Our functional medicine acne experts will help you get clearer skin
Do you have pimples on your face, neck, shoulders or back? Do you want to be able to manage your acne without the potentially harmful side effects of medications?
If you have acne you're most certainly not alone. It's estimated that up to 85% of Australians between the ages of 15 to 24 will experience some form of acne, however acne can affect some adults well into their late 40’s. It isn't just a teenage problem!
Acne can present in different ways and at different levels of severity including:
Acne Vulgaris:
Defined by the development of a pustule/lesion or cyst as the result of the obstruction and inflammation of a hair follicle and the sebum gland within it. We most commonly refer to them as pimples.
Cystic or Hormonal Acne:
Typically (but not always) this acne is located on the lower area of the face and jawline, neck and back. Usually the pimples are inflamed or enlarged and take much longer to resolve. They can also leave large scars.
The effects of chronic acne are far reaching with both physical and emotional elements to consider, and the causes of acne are usually different for each individual.
Influencing root causes and factors driving acne include:
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Stress
- Topical sensitivities
- Medication side effects
- Genetic predisposition
- Skin microbiome
The types of medications used to treat acne include strong medications with potentially harmful side effects including immuno-depressants, prednisolone and long term anti-bacterial medications.
At Melbourne Functional Medicine we help you get to the root cause of your acne, whatever your age, without any harmful side effects.
Tired of feeling unwell? Our leading experts in solving chronic health issues are here to help.
Get clarity, support and results on your acne
CLARITY
We take what’s complex and make it simple. We help you see through the maze of medical confusion with your ongoing, complex health issues and finally give you clarity on the underlying cause/s. We analyse, assess and test so we can pinpoint and focus on what needs to be addressed to improve your health picture.
SUPPORT
You get a dedicated healthcare team that's just as invested as you are at getting the results you desire. We use a combination of unlimited clinical consultations with health coaching, so we don’t only help you join the dots on your health, we hold your hand through the entire journey so you achieve what you set out to do.
RESULTS
Those who have both a practitioner and a health coach supporting them in their goals are much more likely to achieve them, and get there much quicker than they would alone. This unique model is why we our patients regularly give us 5-star rave reviews on Google.
We get results like these
When I first started my health journey with Rebecca and Char at MFM six months ago, I thought I would never be able to overcome my chronic health issues and live a normal, active life again. I was wrong. These ladies and this team are absolutely fantastic and so dedicated to getting the best results for their clients. Rebecca is an excellent practitioner who was able to not only find the many reasons and causes of my health issues but also to successfully treat them. Char is an amazing health coach and I just cannot speak of her highly enough! The support she has provided has been far above and beyond anything I ever expected and I would not be where I am today without this incredible duo. They have listened to my concerns and challenges and helped me overcome them every step of the way. I would recommend Rebecca and Char to anyone who is struggling to get to the bottom of their health issues, you will not regret it!
Alicia McMahon
00:28 29 May 20
I started my journey with MFM around nine months ago and have zero regrets. I was a 25 year old who had been struggling with a few chronic symptoms of fatigue, IBS, brain fog and a lacking immune system. Having dealt with these symptoms for more than five years and having no luck with other practitioners, I was beginning to think I would be stuck living the rest of my life like this. MFM has helped me change for the better. Jabe is an extremely knowledgeable Naturopath and has taken an extensive approach to creating a healthcare program specifically crafted for my story - The opposite of a one solution fits all approach. Bee is an excellent and caring Health Coach. She's helped me overcomes the challenges present in adopting their healthcare program, and is always amazingly present whenever I've needed help. Nine months in and I am happy to say that I have improved in all my struggling areas. I have no hesitations to recommend Melbourne Functional Medicine.
Khristian Oliveria
02:07 27 May 20
Personally, I’ve been working with Rebecca and Char for the last few months now and have been loving the collaboration on recognising my heath issues, their causes and how to better navigate these in a practical way. However, I can’t not thank Courtney, Jabe and Bee as I’ve interacted with them all and can say this is by far the most patient focused, holistic approach I’ve had towards my health in my life. Thank you so much for empowering me to identify the deeper workings of my body and make positive lifestyle changes to aid this.
mg
06:45 22 May 20
Having battled chronic health issues of most of my life, and trying many different health treatments, it was refreshing to find a new format of health care which really worked for me. Not many people cover health from every angle, as thoroughly and with as much intelligence and care as Jabe, Bee and their team. I’m feeling better from the inside out. I can highly recommend these guys, one of the best investments I’ve made.
