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Dr Liz Dawes-Higgs

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Sydney, NSW
Dr Liz Dawes-Higgs

Australian Dermatologist passionate about skin health. One of Sydney's leading laser and injectables

23/04/2026

MISTAKE 5: Don't Blame Yourself

You eat clean. You manage stress. You sleep well. You wash your face twice a day. You do everything "right."

And you still have acne.

So you blame yourself. You think you're doing something wrong.

Here's the truth: acne isn't something you have done. It's not about willpower or discipline or how hard you're trying.

Acne is driven by 4 biological pathways: sebum production, hyperkeratinisation, inflammation, and bacterial colonisation. These are largely determined by genetics, hormones, and skin biology – not necessarily your lifestyle choices.

Yes, diet and stress can influence acne. But they're not the primary drivers for most people. You can do everything perfectly and still struggle with acne because of how your skin is wired.

This isn't a failure on your part. This is biology.

Your skin just needs the right strategy.

Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Information provided is general in nature and may not apply to your individual circumstances. As a Dermatologist (FACD), I encourage you to consult with a qualified medical healthcare professional before starting any acne treatment. Individual results vary and all treatments carry potential risks and benefits that should be discussed in a personalised consultation.

21/04/2026

MISTAKE 4: Giving Up Too Soon

You started a new treatment. After 2 weeks, nothing's changed so you quit.

Acne treatments need time.

Some take 6-8 weeks to show real results because they're working on the underlying drivers, not just surface symptoms. Once they start working you notice gradual improvements over time.

BUT (this is important) if you're 8-12 weeks in and seeing nothing then this is not good either!

If you're on a treatment that doesn't target your main acne driver, waiting longer won't help. You need a different approach. Time to see your medical practitioner.

Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Information provided is general in nature and may not apply to your individual circumstances. As a Dermatologist (FACD), I encourage you to consult with a qualified medical healthcare professional before starting any acne treatment. Individual results vary and all treatments carry potential risks and benefits that should be discussed in a personalised consultation.

19/04/2026

MISTAKE 3 - Buying the Wrong Treatment at the Chemist

You walk into the chemist. You have acne and you see benzoyl peroxide. It says "acne treatment." so you buy it.
Three weeks later, your skin is still oily and congested. Understandably you're frustrated and you think the treatment failed.
Here's what actually happened: you bought a treatment that's brilliant at controlling inflammation and bacteria, but it does very little for sebum production or skin cell buildup.
The challenge? What is driving your acne and what does this treatment actually target?
Here's where your medical practitioner comes in - giving you advice about what is driving your acne and what you need to treat it.
This helps you to get your acne under control quicker.

Controversy statement here: Ask your medical health practitioner not a SM influencer what worked for them.
This is when treatment works.

Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Information provided is general in nature and may not apply to your individual circumstances. As a Dermatologist (FACD), I encourage you to consult with a qualified medical healthcare professional before starting any acne treatment. Individual results vary and all treatments carry potential risks and benefits that should be discussed in a personalised consultation.

17/04/2026

MISTAKE 2: Expecting One Treatment to Do Everything

We all want one magic pill or cream that we can get from the chemist. But acne doesn't work that way.

There are 4 acne drivers: sebum production, hyperkeratinisation, inflammation and bacterial colonisation. Isotretinoin can target all 4 but not everyone wants this or is suitable.

You might need a combination approach or just to target 1 acne driver.

Maybe you need a topical retinoid (excellent for hyperkeratinisation and inflammation) or an antibiotic (for bacterial control) for example.

The most successful acne treatments often combine therapies that target different pathways because if you want to target:
1. Sebum production – then go for isotretinoin tabs or topical clascoterone or hormones (for females)
2. Hyperkeratinisation (too much dead skin) – then go for topical retinoids or isotretinoin tabs or hormones (for females)
3. Inflammation – then go for antibiotics
4. Cutibacterium acnes bacteria – then go for benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics

Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Information provided is general in nature and may not apply to your individual circumstances. As a Dermatologist (FACD), I encourage you to consult with a qualified medical healthcare professional before starting any acne treatment. Individual results vary and all treatments carry potential risks and benefits that should be discussed in a personalised consultation.

15/04/2026

Mistake 1: Treating the Wrong Acne Driver

You're using a treatment designed to control bacteria, but your real problem is excess sebum production.

Here's the thing: not all acne looks the same because not all acne IS the same.
If your main driver is sebum overproduction, you need a treatment that tackles that specifically – such as isotretinoin tablets. A bacteria-fighter alone won't solve it.

