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.

25/04/2026

Choosing the right skincare isn’t about using everything. It’s about using the right ingredient for the right concern.

From redness and breakouts to pigmentation and early ageing, different skin concerns respond to different active ingredients. Understanding that match is what makes a routine effective.

But here’s the important part. Not every concern is as straightforward as it seems. Conditions like melasma, rosacea, or acne often require proper diagnosis before choosing treatment.

A targeted approach will always outperform a trend-driven routine.

If you’re unsure where to start, it’s worth getting guidance rather than guessing.

22/04/2026

GHK-Cu might be trending, but it’s not new.

Before you inject yourself with this viral peptide, consider this.

This copper peptide has been studied for years in skin repair and collagen signalling, which is why it’s getting so much attention now.

But here’s what social media often skips.

Many injectable versions online are not approved or properly regulated. That means no certainty around safety, efficacy, purity, or even what’s actually in the vial.

The same goes for other peptides such as retatrutide - which is still undergoing clinical trials and is NOT approved or commercially available in Australia.

Peptides are promising, but evidence-based skincare and proper medical advice should always come first.

20/04/2026

Dandruff is more than just flakes.

It is often linked to an imbalance in the scalp barrier, which can lead to irritation and visible flaking.

Supporting the scalp with the right ingredients can help reduce flakes while maintaining hydration and comfort.

A consistent haircare routine designed to target dandruff and support the scalp barrier can make a significant difference in overall hair and scalp health.

30/03/2026

Retinoids may be the gold standard, but they are not the only path to better skin.

If your skin is sensitive, or you struggle with consistency, there are alternatives that still deliver results without the compromise.

One I often reach for is a peptide-based serum like P-TIOX. It is designed to support smoother, more refined-looking skin while helping strengthen the skin moisture barrier. Think of it as a way to work on fine lines and texture, without the irritation that can sometimes occur with stronger actives.

What makes it stand out is the combination approach. Peptides to support skin texture, niacinamide for barrier support, and gentle exfoliating acids to improve overall skin clarity. It fits easily into most routines, whether you are using vitamin A or not.

Skincare does not have to be all or nothing. It is about finding what your skin can tolerate, and staying consistent.

If you are not sure where to start, that is where personalised advice makes all the difference.

26/03/2026

Oxidative stress is one of the key drivers of visible skin ageing and inflammation.

Triggered by UV exposure, heat, pollution and ongoing irritation, it generates free radicals that can damage cells and weaken the skin barrier. Clinically, this often presents as persistent redness, sensitivity and post-inflammatory changes.

While antioxidant skincare and daily SPF are essential for prevention and barrier support, established vascular redness may require in-clinic treatment. In appropriate cases, vascular laser can be used to target visible redness, supported by a simplified, barrier-focused home routine.

The first step is understanding what is driving the inflammation in your skin.

Book a professional skin consultation for an accurate assessment and personalised plan. Individual suitability is determined in clinic and results vary.

19/03/2026

Pigmentation is not a single diagnosis.

Freckles, melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation may appear similar, but they develop differently and require different strategies. Depth, triggers and hormonal influence all matter when selecting treatment.

That is why accurate diagnosis comes first. From topical therapies to carefully selected laser treatments, management is personalised based on your specific pigment type.

If pigmentation is a concern, start with a comprehensive skin assessment.

Suitability is determined during consultation. Individual treatment plans vary.

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.

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130 Murrumbeena Road
Melbourne, VIC
3163

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+61390501195

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