Jacqui Snooks
05:49 27 Apr 20
I came to meet Jabe and Bee because I was suffering from a severe outbreak of psoriasis. I felt very helpless, didn't have the tools to take control of my health and honestly felt very overwhelmed. I didn't know where to start. Jabe and Bee are fantastic listeners. They let you speak your mind, ask questions (even if the questions seem silly) and really understand that health is a personal journey, unique to every individual. Where my dermatologist gave me the options of steroid cream or immune suppressing pills, I was welcomed by Jabe with so many possible ways to work on my health. Ways that suited me, my lifestyle and my personal beliefs and values around health. None of them were easy, I had to do the hard work, but it gave me a sense of control back. There is no magic fix, this was clear. Along the way I have learned ways to support myself, trial things and I'm not afraid to make mistakes. From my mistakes I have learned the most about health. Bee was incredibly supportive, especially in the beginning for me. I felt like a wave of information had come over me and she helped me weed out the nonsense and find my way to the things most important to me. If you want to understand your body and mind better, get to know yourself and work of issues with people who care and people who have your best interest at heart.. you're looking in the right place. Thank you Jabe, Bee and Courtney!
Lotus Appel
01:21 23 Apr 20
I came to the clinic just over 5 months ago with sever abdominal pain/cramping, extreme bloating, malabsorption, multiple food intolerances, fatigue and the list goes on. I had undergone multiple tests, colonoscopy and gastroscope and no one could help me or tell me what was going on. It wasn’t until I found Jabe who really dove deep into all of my symptoms and did more in depth blood tests to really figure out what was happening. He throughly explained the science and physiology of everything step by step and broke down why I was getting each symptom and how to treat it. They guided me in making life changing decisions and were there to support me through the whole process. Bee is an amazing health coach and makes you recognise things in yourself that you hadn’t noticed or allowed yourself to feel. She is with you every step of the way making sure your okay and if you ever need anything she will be there. She has an abundance of knowledge and working with this duo will not only help you heal inside out but will assist you onto the life path your supposed to be on. I would highly recommend if you feel like no one has been able to help you find any solutions to your health and well-being problems
Sharne Rizzo
06:11 18 Mar 20
After 10 years of difficulties, and many consultations with GPs who would not take my condition seriously, I chose to take my health into my own hands. I found MFM online and did the six month program with Jabe, Bee and the team. I live rurally and after my initial consultation was able to consult remotely. They actually listened to me and their patience and support got me through my health crisis. I’m now finally able to deal effectively with my chronic condition, and with their help I was able to get a true diagnosis from a specialist. I wish I had known about them years ago.
Mary Clarke
23:33 28 Jan 20
I have been seeing Jabe and team of lovely ladies for over a year now and im still impressed by the knowledge, support and service provided. The team has helped me overcome several health issues while also giving me the support to grow as a better person. I feel truly grateful to be working with these people and can not recommend them enough! Thank you thank you
Christian Ratten
00:09 08 Jan 20
I couldn’t have properly had expectations of my experience with Jabe & Bee (and everyone who makes Melbourne Functional Medicine amazing) because I didn’t realise this level of care existed. I’ve been seeing the team since the start of this year, and to say that they have been the catalyst that has changed my life would be an understatement. They truly care about you as a whole person, they look at every detail of who you are to give you the best possible level of tailored assistance. Most importantly, they have a special talent of making you feel seen and heard as a patient, something that is sadly very rare in my experience. The team will hunt with you and for you to find answers as well as cheer for you and support you while you make your journey towards health. A better investment I have never made.
