Dr Priya Sen: The Simple Secret to Healthy Skin

When it comes to taking care of our skin, today’s world is a maze of trends, hacks, and a never-ending conveyor belt of influencer recommendations – causing overwhelm in the pursuit of clear, radiant skin.
But to veteran Singapore-based dermatologist Dr. Priya Sen, great skin is not found in a ten-step routine or the next viral product – it starts from within. With over 20 years of experience, including 15 at Singapore’s National Skin Centre before founding her eponymous clinic, Dr. Sen has seen firsthand how mental and emotional health directly impacts the skin.
“As a dermatologist, you tend to develop a deep intimacy with your patients,” she says. “Over the years, I’ve seen that skin issues are often intertwined with my patients’ emotional state. Many of my consultations become less about skincare and more about relationships, work or life stress.”

Science supports what Dr. Sen has observed in practice: stress activates the body’s cortisol levels, which in excess, can impair the skin’s ability to regenerate, and disrupt hormonal balance. This in turn triggers inflammation, and worsens acne, eczema, or psoriasis.
“Stress hormones really impact the way your skin looks and feels,” she notes. “If you’re not sleeping well or are facing some emotional struggles, your skin will reflect that. Look out for dullness, breakouts, or signs of premature aging, such as visible lines and sagging.”
Dr. Sen explains that our skin perceives and reacts to stress responses almost immediately, whether it is environmental, physical, or mental stress. “The brain and skin are linked to each other bi-directionally. What happens in the brain, like experiencing high levels of stress, will affect the skin adversely, showing up as skin flare-ups or even hair loss. Similarly, when the skin is under stress from UV radiation or temperature changes in the environment, that can affect the brain and produce stress hormones.”
Dr. Sen’s minimalist, whole-body approach to skincare is not just professional, it is personal. As a child, she struggled with eczema. This was exacerbated by her love for outdoor sports like tennis and golf, where heat and sweat triggered flare-ups that left her itchy and self-conscious. Growing up and realising that mental stress also played a role in her flare-ups left a strong impression on her, imparting the importance of holistic treatment.

Hence, taking care of one’s mental health is just as important as protecting the physical body and skin. In light of this, Dr. Sen emphasises that healthy lifestyle habits, including a well-balanced diet, supplements, and exercise, may help to regulate stress hormones. “I meditate, do yoga, breathing exercises and similar relaxation techniques, which have been shown to reduce stress levels. I also play squash regularly, go boxing, golfing, and strength training. These release endorphins and are a healthy way to cope with continuous life stresses.”
“I think every dermatologist must have suffered with some kind of skin issue as a child,” she muses on her journey to becoming a dermatologist. “My eczema really affected me, physically and emotionally, but when I met my first dermatologist, I saw hope. That was the first time I realised my issue could be solved.”
As such, her empathy for patients runs more than skin deep. “Dermatology is a visual, practical field. Skin conditions are sometimes obvious and can feel deeply personal. Having gone through that myself helps me relate to what my patients are going through.”
With the explosion of beauty products and trends, Dr. Sen warns against falling for hype. “People come to me asking about ingredients like snail mucin or placenta extract because it’s all over social media. Unless there is scientific research to back it up, I don’t recommend it.”
She urges consumers to seek credible sources, like the American Academy of Dermatology or the Dermatological Society of Singapore, and to consult professionals rather than influencers. “Keep an eye out for free talks given by credited healthcare organisations,” she adds: such as the kinds she personally used to give while at the National Skin Centre.

Motivated to cut through the industry noise, Dr. Sen created PSskin, her own skincare line built on science-backed ingredients. The line was conceptualised in 2014, in response to many of her patients asking for simple, effective skin solutions. What started with a basic range of three serums has now evolved into a full range of products for each step within a pared-down, straightforward skincare routine: cleansing, toning, moisturising, and sunscreen – with options to add-on according to specific skin needs.
“My clients were confused about what to do because of the overwhelming and sometimes conflicting stream of information from social media,” Dr. Sen elaborates. “I wanted to produce a set of skincare that I know actually works.” Developed alongside a cosmetic chemist, and drawing from her years of experience doing clinical trials, the range focuses on natural ingredients and easy-to-follow regimens, tailored to different skin types.
So, what does Dr. Sen think having healthy skin looks like? Turns out, it is not about having a flawless or blemish-free complexion. “I think it’s being able to walk out of the house without makeup, because makeup should enhance your features, not cover it up. Healthy skin comes from living well, not just applying products.”
Dr. Sen’s top personal skin tips do not include exfoliants or serums. “Get good sleep, stay active, hydrate, and be happy,” she says simply. “If your lifestyle is in sync, your skin will follow. There’s no need for 20 products or complex routines. The goal is not perfection, but balance.”

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