Dr Ryan De Cruz

Dr Ryan De Cruz Dr Ryan De Cruz, is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD).

Ryan studied medicine at The University of Melbourne, where he graduated with Honours.

06/03/2026

Rhode’s Peptide Glazing Fluid Gel Serum has generated plenty of attention, but what does the formulation actually tell us?

The serum includes niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and a peptide known as hexapeptide-8. These ingredients are commonly used to support hydration and improve the appearance of skin smoothness.

The key question is not whether the ingredients sound good, but whether the product is backed by strong clinical data. At present, publicly available claims appear to rely on small consumer perception studies rather than robust, published clinical trials. Ingredient percentages are also not disclosed.

That does not mean it is ineffective, but it does mean we should be cautious about calling it a high-performance peptide serum.

As always, look beyond marketing and focus on evidence, formulation transparency and what is appropriate for your skin.

05/03/2026

“Glass skin” is a term we hear often, but it is not achieved through a single product or quick fix.

That luminous, hydrated appearance comes from supporting the skin barrier and maintaining consistent hydration. A gentle cleanser, a well-formulated moisturiser and the considered use of a facial oil can all contribute to healthier, more radiant-looking skin.

One facial oil that has recently caught my attention is Systeme. It is an Australian brand, formulated in France, and contains vitamins C and E alongside Antileukine 6™, a bioinspired active derived from golden seaweed. This ingredient is designed to help calm the skin, support hydration and reinforce the skin barrier against environmental stressors.

When incorporated into a consistent routine and paired with daily sunscreen, facial oils like this can help improve skin comfort, hydration and overall luminosity over time.

Healthy skin is well-supported skin.

27/02/2026

Rhode has landed in Australia, and many have asked for a dermatologist’s take.

The Glazing Milk Essence contains well-known barrier-supporting ingredients, including ceramides and humectants, which can help maintain hydration and strengthen the skin barrier when formulated appropriately.

The important consideration is evidence and value. Small, short-term consumer studies are not the same as robust clinical data, and similar fragrance-free, barrier-focused formulations exist at lower price points.

As always, focus on ingredients, evidence and suitability for your skin, not just the brand name.

If you are unsure what your skin barrier needs, start with a professional assessment.

10/02/2026

It is time to stop normalising sun tanning.

Deliberately seeking out high UV periods to tan is deeply concerning. UV radiation is responsible for the majority of sun damage that leads to premature skin ageing and significantly increases the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

Sun exposure is not harmless and tanning is not a marker of health. These habits are putting young people at risk far earlier than many realise.

If you notice this behaviour among friends, family or loved ones, speak up. Protecting skin means avoiding peak UV times, using SPF 50+ sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and prioritising long-term skin health over short-term trends.

Sun tanning is not a flex.

04/02/2026

P-TIOX! The advanced multi-peptide serum with scientifically-proven results.

This wrinkle-targeting serum launched in 2024 and has fast become one of my favourites. Scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of nine types of wrinkles by 20%, P-TIOX delivers visible results in just one week.*

Combining an advanced peptide complex (hexapeptide + dipeptide), hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide, it targets skin texture and radiance, making it a go-to for those looking to soften expression lines and maintain a smooth, glowing complexion.

Sold in-clinic and online – www.southern-dermatology.com.au



*Cosmeto-clinical study, 82 subjects, after 12 weeks of twice daily usage.

02/02/2026

Comedonal acne is one of the most misunderstood and poorly treated forms of acne.

These blocked oil glands are often the starting point of acne and can be influenced by hormones, genetics and diet. While the right skincare with ingredients like exfoliating acids and barrier-supporting actives can help, skincare alone is often not enough.

For many patients, prescription therapies play an important role. However, one of the most effective and overlooked treatment steps for comedonal acne is professional steam extractions performed in a clinical setting by a qualified dermal clinician.

When paired with appropriate medical treatment, steam extractions can significantly improve congestion and deliver excellent long-term outcomes.

If you are struggling with persistent congestion or white bumps under the skin, look beyond oral treatments alone and seek professional care.

30/01/2026

It is time to end the tan lines trend~

Deliberately exposing skin to create tan lines directly contradicts decades of public health messaging around sun safety, particularly here in Australia. UV damage does not just accelerate visible ageing. It significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.

Skin cancer is not limited to older age groups. We are seeing melanoma diagnosed in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s far too often.

Protecting your skin means daily SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapplying every two hours when outdoors, wearing UPF 50+ protective clothing, seeking shade and using hats and sunglasses. These habits protect both skin health and long-term wellbeing.

Healthy skin is protected skin.

29/01/2026

Ever wondered how lip plumpers work without cosmetic injectable volume replacement?

Most lip plumping products create temporary fullness by increasing blood flow to the lips. Ingredients such as menthol, peppermint, capsaicin and cinnamon oil act as mild irritants, causing tingling or warmth that leads to short-term swelling.

This is also why caution is needed. These ingredients are common allergens and have been linked to allergic contact dermatitis and contact urticaria, particularly in sensitive skin types.

If you are considering a non-injectable lip plumper, results are temporary and patch testing is important, especially if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin.

22/01/2026

Sunscreen PSA!!

You may be diligent with SPF 50+ sunscreen and UPF 50+ clothing, but the lips are commonly neglected. Lip sun damage is often subtle, presenting as mild peeling, so it is easy to dismiss as dryness.

Over time, repeated sun exposure to the lips can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, which are at higher risk of spreading (metastasising.)

Using an SPF 50+ lip balm every day throughout summer is a simple step that can make a meaningful difference to long-term lip health.

I favour SPF 50+ lip balms from , and . Remember to reapply regularly, especially after eating, drinking or swimming.

20/01/2026

Fake tan + IPL is a hard no!

IPL works by targeting melanin in the hair follicle. When you apply fake tan, you are adding excess artificial pigment to the surface of the skin so that instead of reaching the hair bulb, the light may be absorbed or scattered by this extra layer of pigment.

This can:
→ increase the risk of burns, blisters and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
→ reduce the effectiveness of your treatment
→ confuse the device so it cannot distinguish between melanin in hair follicles and pigment on the skin's surface.

There is no IPL device that is safe to use over fake tan. For safe, effective results, skin must be completely clean and free from any artificial pigment.

If you are preparing for IPL, always follow your clinician’s pre-treatment advice and ask questions before your appointment.

Thanks to for sparking the conversation.

09/12/2025

Last weekend I was lucky enough to spend time at ’s House of Hydration at Fed Square with the incredible .esh.perera.

Together we offered free skin consultations all weekend and raised money for ’s . Thanks to everyone who came down and said hello and scored some free skincare to last the summer!!

05/12/2025

When your skin feels itchy, dry or inflamed, simple steps can make a big difference.

Gentle cleansing, regular moisturising and soothing, anti inflammatory products can help calm the skin and support its barrier while it recovers.

If your flare is persistent or keeps coming back, a personalised plan is important. Chat with your pharmacist for over the counter options or see your healthcare professional for individual advice.

General information only. Always seek personalised guidance for your skin.

Address

130 Murrumbeena Road
Melbourne, VIC
3163

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