Steph Thompson
11:16 09 Dec 19
Jabe, the principal practitioner, and Bee, a health coach, were both exceptionally experienced, helpful, kind, and generous. As a health practitioner myself (myotherapist and mindfulness coach) I am very picky about who I see. And as a new resident of Australia, Im having to build my well-being support team all over again. I have found this slow and frustrating as many practitioners are very hands-off and provide minimal necessary care and service. Jabe and Bee felt so right and are restoring my faith in genuine, whole hearted care providers again ♥ Besides being caring and generous, they are most importantly highly knowledgeable experts 👍
Nicole Casanova
00:38 17 Sep 19
Started a journey with Jabe & Bee about 5 months ago. I presented a number of health issues that had become detrimental to my quality of life. Most of which I had been unsuccessfully trying to resolve through the standard medical channels. I''m pleased to say some of these issues have been completely resolved. The others have improved and it must be realised that problems that took years or months to create, cant be expected to be resolved overnight. There is no other service available that can give you such a holistic approach to improving your health plus with the knowledge and empathy Jabe and his team share gives you the trust and hope you need to move forward.
Logan Power
00:18 22 Aug 19
Highly recommended! I saw Jabe and Bee for about 8 months. Jabe offered and provided me with knowledge, assessments and interventions that helped me finally understand and manage health issues that I have struggled to deal with for more than 15 years. Bee gave me support, guidance, validation and warmth to make the changes meaningful. I am still benefiting from their knowledge and support 9 months on. Thanks Jabe and Bee
Bianca
21:08 14 Aug 19
I have been seeing Jabe with regularity for some years now and he has had a profound impact on my health and wellbeing. His understanding of functional medicine is unparalleled - I am consistently floored by the breadth and depth of his knowledge on all matters 'human'. I have learnt much from our rambling discussions over the journey. I cannot recommend Jabe (and his team) highly enough.
T S
02:23 05 Feb 19
Jabe is fantastic. I had ongoing issues with gut health and associated symptoms for a number of years. With Jabe's guidance and direction I have seen dramatic and what appear to be at this stage long lasting improvements. The important thing from my perspective was that Jabe was always focused on getting to the bottom of the issue; going through symptoms methodically; plotting out various courses of treatment; and providing providing contingeices in case certain approaches didn't work. This gave me confidence to continue sticking to the advice and plans. I never felt it wouldn't work. Jabe is consultative and takes time to understand your history, underlying issues, and practical ways of achieving long-term (and hopefully permanent) results. It is a two way street, so you need to be willing to actually do what you've agreed to with Jabe. But it is worth it in the long run. You may also find treatment more expensive compared with, say, seeing a GP and taking conventional medicine. But, again, it makes long run financial sense to resolve underlying issues rather than repeatedly treating symptoms possible for the rest of your life. Couldn't recommend highly enough. If you've had long term health issues that aren't getting better through conventional treatment it is well worth your time, effort, and money to see Jabe! Daniel Wild
daniel wild
05:21 23 Jan 19
Over the past couple of years I noticed health issues that were creeping in including weight gain and signs of chronic stress. Tried different things without seeing results and I also knew that going to a GP would not provide me with the holistic approach to achieve a life changing, healthy mind, body and spirit. This was the main reason we decided to see Jabe and Bee. It's definitely a process and it's not a pill. It's about having the right tools to explore and address the underlying issues that will improve health. Jabe is so experienced with these types of issues and he knows what work needs to be done to address health problems. Time spent with Bee provided the clearing needed to address those underlying emotional issues in a different light. Together they are an incredible team. Thanks so much for everything you have done for me and also for my hubby.
Elena Macri
00:22 13 Dec 18
I have been working on my gut health, managing anxiety and overall wellbeing with Jabe and Bee for 2 months now. The improvements I have seen in the way I feel have been amazing. I am less fatigued, feel more in control of my anxiety and starting to see big improvements in my gut health. I would highly recommend a visit to see Jabe and Bee if you are in need of a long term lifestyle change!
