Orlando, the city of sunshine—and as of last week, the home of cutting-edge skincare. For a few days, it transformed into the global hub of dermatology, hosting the AAD Annual Meeting, where science, innovation, and beauty came together to redefine the future of skincare.
At ISDIN, we embrace this event with passion: showcasing our latest launches, hosting industry sessions with renowned experts, and sharing a half-century of expertise in sun protection. Alongside thousands of dermatologists from all over the world, we explored the insights that will shape self-care in 2025 and beyond.
For any skincare enthusiast, this is the event of the year. That’s why we’ve gathered the five key trends that stood out at the 2025 AAD Annual Meeting, bringing you insights straight from the professionals who experienced it firsthand.
Table of Contents
What is the AAD Annual Meeting?
Every year, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) brings together leading dermatologists, researchers, and skincare experts from around the world to discuss the latest in dermatology, aesthetics, and skincare technology.
This year, the event in Orlando was packed with insightful discussions, groundbreaking research, and exclusive product launches. As leaders in sun protection and skin health, ISDIN was proud to be part of this prestigious gathering, sharing our knowledge and engaging with the best in the field.
Our booth was a true representation of our commitment to science-backed dermatology, efficacy, and innovation. “We had the chance to showcase years of research, present our latest breakthroughs, and engage in meaningful discussions with top dermatologists,” shares Alessandro De Luca, Medical Affairs Specialist.
Want to relive the excitement? Let our team walk you through the event space on Instagram.
5 key skincare trends to know in 2025
From these three eventful days, we’ve distilled the five key skincare trends to take note of this year. Ready to get started?
1. A lesser-known acid takes the stage
Pigmentation remains a hot topic in dermatology, and the AAD Annual Meeting put the spotlight on tranexamic acid as a powerful topical solution.
Why is it so effective? ISDIN Pre-clinical Manager Anthony Brown explains: “Tranexamic acid helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots by minimizing factors that contribute to melanin production.” Melanin is the natural pigment responsible for bringing color to your skin.
As experts discussed our team’s latest findings on pigmentation conditions, they highlighted how tranexamic acid, combined with niacinamide and other acids, can effectively target uneven skin tone. This research is at the heart of our innovative Melaclear Advanced serum, designed to deliver a brighter, more uniform complexion within 12 weeks.
2. A spotlight on photoaging
More than ever, experts stressed the importance of preventing photoaging—the premature signs of skin aging caused by sun exposure and environmental aggressors.
Alessandro explains, “In addition to genetic or ‘natural’ aging, photoaging is accelerated by external factors, leading to wrinkles, sun spots, loss of elasticity, and, at times, cellular damage that can result in more serious conditions.”
Expert tips to combat photoaging:
The good news? Photoaging can be prevented. This is where daily habits play a key role. Alessandro continues, “Prevention and protection from the sun’s harmful effects shouldn’t just be a trend—they should be non-negotiable factors in our skincare routines.”
With that in mind, here are five essential tips*:*
- Sunscreen is your best ally: Aim to apply it every day, no matter the weather. The golden rule of dermatologists? Reapply at least every two hours.
- Nourish your skin from within: A diet rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E helps combat free radicals and oxidative damage.
- Get quality sleep and reduce stress: Rest and relaxation are essential for skin recovery and turnover.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Drinking enough water and using moisturizing products strengthens the skin and helps protect it from external aggressors.
- Consistency is key: A morning and evening routine is crucial in helping reduce the visible effects of photoaging.
3. The next-generation retinoid
Among the most talked-about ingredients at AAD was retinal (retinaldehyde), a potent yet well-tolerated retinoid that’s noted to act faster than traditional retinol.
Martina Trabacchi, pharmacist and ISDIN Medical Affairs Specialist, explains, “While retinol takes two steps to convert, retinal only takes one—meaning it converts into active form more quickly.” It helps renew skin, improve texture, and reduce visible signs of skin aging.
If you’ve been curious about retinal, now’s the time to try it. Our dual-phase formula, Retinal Advanced, offers a targeted solution shown to reduce wrinkles by 43% after four weeks.*
4. A must-have ingredient in nighttime skincare
Another key insight from the Annual Meeting was the growing focus on melatonin as a game-changer in nighttime skincare. Dermatologists emphasized its powerful role in supporting the skin’s natural overnight repair processes.
Lara Verdugo, ISDIN Marketing Manager, explains, “Melatonin has been clinically proven to help stimulate skin’s own indirect defenses.” Science shows it’s a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals brought on by daily skin stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. In simpler terms, “You’re able to repair the damage of the day and also take on all of the stress that your skin is subjected to the next,” continues Lara.
What else makes melatonin a rising star? It also enhances the skin’s ability to regenerate overnight, making it an ideal ingredient for well-aging formulas. “As we begin to age, (the skin’s) natural production of melatonin goes down—which means it needs to be supplemented,” Lara shares.
Here’s where melatonin skincare comes in. ISDIN is at the forefront of this trend, and Melatonik® embodies our innovation. Combining melatonin, bakuchiol, and vitamin C, this serum-in-oil works while you rest, helping to boost the skin’s natural defenses and restore a youthful look.
5. Beyond SPF—sun care that also repairs
One of the most exciting conversations at AAD 2025 centered around sun care that goes beyond protection. Under the bright lights of the stage at our Industry Session, world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Jean Krutmann revealed, “Today, we have the means and tools to improve the repair of UV-induced damage.”
This is where DNA Repairsomes®, a key technology in our bestselling sunscreens Eryfotona Actinica and Eryfotona Ageless, comes in. These products do more than shield the skin from UV rays; they help repair past harm from the sun.
Alessandro confirms: “Sun protection is essential, but repairing the effects of past exposure is just as critical. DNA Repairsomes® harness the power of photolyase, an enzyme that aids in repairing sun-induced damage, helping to maintain skin health over time.”
Sun care is evolving, and AAD 2025 made it clear: the future of sunscreen is not just about protection—it’s about repair.
What are the main differences between Eryfotona Actinica and Eryfotona Ageless? Check out the full guide.
The future of skincare is here
The 2025 AAD Annual Meeting reaffirmed that skincare is constantly evolving, driven by new voices in scientific research. From powerful ingredients like melatonin and retinal to groundbreaking sun protection and repair technologies, the industry is focused on prevention, rejuvenation, and long-term skin health.
Now, it’s your turn. Incorporate these trends into your skincare routine, listen to your skin’s needs, and make prevention your main strategy. It’s never too late to start—the steps you take today lead to the healthy, glowing skin you’ll enjoy tomorrow.
Reference:
*Evaluation of effectiveness in 34 women (41-70 years) with all skin types with moderate to severe photodamage during 84 days. Data on file. ISDIN Corp., 2025. Morristown, NJ.
Behind the blog:
Article written and reviewed by:
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time obsession with skincare into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics across Washington D.C. and Barcelona. What's in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.
