Centre of Excellence for Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology
Our mission is to deliver excellence and the highest standards in Medical and Cosmetic Dermatologic care
10/03/2026
✨ Myth Buster with Prof Niki Ralph ✨
❌ Myth
Nails need to breathe so they should not be painted regularly
💬 A question Prof Niki Ralph hears often
“Should I stop wearing nail polish to let my nails breathe?”
✅ The truth
This is not true. Nails do not need oxygen. The nail plate is made of keratin, which consists of dead cells formed in the nail matrix beneath the cuticle.
Because nails are hard keratin, topical creams do not pe*****te them as easily as they do the skin.
✨ Good nail habits
While nails do not need to breathe, it is sensible to remove polish from time to time and check the nails carefully. Look for any damage, discolouration or pigmentation before applying fresh polish.
✨ Final word
Nails do not need to breathe, but regular nail checks and sensible nail care remain important when wearing polish frequently.
NailCareTips
10/03/2026
Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist joined The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk this weekend to discuss a common question dermatologists hear every day:
Is it really acne?
Many people assume that red spots automatically mean acne. In reality, several different skin conditions can look similar but require completely different treatment.
During the interview, Professor Ralph explained how to recognise the difference between:
• Acne, which typically begins with blackheads (comedones which are blocked pores
• Rosacea, a common condition affecting many fair-skinned Irish patients
• Perioral dermatitis, which often worsens with harsh products applied to the face damaging the skin barrier
• Keratosis pilaris, small rough red bumps commonly seen on the upper arms
Treating the wrong condition can often exacerbate the skin condition, particularly when harsh acne products are used unnecessarily.
If you’re unsure what’s causing persistent spots or redness, it’s always best to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
🎧 Listen to the full interview via the link in our bio.
09/03/2026
✨ Ask ID with Prof Caitriona Ryan ✨
💬 The question
“Does B—-x in a bottle skincare really work?”
✅ Prof Ryan’s answer
Prof Caitriona Ryan explains that the so-called ‘Botox in a bottle’ is not botulinum toxin at all. Most products refer to a peptide called acetyl hexapeptide.
This ingredient works by influencing neurotransmission in the skin, helping soften the appearance of expression lines by reducing repetitive micro-muscle contractions. It can be particularly helpful around the eyes, including crow’s feet and fine lines in the under-eye area.
However, it is important to understand that it is not a substitute for injectable botulinum toxin.
✨ Products Prof Ryan mentions
Illumilift Brow Aid Eye Mask
Clinical Skin Polypeptide Serum
These formulas combine acetyl hexapeptide with other peptides and barrier-supporting ingredients to help smooth and support the delicate eye area and overall skin.
✨ Final word
Botox in a bottle is a nickname, not a literal equivalent. Acetyl hexapeptide can help soften fine lines, but it works best as part of a good skincare routine rather than a replacement for injectable treatments.
08/03/2026
✨ Myth Buster with Prof Niki Ralph ✨
❌ Myth
Wounds heal better when you let them breathe and dry out
💬 A common belief Prof Niki Ralph hears
After a fall or graze, many people think wounds should be left open to air to heal.
✅ The truth
This is not correct. Moisture has been shown to speed up wound healing and reduce scar formation.
If the top layer of skin has been scraped off and the area looks pink and raw, it is important to keep the wound clean and moisturised rather than allowing it to dry out and scab.
✨ What to do instead
Gently cleanse the area with a mild emollient and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to maintain moisture and support faster healing. If the area is likely to be knocked or irritated, it is sensible to keep it covered with a dressing.
The same principle applies to absorbable sutures after procedures, where daily Vaseline is often recommended to support healing.
✨ Final word
Do not let wounds dry out and breathe. Cleanse gently, keep the area moisturised and protect it while it heals.
SkinEducation
08/03/2026
Behind every patient we care for is an extraordinary team of women.
This International Women’s Day, we are proud to recognise the women across the Institute of Dermatologists who bring expertise, compassion and dedication to their work every day.
From our consultant dermatologists, nurses & therapists to the many colleagues supporting patients behind the scenes, their commitment helps us deliver the highest standard of dermatology care.
Today we celebrate our team, our patients, and the many women who inspire us every day.
07/03/2026
Vicki’s Secret PRO — 1 Week Later
One week on from Vicki’s Secret PRO treatment, the healing phase is complete and her skin is looking brighter, smoother and more radiant.
At this stage, most patients have moved through the initial redness, swelling and shedding phase and can return to their normal skincare routine.
In the lead-up to treatment, Vicki focused on supporting her skin with ingredients such as retinol, peptides and vitamin C, before stopping active products in the week prior to her appointment to allow the skin barrier to prepare for treatment.
