About us
About The Skin Doctor
Doctor-led skin care grounded in medical expertise, precision and long-term outcomes
At The Skin Doctor, we believe exceptional skin care comes from a deep understanding of skin biology, careful use of technology, and the time to do things properly.
Our clinics bring together expertise in skin cancer medicine, medical dermatology, aesthetic medicine and advanced laser therapies, delivered through a calm, considered and patient-centred approach.
Everything we do is guided by safety, evidence and long-term skin health.
Meet With
Dr Chris Irwin
Founder & Medical Director
Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor
Fellow-trained in Aesthetic Medicine (California, USA)
Academic Awards and Recognition
During medical training, Dr Irwin received multiple awards for academic and clinical excellence, including:
- Marjorie McCallum Medal in Medicine (highest result in final year medical distinction examinations)
- Stanley Wilson Prize in Surgery
- JAD Iverach Prize in Clinical Medicine
- Dean’s Commendation for Clinical Excellence during fourth and fifth years
- University of Otago Scholarship in Medicine (awarded to top medical students)
Following medical school, Dr Irwin undertook a surgical residency at the Royal Melbourne Hospital before completing a Master’s Degree in Skin Cancer Medicine at the University of Queensland.
He is a Member of the Skin Cancer College of Australia, an Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor, and has published cancer research internationally, contributing to the academic understanding of skin cancer diagnosis and management.
Dr Irwin has also completed international fellowship training with the American College of Aesthetic Medicine in California, receiving advanced instruction in injectables, laser medicine, regenerative therapies and global best-practice cosmetic techniques. He travels regularly to train with leaders in plastic surgery, dermatology and aesthetic laser medicine.
Today, Dr Irwin is among the very few doctors in Melbourne who routinely use medical-grade lasers in the management of skin cancer, giving him a unique depth of understanding in sun damage, precancerous change and aesthetic restoration.
Having personally undergone treatment for sun damage himself, he brings both technical expertise and genuine empathy to every consultation, with a strong focus on safety, comfort and long-term skin health.
Meet With
Kim Irwin (née Gundani)
Co-Director, Aesthetics & Wellness
Former Miss Grand Australia (2018)
Learn More
Before entering the clinical space, Kim represented Australia internationally as Miss Grand Australia 2018, becoming the first Black African woman to do so. This role involved extensive advocacy, public education and cross-cultural communication — experience that now translates directly into patient care.
Her professional background spans:
- Pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical science
- legal training (Juris Doctor)
- child and community protection
- health advocacy roles
- brand, media and public communication
At the clinic, Kim oversees the patient experience, wellness strategy and brand direction, working closely with the medical and dermal team to ensure care is clear, culturally informed and aligned with long-term skin health.
Patients frequently describe feeling heard, respected and supported, particularly those who have previously felt overlooked or misunderstood within aesthetic or medical settings.
Meet With
Chelsea Cairns
Lead Dermal Therapist
Chelsea Cairns is our highly skilled Lead Dermal Therapist, with advanced training in skin science, laser modalities and medical-grade dermal therapies.
With a strong academic foundation and extensive clinical experience, Chelsea bridges the gap between aesthetic outcomes and evidence-based skin health.
She works closely with Dr Irwin to ensure every patient receives a comprehensive, medically informed and results-focused skin plan, from acne and rosacea care through to laser rejuvenation and long-term aesthetic maintenance.
Her approach is meticulous, gentle and deeply personalised.
The Skin Doctor
Our Philosophy
Medical Expertise
Aesthetic Precision
Wellness-Led Care
International Best Practice
Why Choose Us
Why Choose The Skin Doctor?
- Doctor-led care with genuine skin cancer and laser expertise
- A holistic, wellness-focused team prioritising long-term outcomes
- Advanced technology supported by evidence-based protocols
- A calm, boutique environment where every detail is considered
- A team committed to lifelong learning and continuous improvement
