Acne that isn’t getting better deserves a specialist
If over-the-counter products haven’t worked, or your acne is leaving marks or scars, the most important step is seeing the right doctor. At Derma you are always seen by a consultant dermatologist: a doctor who has spent years training in skin disease and nothing else.
Your consultant will look at your skin, talk through what you’ve already tried, and agree a treatment plan with you, from creams and tablets to hormonal treatments, lasers and scar treatment.
Seeing a consultant at Derma
- Self-paying and insured patients are welcome.
- We see teenagers and adults with all types of acne.
- You can book online, call us or email us.
- After your appointment, your consultant will write to you and your GP.
Why see a consultant dermatologist?
Plenty of clinics offer "dermatology" or "skin specialists", but not all of them are run by dermatologists. A consultant dermatologist has completed full specialist training in skin disease and is on the GMC's Specialist Register for dermatology.
Consultant dermatologist
- Qualified doctor with at least 8 further years of hospital training
- At least 4 years of specialist training in dermatology alone, and many hold further qualifications
- On the GMC Specialist Register for dermatology
- Can start every acne treatment available in the UK, including the strongest tablets, which must be started by a consultant dermatologist-led team
- Many of our consultants also lead NHS hospital dermatology services
"Dermatologist"GP with an interest in skin
- GPs train in every area of medicine; an interest in skin usually means a diploma or extra course
- Not on the Specialist Register for dermatology
- Can't start the strongest acne tablets themselves
- Some beauty and aesthetic "skin clinics" have no doctor at all
The road to becoming a consultant dermatologist
- 5–6yearsMedical schoolQualify as a doctor
- 2yearsFoundation trainingHospital medicine and surgery
- 2–3yearsInternal medicinePass the MRCP(UK) exams
- 4+yearsDermatology trainingSkin disease, skin surgery and skin cancer. Many also complete a research degree or further specialist training
- CCTConsultantJoins the GMC Specialist Register
That's at least 13 years from starting medical school.
Look for the tick
The British Association of Dermatologists' tick shows that a doctor is a consultant dermatologist on the GMC Specialist Register. Every consultant dermatologist at Derma has one: you'll find it on each consultant's profile, linked to their GMC entry. You can also check any doctor yourself on the GMC medical register.
How we can help
Teenage acne
Acne that is lasting, painful or affecting confidence, with a plan that works around school and exams.
Adult and hormonal acne
Acne that starts or flares in your twenties, thirties or later, including acne linked to periods, pregnancy or polycystic ovaries.
Severe and cystic acne
Deep, painful spots and acne on the back or chest, including the strongest prescription treatments, started and monitored by your consultant.
Acne scars and marks
Once acne is under control, treatments to improve scarring and dark marks. Acne scar treatment
AviClear laser
A laser treatment for acne that works on the skin's oil glands, as an alternative to tablets for some people. About AviClear
Acne that hasn't responded
If treatments from your GP or pharmacy haven't helped, we'll review what you've tried and what to do next.
What happens at your appointment
- BookBook online or call us. You don't need a referral.
- See your consultantYour consultant examines your skin, asks about what you've tried and explains your options, so you can decide together.
- Your planYou leave with a clear plan. We write to you and your GP, and arrange follow-up and any prescriptions you need.
Your consultant dermatologists
Dr Charles Archer
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Special interests in skin cancer, lasers and complex medical dermatology.
Dr Chris Phillips
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Special interests in skin lesions, skin cancer surgery and male genital dermatology.
Dr Sanju Arianayagam
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Leads the specialist photosensitivity clinic in Oxford.
Dr Rima Clayton
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologyPaediatric dermatologySkin surgery
Founder of Derma Reading, seeing adults and children, with a particular interest in skin cancer and skin surgery.
Dr Rachel Fisher
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interests in skin cancer and vulval dermatology, and clinical lead for dermatology in Reading and West Berkshire.
Dr Sabrina Khan
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interest in vulval dermatology, and lead for the Oxford NHS vulval service.
Dr Inge Kreuser-Genis
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologyPaediatric dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interests in paediatric and vulval dermatology.
Dr Antonia Lloyd-Lavery
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatology
Specialist interests in severe eczema and psoriasis, autoimmune blistering diseases and connective tissue diseases.
Professor Rubeta Matin
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatology
Specialist interests in skin cancer and moles, skin disease in transplant and immunosuppressed patients, and cutaneous lymphoma.
Dr John Reed
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interest in urticaria, angioedema and allergy.
Dr Isabelle Vandormael
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Particular interest in lasers and cosmetic dermatology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly online or by phone, without a referral from your GP.
How much does an acne consultation cost?
A consultation with a consultant dermatologist is £330 and a follow-up is £270. If you need tests or treatment, your consultant will explain the cost at your appointment before anything goes ahead. See our price list.
What is the difference between a dermatologist and a consultant dermatologist?
A consultant dermatologist has completed full specialist training in dermatology, usually at least 13 years from starting medical school, and is on the GMC Specialist Register for dermatology. Some clinics use the word “dermatology” when patients are seen by a GP with an interest in skin, or by a non-medical practitioner. At Derma, you are always seen by a consultant dermatologist.
Can you prescribe the strongest acne treatments?
Yes. In the UK, the strongest acne tablets can only be started by a consultant dermatologist-led team. Your consultant will talk you through whether they are right for you, and will arrange the monitoring they need.
Do you see teenagers?
Yes. We see teenagers and adults with acne, and children of all ages for other skin conditions. Young people under 16 should come with a parent or guardian.
Will my health insurance cover it?
Most health insurance policies don’t cover acne, so most of our acne patients pay for themselves. If you have insurance, it’s worth checking with your insurer before you book.
Can you treat acne scars?
Yes. It is usually best to get active acne under control first. Your consultant can then talk you through options for scars and marks, such as laser treatment.