Centre of Excellence for Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology
Our mission is to deliver excellence and the highest standards in Medical and Cosmetic Dermatologic care
15/04/2026
Rosacea explained with
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition most commonly presenting as persistent facial redness. It affects up to 10% of fair-skinned adults and can vary in presentation.
The two most common subtypes:
→ Erythematotelangiectatic – ongoing redness with visible capillaries (typically across the nose and cheeks)
→ Papulopustular – red bumps and pustules alongside background redness
Common triggers include:
Heat, exercise, alcohol, spicy foods, and sudden temperature changes - often leading to flushing.
Management focuses on:
✔️ Barrier repair – using ingredients like ceramides to support skin function
✔️ Daily SPF – essential to minimise inflammation and vascular flare-ups
✔️ Medical treatment – topical or oral therapies may be prescribed following consultation
✔️ In-clinic procedures – IPL and vascular lasers can effectively reduce visible capillaries and redness
A combined, consistent approach is key - particularly ongoing use of sunscreen to maintain results.
Watch as Dr Niki Ralph breaks down how to identify and manage rosacea clinically.
14/04/2026
Mythbusters: Does whey protein cause acne breakouts in everyone who takes it?
This is a more nuanced one - and the answer is not a straightforward yes or no.
Whey protein does not cause acne in everyone. However, for those with a genetic susceptibility to acne, or those who already have oily, breakout-prone skin, whey supplementation can make things worse. It is not inevitable, but it is worth understanding why it happens in some people and not others.
Whey is dairy-derived and has an effect on insulin growth factor 1, as well as testosterone levels. Both of these stimulate the sebum produced by our oil glands, which can block pores, contribute to the formation of blackheads, and trigger that inflammatory cascade that leads to breakouts.
If you suspect whey is contributing to your skin concerns, there are a few things worth trying before giving it up entirely. Whey concentrate appears to be more problematic than whey isolate or hydrolysed whey, so switching the type you use is a reasonable first step. Plant-based alternatives such as pea or h**p protein are also worth considering. Or simply take a break and see whether your skin improves.
If you have never previously had acne and there is no strong family history, starting whey protein does not mean you will develop it. But if you have noticed a pattern, it is worth paying attention to.
13/04/2026
✨ Ask ID with Prof Caitriona Ryan ✨
💬 The question
“How soon after giving birth can I use retinol again?”
✅ Prof Ryan’s answer
Once pregnancy is complete, retinol can absolutely be part of your routine again.
The key is not to overcomplicate things. Many people feel they need to rebuild an entire routine postpartum, but in reality, a simple, consistent approach works best.
💧 What actually matters
Retinol is already doing the heavy lifting when it comes to cell turnover and skin renewal. You don’t need to layer multiple actives on top.
Instead, focus on supporting your skin alongside it. Postpartum skin can often feel more sensitive, so keeping the barrier strong is essential.
🧴 How to approach it
✔ Reintroduce retinol steadily
✔ Keep the rest of your routine simple
✔ Use a nourishing moisturiser to support your skin
✔ Avoid overloading with additional actives
12/04/2026
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by persistent facial erythema, flushing, visible telangiectasia, and, in some cases, inflammatory papules and pustules.
It is a relapsing and remitting condition, often triggered by environmental and lifestyle factors such as UV exposure, temperature changes, alcohol, and certain foods.
Effective management requires a structured, evidence-based approach, including:
• Daily use of a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen
• Gentle, barrier-supporting skincare
• Prescription topical and/or oral therapies where appropriate
• Device-based treatments such as IPL or laser for vascular components
At the Institute of Dermatologists, we provide individualised treatment plans tailored to the subtype and severity of rosacea, with a focus on long-term skin health and symptom control.
If you are experiencing persistent redness or sensitivity, we recommend seeking a professional assessment.
09/04/2026
Your wedding skin doesn’t happen overnight… it’s planned ✨
At the Institute of Dermatologists, we guide our brides (and grooms) through a results-driven timeline, ensuring your skin is at its absolute best when it matters most.
