The Biggest Dermatology Breakthroughs From AAD 2025
The 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) meeting brought together over 22,000 attendees, including the best in the field, to discuss the latest advancements in skin care, regenerative medicine and aesthetic treatments. From artificial intelligence’s growing role in dermatology to the impact of GLP-1 medications on skin health, the conference provided a deep dive into the future of dermatologic care. Here’s what all the skin and hair experts were talking about.
The Rise of AI in Dermatology
Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD, who serves on the AAD’s AI committee, highlighted how artificial intelligence is reshaping dermatology. “AI is answering more patient questions than ever before, but it’s also pulling from unreliable sources like social media and Reddit threads, so dermatologists must play a key role in educating the public,” he said. While AI is enhancing diagnostics and patient engagement, the challenge of misinformation remains a critical issue, he notes
The Impact of GLP-1 Medications on Skin Health
Grosse Pointe, MI, dermatologist David Balle, MD discussed Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 medications, Zepbound and Mounjaro, and their potential impact beyond weight loss. “The benefit is reducing chronic inflammation, which is a root cause of many conditions, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. If you’re not at your ideal body weight, you fall into the category of chronic metabolic syndrome, which is linked to systemic inflammation,” he explained. By treating the patient holistically and addressing weight-related inflammation, GLP-1 medications may play a role in improving overall skin health
Filler Adjustments After GLP-1 Weight Loss
While these medications provide systemic benefits, their rapid weight loss effects can also lead to significant changes in facial structure, requiring adjustments in aesthetic treatments like dermal fillers. According to Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD many patients who previously had filler are seeing shifting results due to volume loss.
“I had a patient who was treated with filler before starting GLP-1 medications, and after significant weight loss, her filler didn’t move with her—it stayed in place while her face slimmed down,” Dr. Downie explained. “Now, we’re having to dissolve old filler and reinject in a way that aligns with their new facial structure.”
For those on GLP-1s, strategic filler placement is key to maintaining natural-looking volume. Dr. Downie notes that bio-stimulating fillers like Sculptra may be a better long-term option than traditional hyaluronic acid fillers. “Sculptra helps rebuild lost collagen over time, making it a more adaptable solution for patients experiencing volume loss due to rapid weight changes,” she said.
Restylane Skinboosters for Skin Quality
Restylane Skinboosters, an upcoming innovation from Galderma, were a major topic at the conference. Unlike traditional fillers, these hyaluronic acid-based boosters are designed for superficial injection and can be used almost anywhere, including the face, neck, décolleté and hands. “It’s not meant to fill a crease or hollow but instead enhances overall skin quality by addressing crepey texture and fine lines,” Dr. Balle explained. “They’re expected to improve skin in delicate areas and serve as a complement to, rather than a replacement for traditional fillers.”
A Pill That Hits Rewind on Aging
Dr. Vivian Bucay highlighted SkinBetter Science’s BioRewind ($135) supplement as a breakthrough in reversing glycation, which some experts say is a major driver of skin aging. “For the first time, we have real clinical evidence that we can reverse glycation damage, not just prevent it,” she said, emphasizing its ability to improve skin from the inside out. “In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, participants saw a 30 percent reduction in rough texture, 28 percent decrease in dullness, and 14 percent improvement in redness after 12 weeks, with skin biopsies confirming a measurable decline in glycation-related damage.”
The Connection Between Skin Care and Mood
Have you ever heard of a moodceutical? It’s a new concept in aesthetics introduced by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Steve Dayan and dermatologist Dr. Sabrina Fabi. The duo developed the first oxytocin-infused line, XOMD Skincare, designed to enhance both skin radiance and overall mood.
The line includes a Detox Cleanser ($48), Intoxicate Serum ($188) and Arouse Moisturizer ($155), and the married physicians, who have each led numerous clinical trials in the skin-care space, conducted their own testing. “At four weeks, confidence increased by 60 percent, and by eight weeks, 86 percent of users felt more self-assured,” Dr. Dayan shared. He also cited study findings showing the product had a statistically significant impact on perceived attractiveness and even sexual satisfaction.
Advancements in Hair Loss Treatments
Minoxidil has long been a go-to treatment for hair loss, but not everyone responds to it. “The reality is that only about 40 percent of people are responders to minoxidil, while the remaining 60 percent are low or non-responders,” explains Phoenix-based dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. Now, thanks to a simple Minoxidil Response Test by Daniel Alain ($139), patients can find out before starting treatment whether it will work for them.
“You pull a few strands of hair and send it in, and the test determines if you have the enzyme needed to convert minoxidil into its active form,” he says. “For around $140, patients get real insight into whether minoxidil is worth trying or if they should explore other options.”
In addition to testing for responsiveness, oral minoxidil is gaining traction as a promising alternative to the topical version. “Oral minoxidil is trending, and there’s a possibility that a new FDA-approved version will launch next year,” says Dr. Lal. “This formulation is designed to reduce swelling and cardiac side effects, making it a safer option for more patients.”
The Science of Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has long been a go-to treatment for precancerous skin conditions, and new advancements are making it even more effective. According to Denver, CO dermatologist Joel Cohen, MD, new red and blue light devices are being introduced to optimize the therapy’s results. “Biofrontera has a new red light for PDT, and SunPower LED has a new blue light coming out,” Dr. Cohen explained. PDT works by applying a photosensitizing agent to the skin, followed by exposure to a specific wavelength of light that activates the treatment. “After PDT, patients must avoid sunlight because natural light can inadvertently activate the treatment, potentially leading to side effects,” he added.
While PDT remains one of the most effective in-office treatments for actinic keratosis (precancerous lesions caused by sun exposure), ongoing innovations in light technology are making the process more precise and patient-friendly.
