Aims & Scope

Aims

Dermatology & Skin Science (DSS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access, international journal dedicated to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of human skin diseases, as well as promoting skin health across all populations. The journal’s mission is to serve as an inclusive and rigorous platform for clinical and translational research, bridging dermatological science with real-world patient care. We aim to foster interdisciplinary communication and support innovation in dermatology by publishing methodologically sound studies - including those with negative findings that offer meaningful insights. DSS is published quarterly online by Scilight Press.

Scope

DSS covers all aspects of dermatology and skin science with an emphasis on relevance to clinical practice. This includes the biology, pathology, diagnosis, management, prevention, and societal context of skin diseases, as well as the broader role of skin in systemic health and human experience. Submissions are welcomed from clinicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, and scholars working in dermatology and related fields. We explicitly encourage contributions exploring the social, ethical, and humanistic aspects of dermatology, including patient narratives, cultural perspectives, disparities in access to care, and the psychosocial dimensions of skin conditions.

Target Audience:

The journal is intended for a global audience of:

  • Dermatologists and dermatology residents
  • Primary care physicians and medical specialists with interest in skin health
  • Researchers in skin biology and immunology
  • Allied health professionals (nursing, psychology, esthetics)
  • Medical educators and health services researchers

Methodological Approaches:

We welcome diverse research methodologies, including:

  • Quantitative and qualitative studies
  • Mixed-methods research
  • Translational and applied clinical research
  • Interdisciplinary collaborations across medicine, public health, and the humanities
  • Digital health, AI, and big data studies in dermatology

Key Topics of Interest (including but not limited to):

  • Inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases
  • Infectious skin conditions
  • Skin cancer and cutaneous oncology
  • Pediatric and geriatric dermatology
  • Procedural dermatology and therapeutics
  • Skin barrier function, microbiome, and systemic links
  • Cosmetic and aesthetic dermatology
  • Psychodermatology and patient-centred care
  • Ethics, equity, and the social dimensions of skin medicine
  • Emerging technologies: digital health, AI in dermatology
  • Health services, medical education, and interdisciplinary dermatology
  • Social, psychological, ethical, and humanistic dimensions of dermatologic practice, including cultural perceptions of skin and appearance.