Dermatologist’s 2025 Skincare Resolutions for Radiant, Healthy Skin

A Dermatologist’s Skincare Resolutions for 2024

2024 is my year for radiant skin. I can feel it already—this is the year I finally put myself back on the skincare priority list. As a dermatologist and a mum, that’s not always easy.

My days are full—consultations, running a busy clinic, raising my family, and staying on top of the latest in skin science. But like many of my patients, I often put my own skincare second.

So this year, I’m making small but meaningful changes. My goal? To treat my skin with the same level of commitment and care I give my clients.

Here are my skincare resolutions for 2024. I hope they inspire you to reflect on your own skin journey too.

1. Retinol Cycling with Intention

Retinol has long held its place as a skincare essential—and with good reason. It’s one of the few ingredients with real scientific backing for its anti-aging benefits.

Now in my 40s, I’ve seen firsthand how retinol helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve skin texture, and support long-term skin health.

But even as a dermatologist, I haven’t always used retinol as consistently as I recommend to others. That changes this year.

In 2024, I’m committing to retinol cycling—a smart, skin-friendly way to build retinol into my routine without overwhelming my barrier.

What is Retinol Cycling?

Retinol cycling means alternating between different strengths and formulas of retinol throughout the week or month. It gives the skin time to adjust and recover.

I’ll be starting with a 1% formulation, used sparingly at first, and increasing the frequency slowly. I’ll also rotate between brands to assess how different formulations interact with my skin.

My evening routine will be built around retinol nights, barrier support nights, and recovery nights. This balance helps boost results while avoiding dryness or irritation.

Why this approach? Because it’s not just about applying a strong active—it’s about smart use over time. It’s about sustainability, not intensity.

2. Staying Committed to a Laser Protocol

At my clinic, ODE Dermatology in Melbourne, I regularly recommend personalised laser treatments to my clients. Lasers can transform skin—whether the concern is texture, tone, pigmentation, or collagen loss.

But here’s my confession: I haven’t been following my own advice.

I have access to world-class laser technology, but I’ve struggled to carve out time for consistent care. That changes now.

In 2024, I’m designing and committing to my own 12-month laser treatment plan.

This year, I’ll be targeting:

Collagen loss

Melasma on my cheeks

General skin dullness and textural changes

My Go-To Laser Devices

I’ll be incorporating:

Moxi 1927: A gentle, non-ablative laser that helps brighten skin and improve pigment

Ultraformer: Focused ultrasound that boosts collagen and tightens skin

Exion: A new protocol that helps stimulate hyaluronic acid and improve hydration

These treatments support my skin from within—helping to regenerate, rebuild, and protect.

Why Consistency Matters

The real secret to laser success isn’t one session. It’s having a strategic, consistent protocol supported by tailored skincare at home.

Laser works best when paired with active homecare that hydrates, repairs, and protects the barrier. This dual approach—clinic + home—is the future of skincare.

3. Giving My Scalp the Skincare It Deserves

We often separate hair care from skincare. But the truth is, your scalp is skin—and it deserves the same attention and nourishment.

In 2024, I’m focusing on scalp health as a foundation for hair vitality. My goal? To optimise the scalp microbiome and support long-term hair growth and resilience.

Why Scalp Health Matters

Think of your scalp like soil. If the soil is poor, the plant can’t thrive. Similarly, if the skin around your hair follicles is inflamed, dry, or unbalanced, your hair can’t grow at its best.

Many people overlook the link between skin and hair health. But inflammation, buildup, and microbiome imbalances can all contribute to thinning or dull hair.

This year, I’m prioritising a holistic scalp routine—one that supports both skin and follicle health.

My 2024 Scalp Routine

Here’s what I’ll be using and recommending:

Calendula: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties

Rosemary extract: A traditional remedy to stimulate hair growth

Burdock root: Helps cleanse and calm the scalp

Essential fatty acids: To support the scalp barrier

Phytosterols: Plant-based compounds that nourish the skin and regulate oil

Together, these ingredients create a balanced environment that encourages healthy growth.

I’ll also be careful about what I don’t use—avoiding ingredients that strip the scalp, clog follicles, or trigger irritation.

4. Prioritising At-Home Support Between Treatments

As much as I love advanced in-clinic treatments, they’re only half the story. What you do at home truly determines your long-term skin health.

This year, I’m doubling down on:

Cleansing gently and thoroughly

Maintaining hydration through barrier-supportive moisturisers

Using antioxidants in the morning to defend against free radicals

Repairing and replenishing at night

Especially after laser, the skin is in a state of healing and renewal. That’s when targeted skincare can make or break your results.

I’ll be treating my at-home routine with the same importance as my in-clinic work. And I recommend my clients do the same.

The Real Secret: Progress Over Perfection

One of my biggest takeaways—both as a dermatologist and a woman—is that consistency beats intensity every time.

You don’t need a 12-step routine. You don’t need to try every new product or trend. What you need is a routine that works for you—one you can stick with, day after day.

That might mean:

Using retinol only twice a week to start

Booking laser treatments quarterly, not monthly

Swapping hair masks for a weekly scalp serum

Adding antioxidants to your morning routine

The point isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be present. To check in with your skin. To adjust and evolve.

Final Thoughts: What I Hope You’ll Take From This

I’m excited for the year ahead, not because I expect flawless skin, but because I know I’m putting energy into myself again.

Skincare is self-care. It’s science, yes—but it’s also soul. It’s how we support the body we live in. It’s how we show up with confidence, grace, and strength.

Whether you’re a skincare beginner or a beauty enthusiast, I hope you’ll join me in making 2024 your most radiant year yet.

Let this be the year you take care of your skin not out of insecurity, but out of respect for yourself.

Here’s to routines that serve you. Skin that reflects your health. And confidence that radiates from within.

About the Author

Dr. Shammi Theesan is a respected dermatologist based in Fitzroy, Melbourne, and the founder of ODE Dermatology.

With a unique blend of cutting-edge clinical expertise and a holistic wellness philosophy, Dr. Theesan helps clients discover truly radiant skin.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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