Tingting Zhu,1 Fumin Fang,1 Hao Li,2 Dongyun Lei,2 Mao-Qiang Man3 

1Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Dermatology, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, 300120, People’s Republic of China; 3Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Mao-Qiang Man, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510091, People’s Republic of China, Email mqman@hotmail.com

Abstract: Skin is more than a physical barrier; it plays a crucial role in overall health, emotional well-being, and social interactions. Beyond its primary function in protection and sensation, the skin actively influences extracutaneous systems through immune regulation, endocrine signaling, and microbiome interactions. Dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea are linked to systemic inflammation, cardiovascular risks, and metabolic disorders, demonstrating the skin’s far-reaching impact on overall health. Additionally, skin appearance affects psychological health, self-esteem, and social engagement, reinforcing its significance beyond physiology. Maintaining skin integrity in aging populations may help mitigate the progression of systemic diseases associated with inflammation and aging. Enhancing epidermal function in neonates, particularly pre-term neonates, lowers the risk of infections and mortality rates, while promoting the weight gain. Understanding these broader influences of skin can lead to more holistic therapeutic strategies, emphasizing dermatological health as a component of overall well-being. This perspective explores the connection between the cutaneous and extracutaneous conditions, and highlights the importance of improvement of cutaneous conditions in the management of some health conditions.

Keywords: stratum corneum hydration, epidermal permeability barrier, inflammaging, keratinocytes, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome