How effective is psychodermatology?

A look into the work of psychiatrist-dermatologist Dr. Antonio Sison

- SKINVESTING DR. KAYCEE REYES

The azure waters of Boracay witnessed something extraordinary on August 4, 2025. BTL Philippines transformed the Shangri-La into a nexus where cutting-edge neuroscience meets aesthetic medicine, marking what may be the most significant paradigm shift in Filipino beauty culture since Botox was introduced to our shores decades ago. As someone who has spent two decades studying the intersection of preventive medicine and human behavior, I can confidently say we're witnessing the birth of truly integrative aesthetic medicine.

What captivated me most wasn't BTL's impressive credentials—though their ranking as the 30th largest medical device company globally, with over 600,000 installations worldwide, medical equipment and devices, and 300+ patents, certainly commands respect. Rather, it was meeting Dr. Antonio Sison, the Philippines' first and only board-certified psychiatrist-dermatologist, whose pioneering work in psychodermatology represents exactly the kind of holistic thinking our field desperately needs.

When minds meet mirrors

Dr. Sison’s dual specialization isn’t just innovative—it’s scientifically prescient. My Dresden International University training in preventive medicine taught me that the most profound health breakthroughs occur at the intersection of disciplines, and psychodermatology represents exactly this convergence. The science is compelling. Our brain and skin share the same embryonic origin, developing simultaneously on day 21 of embryonic life. When Dr. Sison speaks about treating the mind-skin connection, he’s addressing fundamental biology, not mere wellness trends.

SOUND MIND AND BODY Dr. Antonio Sison