Sophie takes you through how we approach bridal prep here at the Cosmetic Suite…
07/04/2026
MYTH: Varicose veins are caused by sitting down ❌
Not quite.
As Professor Niki Ralph explains, varicose veins are primarily genetic, not something you get just from sitting at your desk.
What does play a role?
➡️ Standing for long periods
➡️ Increased pressure in the legs
➡️ Circulation factors
➡️ High blood pressure
Simple ways to support your circulation:
• Legs up the wall at the end of the day
• Compression socks
• Avoid excess weight around your stomach (adiposity)
Understanding the why behind your skin concerns is the first step to treating them properly. If varicose veins are something you’re worried about, our team is here to help guide you with expert, personalised advice.
06/04/2026
✨ Ask ID with Prof Caitriona Ryan ✨
💬 The question
“When it comes to anti wrinkle injections, does the severity of the result depend on how much is used?”
✅ Prof Ryan’s answer
Prof Caitriona Ryan explains that the answer is yes, but dose is only part of the story. Where the product is placed and, most importantly, the injector’s technique make a huge difference to the final look.
Many people worry about looking obvious or overdone. The classic “plastic” forehead often happens when the frontalis muscle is over treated. Not only can this look unnatural, it may also cause the brows to drop, leaving the face looking heavy, angry or expressionless.
However, anti-wrinkle injections can also be used very strategically. In experienced hands, they can help open the eye area and create a fresher, more rested appearance.
✨ What really matters
✔ Appropriate dosing
✔ Correct placement
✔ Skilled, conservative technique
✔ Preserving natural expression
💉 Prof Ryan’s perspective
The goal should always be a natural, expressive result that fits your face. Over-treatment can make people look worse rather than better.
✨ Final word
Anti-wrinkle injections should never look obvious. When done well, you still look like yourself, just fresher, softer and well rested.
05/04/2026
The art of natural anti-wrinkle results starts with consultation. A closer look at a consultation in the Institute of Dermatologists.
shares how she assesses, plans, and tailors every treatment to enhance - never overdone.
Anti-wrinkle injections are administered by our Consultant Dermatologists and Oculoplastic Surgeon only and consultations/ appointments are available through Phorest, link in bio 🔗
03/04/2026
A standout weekend
and took to the main stage across two days, sharing insights on the evolving intersection of longevity and aesthetics - from emerging trends to the future of patient care.
As well as speaking on the main stage across the weekend, Caitriona & Niki joined founder to discuss hormones, skin and the future of science-led skincare.
These conversations moved beyond theory, reflecting a shift towards proactive, long-term skin health.
The weekend also marked an exciting milestone with the introduction of to a consumer audience - bridging clinical expertise with everyday wellness.
Thank you to everyone who joined us.
02/04/2026
Is it possible to restore cheek volume without it looking obvious? 👀
Mid-face volume loss is a natural part of the ageing process, often caused by changes in fat pad position, a gradual reduction in collagen, and a loss of underlying structural support. This can lead to a flatter, more hollow appearance through the cheeks, as well as a softening of facial contours.
The good news? Subtle, natural-looking restoration is absolutely achievable. Dermal fillers can be strategically placed to restore lost volume, enhance facial harmony, and provide gentle lift - without looking overdone or “obvious.”
At The Institute of Dermatologists, our approach is always tailored and refined. By focusing on precision, product choice, and an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy, we aim to enhance your natural features rather than change them.
If you’re considering treatment, booking a procedure consultation with one of our experienced nurses in the Cosmetic Suite is the first step. We’ll assess your facial structure, talk through your goals, and create a personalised plan designed to deliver the most natural results.
You’ll find more information & booking links in our bio.
01/04/2026
“Sculptra isn’t for everyone…”
At shared what people often misunderstand about collagen-stimulating treatments during the panel hosted by
Sculptra works by stimulating your skin’s own collagen*,* helping to gradually tighten skin, improve structure, and restore quality over time.
Sculptra works by creating a supportive collagen lattice beneath the skin, forming a structural framework that reinforces weakened facial architecture and restores volume in areas affected by age-related fat and collagen loss.