Holly Brooks
05:51 11 Nov 18
Jabe & his team at Melbourne Functional Medicine are simply AMAZING. Having seen many healthcare practitioners over the years in attempts to get to the bottom of my issues, no one has ever delivered in the way Jabe has. Firstly, I have never seen a structured health care program like the one Jabe has designed. The very focus of Jabe & his team is YOU & all that makes you wonderfully unique, Jabe works collaboratively with you to custom design a plan, to create a framework & provides a solid foundation of support that sets you up for success from the very beginning. If your intention is to truly heal - Jabe & Bee are definitely two people you want in your corner. I have honestly in the 10 years I have spent trying to understand what was going on in my body, never encountered a health practitioner with Jabe's level of expertise (& believe me - I have seen many) the amount of readily available knowledge that this man has in his field is mind blowing, coupled with an approach that is genuine, offering an authentic high level of care, this is a program where you matter - from my first appointment I felt heard & seen in all of my concerns & was not only impressed but also comforted by the way Jabe took his time to methodically unpack all that I shared & began to join the dots.... Jabe & Bee create a space that see your wins genuinely celebrated, while you are also held & supported through your challenges. I have only been working with Jabe two months & I have followed his direction unequivocally & I am now reaping the rewards in more ways than I could have ever thought possible. You won't get stuck on swings & roundabouts here, just a superhighway to a happier healthier you. I cannot recommend Jabe highly enough! It is absolutely worth the investment...
Ami Besson
03:48 12 Sep 18
I have been seeing Jabe and Bee for 8 months. They have helped me make positive changes that has helped me with stomach issues which I have had for a very long time. They have given me knowledge to understand the way my body works. Highly Recommend!
Tracey Curmi
06:22 25 Jul 18
I started seeing Jabe very late in 2017 for a high cholesterol issue and a desire to change my lifestyle to prevent Alzheimer's disease (in my family). Jabe is very thorough and he is not cheap. However he did find some issues that many GPs had missed or dismissed. The result was after 4 months of following his plan I had lowered my cholesterol from 8.1 to 6.1. My GP was amazed that I had achieved this through diet and excercise alone. I highly recommend Jabe if you have health issues.
Tanya Lyon Barnett
03:23 23 Jul 18
I have suffered with psoriasis for years and after a big flare up I turned to Jabe for help after reading good things about him online. Jabe is very methodical and logical in his approach and helped me to put the pieces of the puzzle together to figure out my personal triggers for this complicated disorder. Bee, the health coach was also a big help for support and accountability. It took a while but finally my skin has been completely clear for around 4 or 5 months and even though psoriasis is chronic and impossible to cure, I feel like I am more equipped to knowing how to clear it up or prevent big flare ups thanks to Jabe and Bee. Highly recommend!!
Danielle Brooks
11:56 23 Apr 18
Jabe brown understands how the body works and incorporates lifestyle changes amongst other treatments to improve your health. If you have tried western medicine and have not seen improvements then I highly recommend seeking Jabe's expertise. Bee who is the health coach will help you with incorporating these lifestyle changes Jabe has recommend by strategizing and supporting you while making you feel somewhat accountable when you don't follow through with things which is the extra push you need to permanently make a change for the better.
Richard Chhuon
20:55 15 Feb 18
Jabe is one incredible naturopath!! If you want to get down to the root and cause of your illness or disease and get it treated instead of just masking the symptoms, then i highly reccomend you give him a visit. His knowledge and wisdom is second to none. Coupled with his kindness, great personality and he is also funny and makes you feel comfortable. He is patient and makes sure to address all you are there to talk about. You will get the complete package!! Thanks Jabe for all your help with my health concerns 🙂
Stephanie Creaco
22:19 05 Feb 18
Jabe is very knowledgeable and has improved my health immensely. Highly recommend
Dermott Smythe
06:13 22 Jan 18
I came to see Jabe and Bee 3 months ago about my chronic fatigue. I have had CFS for 6+ years and have seen many specialist's but no one as persistent and eager to help me as them. My first appointment with Jabe i knew he was going to be great and i was in good hands. He is so knowledgeable and i 100% believe with his holistic approach.It is a massive relief to no longer have to battle this alone. Going through health changes is overwhelming to say the least but working with Jabe and Bee i do not feel like this at all. I speak to Bee weekly and because of this guidance i am seeing daily improvements with all aspects of my life. Bee is an amazing coach and a genuine caring person and every time we talk I uncover something new about myself. I am not where i want to be yet but i can confidently say i am on the right path with these 2 amazing people helping me every step of the way. Brendan
Brendan Humar
23:07 25 Dec 17
Rheumatoid Arthritis? Crohn's? Deteriorating health? Fatigue? Having battled with these illnesses all my teenage years, I sought help from every doctor possible. I wish I had have found Jabe sooner. After being convinced to go see him (very apprehensively at first, I admit) it turned out to be the turning point in my life. Thanks to Jabe, I live a relatively pain free life, but most importantly, he has empowered me with the ability and knowledge of how to control and manage my illnesses. Stop considering, and make an appointment today!
