A Dermatologist Shares Their Skincare Resolutions For ‘25
2025 is shaping up to be my year of radiant skin, and I can feel the positive changes coming. As a dermatologist with a diverse range of responsibilities (including practising dermatology and being a mum) finding the time for my skincare rituals can be a challenge. Despite having a wealth of tools and knowledge, achieving my best skin often slips through the cracks. This year, my resolution is to make small but impactful commitments to prioritise my skin health.
Here are my skin goals for 2025. I’m excited for the journey ahead. Wish me luck!
Retinol cycling.
Retinol stands out as one of the few actives backed by data, to support its anti-ageing claims. Being in my 40s, I’m no stranger to the benefits of retinol, and in 2025, I plan to really focus on integrating it into my skincare routine. Reserved exclusively for evening use, I plan to implement a retinol cycling strategy. This involves alternating between various strengths to optimise cellular renewal.
By switching brands at the end of each use and adjusting strengths, I aim to shield my skin from environmental damage and stave off visible signs of ageing. I’ll be exploring familiar strengths, like 1%, starting gradually, and progressively increasing frequency as the months unfold. It’s a deliberate and thoughtful approach to elevate my skincare routine in the coming year.
Maintaining a regular laser protocol.
In the realm of skincare technology, I’m fortunate to have access to cutting-edge lasers through my clinic, ODE Dermatology. As a dedicated dermatologist, I advocate passionately for laser protocols and personalised rituals for my clients every day. However, I must admit, I’ve been inconsistent in applying this expertise to my own skincare routine, often struggling to find time for a consistent treatment plan as life unfolds.
But 2025 marks a change for me – I’m prioritising self-care as I recommend for any client. Identifying key concerns like visible signs of ageing (goodbye, collagen loss) and dealing with melasma on my cheeks, I’ve crafted a 12-month plan just for myself. With a mix of non-ablative lasers like Moxi 1927 and collagen-inducing and hyaluronic-stimulating protocols such as Ultraformer and Exion, I’m committed to nurturing my skin back to its radiant days. It’s time to give myself the same level of care I provide to others.
No laser protocol journey is truly comprehensive without incorporating at-home care as well; tailored skincare, designed to address your specific concerns and skin type, plays a pivotal role in maximising the effectiveness of in-clinic treatments. This approach ensures that post-laser skin not only heals but also receives the nourishment and optimization needed for a healthy and radiant barrier. It’s the synergy of professional treatments and personalised at-home care that brings out the best in your skin.
Skincare, but for hair.
I am deeply dedicated to hair care, whether it’s regenerating hair growth, preventing hair loss, or addressing complex cases involving autoimmune conditions. One aspect often overlooked by many of my clients is the significance of the skin on their scalp and its impact on overall hair health. During 2024, a major focus for me is going to be optimising my scalp microbiome to ensure the best possible hair growth, health, and quality.
I like to think of the skin around the follicle as akin to the soil in which a plant thrives. Its quality profoundly influences prosperity, and it’s a message I’m eager to share widely. My skincare routine is evolving to prioritise scalp health, carefully considering what products I incorporate (or exclude) in my daily and weekly rituals. In the coming year, my go-to’s will include calendula, rosemary, and burdock root. These, coupled with essential fatty acids and phytosterols, aim to nourish the scalp and foster optimal hair growth. It’s time to elevate our awareness about the holistic connection between scalp health and vibrant, thriving hair.
Dr. Shammi Theesan is an esteemed dermatologist based in Fitzroy, Melbourne, and the visionary founder of ODE Dermatology. With a commitment to delivering transformative results, Dr. Theesan seamlessly merges the realms of science and traditional wellness measures. Her approach embodies a harmonious blend of cutting-edge dermatological practices and time-honoured holistic wellness, providing a unique and effective path to skin health.
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.
