’t wait to share some exciting things I’ve been working on in 2026!

13/12/2025

Super grateful for this team. Best Christmas party ever. Thanks to 🙌