Collagen regeneration occurs gradually over several weeks to months, allowing the new volume to integrate seamlessly with existing facial tissues for a natural appearance.
Because the results develop subtly over time, Sculptra avoids an overfilled look and provides refined, progressive improvement, making it an ideal option for patients seeking long-term facial rejuvenation.
Real skin improvement isn’t instant - it’s engineered.
30/03/2026
💬 The question: What do peptides actually do for your skin?
✅ Prof ‘s answer: Peptides have become a very popular ingredient in anti-ageing skincare, but what they do is often misunderstood.
They are chains of amino acids that act as signalling molecules in the skin - essentially helping to trigger processes like collagen production.
Why peptides are beneficial:
✔ Support collagen production to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles
✔ Act as “messengers” to encourage skin repair and renewal
✔ Help improve overall skin quality over time
A key peptide to know: Acetyl hexapeptide is a well-known peptide that works by reducing muscle contraction in the skin.
It’s often referred to as a “topical Botox” because it can help soften expression lines when used consistently.
Recommended products 🛒
✔ Polypeptide Firming Serum serum containing acetyl hexapeptide for collagen support
✔ IllumiLift Eye Masks - great for the delicate under-eye area, with both instant smoothing effects and long-term skin-supporting benefits
The takeaway: Peptides are a great addition to a routine if you’re looking to support collagen and improve skin over time, but patience and consistency are essential. They’re a long-term skincare ingredient that works gradually to support and improve the skin, so consistency is key.
Address
Institute Of Dermatologists, 10 Pembroke Place, Ballsbridge Dublin D04V1W6
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Institute of Dermatologists posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist: Expert in Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology
Professor Ryan is a Consultant Dermatologist, and is both Board Certified in Dermatology in the US and on the Specialist Register for Dermatology in Ireland. She attained a first class honours medical degree at University College Dublin where she graduated first place in her medical class. She commenced her training as a Dermatology Specialist Registrar at St. Vincent's Hospital and completed a dermatology residency and research fellowship at the esteemed Baylor Dermatology Residency program in Dallas, Texas. She remained on faculty in Dallas as Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology for the Texas A+M Health Science Center and Vice Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas. She now works as a Consultant Dermatologist at Blackrock Clinic and Hermitage Medical Clinic and is an Associate Clinical Professor at University College Dublin.
Professor Ryan has published a textbook on psoriasis, six book chapters, an encyclopaedia chapter, and over 70 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, including first author articles in JAMA and The Lancet. She regularly presents at international dermatology conferences. She has conducted both scientific and clinical research in psoriasis and other inflammatory dermatological conditions and was the Principal Investigator for drug trials in psoriasis and eczema conducted at the Menter Dermatology Research Institute, Dallas, Texas.
Professor Ryan specialises in medical and cosmetic dermatology. Her main areas of medical dermatological interest include psoriasis, melanoma, skin cancer, acne, atopic dermatitis (eczema), lupus, contact dermatitis, melasma, disorders of pigmentation and hair loss. She was nominated as a “Rising Star” in Dermatology by Superdoctors in the United States.
Professor Ryan is one of the only physicians in Ireland with formal expert training in Cosmetic Dermatology and was the director of Cosmetic Dermatology training at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas. She now supervises the Cosmetic Dermatology aspect of the Irish Specialist Registrar Dermatology training scheme. She has vast experience in the field of cosmetic procedural dermatology and offers a broad range of dermatological procedures, including anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers and laser procedures to treat to treat a variety of skin concerns, such as photo-ageing, volume loss, skin discolouration, acne scarring, surgical scarring, rosacea, broken veins, stretch marks and excessive sweating.
Professor Ryan has a considerable interest in medical education, particularly with regard to psoriasis education and melanoma awareness. She has been appointed as a councillor of the International Psoriasis Council, a member of the Medical Board and Editorial Board of the US National Psoriasis Foundation and a representative on the International Affairs Committee of the Women’s Dermatological Society. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the Royal College of Physicians Ireland, the British Association of Dermatologists, the Irish Association of Dermatologists and the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group.