Following the procedure, careful aftercare helped support healing — including hydration, barrier-supporting skincare and mineral SPF protection.
As Vicki explains, Secret PRO works by creating controlled inflammation within the skin to trigger collagen production. The recovery phase then focuses on supporting the skin as it heals and regenerates.
Now that the initial healing is complete, the skin will continue to improve over the coming months as collagen remodelling progresses.
Vicki last had this treatment two years ago and plans to repeat it again in the future as part of her long-term skin health routine.
Secret PRO treatments are currently available at 10% off throughout March.
Full details are available via the link in our bio.
05/03/2026
✨ Ask ID with Prof Niki Ralph ✨
💬 The question� “Why do I freckle while my friend tans? I would much prefer an even tan.”
✅ Prof Ralph’s answer� Prof Niki Ralph explains that this mostly comes down to genetics and the type of melanin in your skin.
People who tan evenly tend to have higher levels of eumelanin, the brown-to-black pigment that produces a more uniform tan.
Those who freckle more easily, particularly fair-skinned individuals and people with red hair or lighter eyes, tend to have more pheomelanin, the red to yellow pigment. This type of pigment is distributed in small clusters, which is why freckles appear rather than an even tan.
Importantly, both tanning and freckling are signs of UV-induced skin damage.
☀️ Prof Ralph’s advice� ✔ Do not chase a tan� ✔ Protect freckle-prone skin carefully� ✔ Wear sunscreen 365 days a year
✨ Final word� If you freckle instead of tan, it is simply how your genetics express pigment. The goal is not to force a tan, but to protect your skin well to prevent long-term sun damage.
05/03/2026
Vicki’s Secret PRO — Day 5
We’re continuing to follow Vicki’s recovery after her Secret PRO treatment.
By Day 5, the majority of the crusting has resolved and swelling has settled. If you look closely, you may still see faint grid-like marks where the microscopic treatment zones were created — these continue to fade as the skin completes the healing process.
At this stage, many patients are able to return to makeup and gradually resume their usual skincare routine.
The eye area can remain slightly dry or sensitive, so continued hydration is important while the skin barrier strengthens.
Overall, Vicki’s skin is healing well — and the focus now shifts to keeping the skin hydrated and protected as regeneration continues beneath the surface.
Secret PRO treatments are currently available at 10% off throughout March.
Full details are available via the link in our bio.
04/03/2026
💬 The question
“What is the best treatment for a fungal nail infection?”
✅ Prof Ryan’s answer
Prof Caitriona Ryan stresses that the most important first step is confirming that it truly is a fungal infection.
Many patients assume any thickened or yellow nail is fungal, but Prof Ryan often finds the cause is mechanical trauma instead, particularly in people who run or hike frequently.
Before starting any treatment, your GP should send nail clippings for fungal culture. If fungus is not present, antifungal treatments will not work, no matter how long they are used.
✨ Topicals and laser
Topical treatments and laser therapies generally have low success rates because they struggle to pe*****te the nail plate effectively. Even with active ingredients, results are often similar to placebo unless pe*******on is enhanced.
✨ Most effective treatment
For a confirmed fungal nail infection, oral antifungal medication is usually required. Terbinafine is most commonly used, typically for three to six months depending on severity.
Because terbinafine is metabolised by the liver, Prof Ryan recommends checking liver function tests around six weeks. The risk of liver injury is very low, but monitoring is standard practice.
✨ Prof Ryan’s approach
✔ Confirm fungus with nail culture first
✔ Avoid treating blindly
✔ Understand topicals often have limited benefit
✔ Use oral antifungals for proven infection
✔ Monitor liver function during treatment
✨ Final word
If a fungal nail infection is truly present, it is very treatable. The key is accurate diagnosis first, followed by treatment that can actually reach the infection.
04/03/2026
Vicki’s Secret Pro — Day 4
We’re continuing to follow Vicki’s recovery after her Secret Pro treatment.
Day 4 is typically when patients can begin going outdoors again with appropriate sun protection. Protecting the skin during this stage of healing is essential.
As part of her aftercare routine, Vicki is using the mineral sunscreens provided in her post-treatment kit — EltaMD UV Recovery and EltaMD AOX Elements.
EltaMD UV Recovery contains a subtle green tint, which can help neutralise redness while supporting the skin barrier as it heals.
EltaMD AOX Elements provides antioxidant protection and a light tint, making it a good option for patients who would like a little coverage while their skin continues to recover.
At this stage of healing, much of the crusting has already started to shed, although some dryness can remain in areas where the skin is still renewing.
Overall, Vicki’s recovery is progressing well. Over the coming days the remaining texture and dryness will continue to settle as the skin completes this early healing phase.
Secret Pro treatments are currently available at 10% off throughout March.
Full details are available via the link in our bio.
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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.