Richard M
01:08 27 Sep 17
Jabe set me on track to take control of my own health. He gave me the tools and knowledge and confidence to understand what was happening in my body and make changes for better health. Would recommend him to anyone who is serious about living in optimum health.
Jennifer Gregory
01:40 13 Jul 17
This is a bit long...but I want to tell it…read it if you have been sick for a long time and just aren’t getting any better! I had been seeking treatment for some time before I met with Jabe. The onset of my illness coincided with working with lead paint and I had come down with a debilitating headache which continued day and night. Even now, I’m not sure if paints and chemicals were the factor to kick off the illness, but the symptoms were real: continuous head pain and loss of a good deal of mental acuity (brain fog). Finally, a neurologist read the condition as 'New Daily Persistent Headache' (an auto-immune illness). The prescribed medications made things worse and he advised me to discontinue them. The condition returned and the brain fog deepened. I did my own research - a lot of research. I found out about evidence-based functional approaches which link auto-immune illnesses to deficiencies in nutrition, genetic dispositions and to environmental factors. 'Functional medicine' has momentum in the US, but there are still comparatively few practitioners in Australia. After two months of following Jabe's program of supplements and advice, I am now free of the headaches and the brain fog has lifted. I feel very grateful to Jabe for his competence but also for his genuine interest in understanding all aspects of my health. In my case, his approach was not just to prescribe supplements but to set daily actions which involve you in supporting your own recovery. This is my kind of program! A lesson? Find a skilled naturopath like Jabe, commit yourself to getting better and maintain your health with informed guidance. Do these things, and there's a good chance recovery will be yours.
Gareth James
07:19 10 May 17
I have been very impressed with Jabe's methodical and we'll informed approach to tackling my long standing gut issues. He has a great knowledge of physiological processes, and bases his interventions on this, with the aim of long term health. Highly recommended.
Traecey
03:30 31 Mar 17
My experience with Jabe and Bee have been excellent. They are well researched and offer the most tailored and nourishing support. They are also supportive every step of the way and and go above and beyond to ensure your health program is working for you with the highest results. I would highly recommend paying them a visit!
Mon Henry
05:54 12 Feb 17
I have been working closely with Bee on resolving a lifetime of health issues. After finding out I have an intolerance to a number of food groups including gluten and dairy, Bee has coached and guided me into improving just about everything in my life. I am now symptom free, my skin is glowing, I have lost a bunch of weight and I have gained a new outlook on the importance of staying healthy... I HIGHLY recommend 🙂
Alicia Fayle
23:58 22 Dec 16
I have been struggling with ill health for the last few years, and have tried working with quite a few health professionals with no luck and no real support till I started seeing Jabe. In the three months since working with him, my overall health has improved greatly, including better energy levels, better eating habits, much better digestion and feeling much better informed and supported to make much better lifestyle decisions around stress management. His explanations are accessible and show considerable passion for addressing health holistically. He talks with you to find manageable and sustainable solutions aimed at long term health and well being. And he has a great sense of humour! I highly recommend him to anyone seeking holistic health and wellbeing support.
Caitlin McGrath
05:59 20 Dec 16
Want a trusted healthcare provider with a high success rate? Discover why our approach is a cut above the rest.
For personalised care, effective treatments and leading advice, residents from all across Melbourne including from areas like Richmond, Moonee Ponds, Malvern, Hawthorn, Yarraville and more, trust only a qualified naturopath at Melbourne Functional Medicine.