When to seek help for your skin: Dr Yalda Jamali

When to see someone about your skin

It isn’t always obvious who to see about a skin concern. In episode two of dewwie Deep Dives, Sydney cosmetic doctor Dr Yalda Jamali explains where a GP fits and what to ask of other skin professionals.

In this episode

• Why a GP is a useful starting point for a possible medical skin condition.
• The different roles of dermal therapists, cosmetic doctors, and dermatologists.
• When to stop trying products and seek an assessment.
• Why skincare results take time and vary between people.
• How Dr Yalda decides where a skincare purchase is worth the cost.
• Why a concerning spot needs prompt attention.

Start with the right practitioner

“If you’re struggling with anything medical – any type of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea – you should be seeing your GP first. Your GP is your port of call,” Dr Yalda says. She warns against trying to manage a medical condition through social media recommendations: “sometimes you can do more damage if it’s not being treated properly.”

For cosmetic concerns, she discusses the support available from dermal therapists and cosmetic doctors. The appropriate practitioner depends on the concern and their qualifications. If you are unsure whether something is a medical issue, start with your GP, who can assess it and arrange a referral if needed.

Understand what skincare can do

Dr Yalda talks about the role of an everyday routine alongside professional care. She also explains that concerns such as scarring and melasma may need an assessment beyond a product recommendation. More expensive skincare does not remove those limits.

When to stop troubleshooting alone

Dr Yalda says, “Acne is not a cosmetic condition. It’s an actual medical condition.” Her point is to seek assessment when a skin concern needs care, rather than keep adding products while it persists.

How long changes may take

• Hydration: Dr Yalda describes changes in how skin feels as something you may notice quickly.
• Oiliness and breakouts: she discusses changes over weeks to months, depending on the product and concern.
• Pigmentation: she gives three to four months as an example timeframe in the conversation.
• Retinoids: she emphasises allowing time to assess the response. Follow the product directions or your prescriber’s guidance.
• Fine lines: she discusses six to twelve months of consistent use for some products.

These are estimates from the discussion, not a schedule every product or person will follow. You do not need to keep using a product that causes irritation to reach a stated timeframe. “People try to reduce pigmentation in a couple of weeks, so of course the product is disappointing. It isn’t magic.”

Decide where spending more is useful

“For your cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF, you do not need to spend hundreds.” Dr Yalda suggests asking what an extra purchase would do for a specific concern. If a recommended product is outside your budget, ask about a less expensive option.

A concerning spot needs prompt assessment

Dr Yalda urges people to see a GP or skin cancer clinic about a concerning spot rather than wait for a dermatologist. She also recommends annual skin checks during the episode. Cancer Council’s guidance is to discuss your individual risk and the need for checks with a doctor. It does not recommend routine population screening for everyone.