Antibiotics are amazing at controlling bacteria, but they don’t really touch sebum production. If sebum is your issue, you're fighting the wrong battle.

This is why some people see results with one treatment and others don't. It's not about the treatment being "bad" – it’s just about a mismatch for your acne drivers.

Know your acne driver first. Then choose your treatment.

Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Information provided is general in nature and may not apply to your individual circumstances. As a Dermatologist (FACD), I encourage you to consult with a qualified medical healthcare professional before starting any acne treatment. Individual results vary and all treatments carry potential risks and benefits that should be discussed in a personalised consultation.

13/04/2026

5 Mistakes you Might be Making with Your Acne.

You're doing everything "right" but your skin still isn't clear. Here's why…..
Most people don't realise that acne has 4 separate drivers and treating only 1 of these doesn’t necessarily fix the others.

Over the next few days, I’ll be breaking down the 5 mistakes you may be making with your acne and choice of acne treatments.

❌ Mistake 1: Treating the Wrong Acne Driver: Using a treatment that only targets sebum when your main issue is inflammation
❌ Mistake 2: Expecting Your Treatment to Do Everything: From a bacteria-fighter to a skin smoother to a sebum-sucker
❌ Mistake 3: Buying the Wrong Treatment that is not for your skin
❌ Mistake 4: Giving Up Too Soon: Treatment takes time
❌ Mistake 5: Blaming Yourself for Your Acne

Follow along over the next 5 days where I discuss these acne mistakes further.

Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Information provided is general in nature and may not apply to your individual circumstances. As a Dermatologist (FACD), I encourage you to consult with a qualified medical healthcare professional before starting any acne treatment. Individual results vary and all treatments carry potential risks and benefits that should be discussed in a personalised consultation.

12/04/2026

It’s all on the slides

03/03/2026

Your skin is always evolving and there’s real science behind every change you see and feel.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking at Merz’s Key Opinion Leaders Masterclass, diving deep into how our skin’s collagen shifts with age and sun exposure. Collagen is what gives our skin its strength and resilience, but over time (and especially with sun damage) it breaks down, making our skin more vulnerable to the daily pressures of life.

The good news? We have ways to help regenerate and support our skin. From laser treatments that create controlled micro-injuries (kickstarting your skin’s natural repair process) to advanced injectables designed to stimulate collagen production - modern dermatology offers powerful tools to help remodel and strengthen your skin from within.

Later in the day, I represented the Scientific Committee for the launch of UVmunne 400 with La Roche-Posay in Melbourne. This new sunscreen features Mexoryl 400, the first filter to protect against ultra-long UVA rays - a breakthrough in sun protection that closes a critical gap. Remember: protecting your skin from damage is always the first step before considering any treatment.

Your skin is changing, but you have options - and science is on your side.

To top off a big day, I had the pleasure of meeting Valtteri Bottas. The connection - Precision - on the track and in skin care.

Vittoria embodies expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I’m a new F1 fan - who would have thought!!

03/11/2025

I’m finally going through my photos from 2 months ago and feeling very grateful all over again.
🥰
📸 photographer .dubenec
💜
It was an honour to receive the Certificate of Meritorious Service this year from the Australasian College of Dermatologists - and this was even more special by having it presented by my long time friend, Dr Adrienne Lee. We started this journey together, supporting each other and studying nearly 30 years ago.
🌟
I’m deeply thankful for all the other incredible women in my life - some are photographed here - my sister, friends, family, nurses, business partners, work managers…..the list goes on!
🥰

17/10/2025

I am beyond honoured…..This stunning drawing is based on a photograph I took in Yellowstone National Park, brought to life by the incredibly talented local artist Nicola McMahon. Nicola has spent over a year (countless hours) turning my image into something even more beautiful. It’s an incredible privilege to see my work reimagined through her eyes, and I’m truly touched that she chose my photograph as her inspiration. Thank you Nicola - and I am in awe of your talent, dedication and artistry.

15/10/2025

What is the most common mistake people make with scars?

They stretch them - usually without realising. Tension or movement across a healing scar can make it wider or more noticeable over time.

What actually helps scars heal well?
• Gentle pressure or taping
• Silicone gels or sheets
• Keeping skin hydrated (lots of moisturiser)
• Sun protection
• Starting laser treatment early (if recommended)

Every scar is unique. If you’re unsure how to care for yours, consult a dermatologist for tailored advice or click on the link in my bio to make a consultation.

Address

1/29 Baringa Road
Sydney, NSW
2063

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61299581555

Website

http://www.dermatologist.com.au/

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