Researchers

Skin immune diseases are not a single disease entity but rather a heterogeneous group of disorders. Recognizing that these conditions are often closely associated not only with skin manifestations but also with systemic immune-mediated or inflammatory conditions, we collaborate with researchers from diverse specialties. In particular, based on the frequent association between immune-mediated skin diseases and gastrointestinal disorders, we have developed a strong interest in the skin–gut axis and continue to conduct research in this field.

My research focuses on two core areas: skin aging and allergic and inflammatory skin diseases. My team and I aim to elucidate the mechanisms that maintain skin homeostasis and drive skin aging and the pathogenesis of allergic skin diseases. In my skin aging research, I investigate how inflammaging, immunosenescence, cellular senescence, and epigenetic dysregulation affect skin barrier function, the extracellular matrix, and the tissue microenvironment. I also focus on skin–brain interactions, exploring how the skin senses environmental stress and aging-related signals and communicates them to the nervous system and systemic physiological responses. Through this perspective, I seek to understand skin aging not merely as a local cutaneous process, but as a biological phenomenon closely linked to systemic health. In my research on allergic and inflammatory skin diseases, I focus on atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and pruritus, which are also central areas of my clinical practice. My team and I integratively analyze immune-cell networks, skin barrier dysfunction, cutaneous neuroimmune responses, and cutaneous immunometabolism. To this end, we employ an end-to-end translational research strategy that connects cells, animal models, and human studies, together with advanced multiomics-based analytical technologies. Ultimately, I aim to translate these findings into precision dermatology, translational medicine, regenerative medicine, and medical device–based therapeutic strategies.

My research focuses on vitiligo, pigmentary skin disorders, scars, skin aging, and dermatologic medical devices. Using cellular and animal models as well as clinical studies, I investigate the pathogenesis of vitiligo, pigmentary disorders, and scars, and develop novel therapeutic approaches. I am particularly interested in how physical stimuli affect skin tissues and cells, and how these processes contribute to skin physiology and disease development. I also study the mechanisms of skin aging, including cellular senescence, with the aim of developing strategies to regulate senescent cells and prevent or improve skin aging. In addition, I evaluate the dermatologic mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of medical devices, including laser-based technologies.