Iron–Skin Axis: Exploring the Interplay Between Iron Homeostasis and Skin Disorders

October 2025 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Doha Chrayteh, Sophie Vaulont, Carole Peyssonnaux

TLDR Iron balance is crucial for skin health, affecting conditions like psoriasis and hair loss.

This review examines the critical role of iron in skin health, focusing on the hepcidin–ferroportin axis as a key regulator of iron homeostasis. Iron influences skin functions such as keratinocyte proliferation, pigmentation, immune response, and wound healing. Imbalances in iron levels can lead to skin disorders like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, affect infection susceptibility, and contribute to ferroptosis, which is linked to melanocyte destruction and tumorigenesis. The review also discusses the impact of iron on hair physiology and skin pigmentation, exploring therapeutic strategies like iron chelators and hepcidin modulators. Targeting the iron–skin axis holds potential for dermatologic therapies, with iron chelation therapy showing promise in clinical applications. Additionally, oral iron supplementation has been effective in treating hair loss. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and evaluate the safety of these interventions.

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