With great pride and enthusiasm, we present the inaugural issue of Skin—a new international peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing dermatology and venereology. Our mission is clear: to build a high-impact, inclusive platform that bridges basic research, clinical innovation, public health, and translational science for skin health worldwide.
Why Skin now?
Skin diseases affect nearly everyone at some point in life. In China alone, over 240 million outpatient visits occur annually, reflecting a massive burden of chronic inflammatory disorders, infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, skin cancers, and aesthetic concerns. These conditions not only impair physical health but also impose substantial psychological, social, and economic costs. Meanwhile, Chinese dermatology has achieved landmark progress in genetics, immunology, imaging, and novel therapeutics—yet a premier English-language journal rooted in China but open to the world has been missing. Skin is here to fill that role. We are not launching another journal; we are creating a home-grown, globally oriented platform designed to elevate scientific discourse, secure an international academic voice for researchers, and foster genuine cross-border collaboration.
What we do: four core pillars
Our content framework rests on four interconnected pillars, reflecting the full spectrum of modern dermatology. To serve these pillars, Skin welcomes a diverse range of manuscript types—from original research and reviews to clinical images, guidelines, and consensus statements—ensuring that every valuable discovery, insight, or innovation finds an appropriate home.
(1) Basic and translational research—we will delve deep into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of skin physiology and pathology. From genetic discoveries to immune signaling pathways, this pillar provides the foundation for future breakthroughs. In this area, we publish Original Research articles reporting novel findings in disease mechanisms and biology, comprehensive Reviews of recent advances in fundamental research, detailed Protocols for reproducible experimental or translational studies, and Research Profiles offering in-depth scholarly overviews of distinguished investigators’ scientific contributions.
(2) Clinical innovation—we are committed to advancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy. This includes large-scale, multicenter clinical trials, novel pharmacotherapies, device innovations, and detailed case reports of rare or challenging entities. To support clinical advancement, Skin accepts Original Research on therapeutic developments, Case Reports with in-depth presentations of rare or novel conditions (including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up), Clinical Images that highlight instructive dermatologic findings, evidence-based Guidelines to assist clinical decision-making, Consensus Statements developed through structured expert deliberation when high-level evidence is limited, and Reviews that synthesize emerging clinical technologies and study findings.
(3) Population health and public policy—recognizing that skin health is inextricably linked to environmental, social, and epidemiological factors, we will publish research on disease burden, prevention strategies, real-world outcomes, and health policy. Skin health is public health. Under this pillar, we invite Original Research in epidemiology and health services research, Reviews of population-level challenges and interventions, Protocols for clinical trial designs or data analysis methods in population studies, and Commentaries that offer concise, opinion-driven perspectives on emerging public health topics or policy debates.
(4) New productivity drivers—in an era of convergence, we embrace “new quality productivity”—the integration of big data, artificial intelligence, multidisciplinary device engineering, and translational research. These drivers will redefine how we diagnose, treat, and prevent skin diseases. For this frontier, Skin welcomes Original Research on AI, big data, and device engineering applied to dermatology; Reviews summarizing convergent technologies and their future impact; Protocols detailing reproducible methodologies for AI model development or device validation; News briefs highlighting significant technological breakthroughs; and Research Profiles that showcase investigators who lead interdisciplinary work.
Beyond these four pillars, Skin also provides a forum for timely scholarly exchange through Editorials (invited expert commentaries on current trends or challenges), Commentaries (short, thought-provoking pieces on controversial or emerging issues), and News (rapid dissemination of significant developments in science and clinical practice).
In summary, no matter what form your scholarly output takes—whether a full-length trial, a striking clinical image, a reproducible protocol, or a multidisciplinary consensus—Skin offers a rigorous, visible, and welcoming platform. We encourage authors to choose the format that best tells their story, and our editorial team will ensure each submission receives fair, constructive, and rapid review.
The greater mission: elevating dermatology for global health
Beyond publishing high-quality research, Skin aspires to:
(1) Amplify global dialogue—connect researchers, clinicians, and public health experts across continents to address shared challenges in skin health.
(2) Empower innovation—support breakthroughs in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention that reduce suffering and improve the quality of life.
(3) Strengthen academic voice—enhance the global visibility and influence of dermatologic research from China and across Asia.
(4) Promote integrated care—link laboratory discoveries, clinical practice, and public health strategies for more effective, patient-centered care.
In doing so, Skin aims to become a trusted, indispensable resource for the global dermatology community and a catalyst for progress in skin health for all populations.
Our commitment to excellence and global collaboration
Skin benefits from exceptional leadership and governance. Our editorial team comprises internationally renowned authorities from leading academic and clinical institutions, supported by a distinguished international advisory board spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. This global network ensures rigorous peer review, broad geographic representation, and alignment with international publishing standards.
Published by People’s Medical Publishing House Co., Ltd. in partnership with China–Japan Friendship Hospital and The First Hospital of China Medical University, Skin combines strong publishing expertise with top clinical and academic excellence. We will publish both print and online versions to maximize global reach and accessibility.
Beyond the journal
Skin is more than a collection of papers. It is a forum for ideas that challenge convention, a platform for evidence that guides policy, and a community that nurtures the next generation of dermatologists, data scientists, and engineers. We will actively organize webinars, special issues on hot topics, and mentorship programs for young investigators.
Looking ahead
We invite you—researchers, clinicians, epidemiologists, and innovators—to share your boldest ideas and help us build a journal that truly reflects the diversity, vitality, and necessity of skin science.
The Author(s) 2026. This article is published by Higher Education Press on behalf of People’s Medical Publishing House.
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