Sharad P. Paul

Sharad P. Paul
Dr. Sharad P. Paul in 2024
Born1966
England
NationalityNew Zealand
CitizenshipNew Zealand
Education
Occupations
  • Skin cancer specialist
  • Academician
  • Family physician
  • Author
  • Entrepreneur
Years active1996–present
Organizations
  • Healthy Skin Lab (Founder)
  • Skin Surgery Clinic (Founder)
  • Baci Foundation (Founder)
Known for
  • Skincare innovation
Notable work
  • The Genetics of Health (book)
  • Skin: A Biography (book)
  • No-Tox® (cosmetic)
Websitewww.drsharadpaul.com

Sharad P. Paul is a New Zealand-based skin cancer specialist, family physician, social entrepreneur, author and philanthropist.[1][2][3][4] He has authored works of fiction including novels, poetry, non-fiction books, medical books, and scientific journal articles.[5][6]

Paul is known for his work in the skincare formulation industry and received the Skincare Anarchy Top Doctor award in 2024.[7] He founded Healthy Skin Lab, a skincare research and manufacturing company, and is known for developing No-Tox®, a topical, anti-wrinkle serum intended as an alternative to botulinum-based or injectable cosmetic treatments.[8][9] He also founded the Baci Foundation—a charitable trust that focuses on literacy and health projects in lower socioeconomic schools.[10][11]

In 2008, Time magazine referred to him as an “open-heart surgeon” [12] and the NZ Herald called him a “Renaissance Man” in recognition of his achievements.[13]

Early life and education

Paul was born in England, and grew up in India.[14] His parents moved to India when he was a child, and he has lived in New Zealand since 1991. He graduated as a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Madras in 1988. He completed a Master of Philosophy in Medical Law and Ethics at the University of Glasgow (2002), followed by a second MPhil research degree at the University of Queensland, where his research centered on skin surgery, biomechanics, and the anatomical principles that underpin skin tension lines.[1][15][16]

Career

Academic career

Paul began his academic career in 1996 as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland, where he developed courses in skin cancer and dermatologic surgery for primary care doctors. In 2005, he joined the School of Medicine at the University of Queensland with a focus on skin cancer surgery in primary care. In 2016, he became an Adjunct Professor at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), where he contributes to interdisciplinary and translational research bridging design, technology, bioengineering, skin biomedical science and personalized healthcare.[17][18]

He has also contributed to science and education policy as a member of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO. As of 2025, he serves as the World Dermatology Collaboration Director for Oceania, supporting regional advancement in dermatologic research, dermatologic surgery and practice.[19]

Entrepreneurial Activities and Innovations

Alongside his academic roles, Paul founded the Skin Surgery Clinic in Auckland in 1996, one of the region’s early centers dedicated to the surgical treatment of skin cancer.[20]

He also founded one of the first postgraduate skin cancer training facilities for primary care doctors in Auckland and has been teaching skin cancer surgery workshops since 1996. These skin & cancer Surgery Workshops offer hands-on training in reconstructive techniques, surgical anatomy, flaps and grafts, and wound care—often focusing on specific anatomical areas such as the nose or lower limb. These international workshops, designed for primary care doctors as well as experienced clinicians, emphasize practical skills, anatomical review, and collaborative learning.[20]

Paul developed No-Tox®, a topical, non-injectable anti-wrinkle serum intended as an alternative to botulinum-based or injectable treatments. The product, formulated without toxins was evaluated in clinical trials, with results published in the Journal of Clinical & Cosmetic Dermatology. It was a semi-finalist in the 2021 MIT Innovation Awards and is positioned within the facial aesthetics market, which is valued at $13.4 billion and growing at a compound annual rate of 8.8%.[8][9]

He is also the founder of Healthy Skin Lab, a skincare company that offers a range of dermatologist-tested products. Among them is a tinted moisturizer that was named best in its category by an independent reviewer. The company focuses on cosmetics research and developing evidence-based, non-invasive skincare solutions.[21]

Additionally, Paul previously established the Baci Group, which included a bookstore (Baci Lounge), and the Baci Foundation—a charitable initiative focused on literacy and health projects.[10]

Public Speaking and Media

Paul regularly speaks at international conferences and forums, including the THiNK Festival, Auckland Writers Festival,[22] Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs), Jaipur Literature Festival (London), Dalkey Book Festival, and various TED and TEDx events.[23][24] His presentations cover topics across medicine, literature, and public health.[18][25]

Publications

Non-Fiction

  • Biohacking Your Genes: 25 Laws for a Smarter, Healthier, and Longer Life (Beyond Words, 2024): Offers actionable strategies to optimize health by understanding and influencing your genetic blueprint.[26]
  • The Genetics of Health (Simon & Schuster, 2017): Explores how evolutionary biology intersects with ancient wisdom to promote personal well-being.[12]
  • Skin: A Biography (Fourth Estate, 2013): A multidisciplinary exploration of human skin through the lenses of biology, history, and culture.[27][28]
  • Dermocracy: For Brown Skin, by Brown Skin (Collins, 2014): Addresses dermatological concerns specific to people of color, promoting inclusive skincare science.

Fiction

  • To Kill a Snow Dragonfly (Fourth Estate, 2012): A drama weaving together politics, science, and philosophical reflection.
  • The Kite Flyers (Harper Collins, 2015): A coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of South India’s cultural landscape.[29]
  • Cool Cut (Picador, 2007): A novella blending satire, social commentary and the politics of Tamil Nadu in India.

Poetry

  • De Natura Melanoma (Middle Island Press, 2016)

Academic & Medical

  • Biodynamic Excisional Skin Tension Lines for Cutaneous Surgery (2018): A specialized reference book introducing novel approaches to optimizing skin surgery through biomechanical principles.

Selected findings and research publications

  • Skin Biomechanics and Surgical Planning: Developed a novel skin tensiometer device and conducted computational analyses to define Biodynamic Excisional Skin Tension (BEST) Lines, enhancing precision in cutaneous surgery.[30]
  • Melanoma and Hair Biology: Reviewed the optical properties of human hair in relation to UV absorption and potential links to melanoma risk.[31]
  • UV Exposure and Stem Cell Risk Modelling: Simulated the UV power absorbed by follicular stem cells during sun exposure, providing insights into early mechanisms of melanoma development.[32][33]
  • Elastin and Collagen Dynamics in Skin Surgery: Investigated the biomechanical differences between incisional and excisional skin tension lines, focusing on the interplay of elastin and collagen during wound closure and healing.[34]
  • Thermal Imaging in Reconstructive Surgery: Explored the use of thermal imaging cameras to non-invasively locate vascular perforators on the lower limb, aiding flap planning in reconstructive procedures.[35]
  • Sunscreens: An expert commentary on sunscreen safety, risks of chemical sunscreens, and advice for formulators. [36]
  • Halo graft: a new skin graft technique: A new simple method of skin grafting for lower limb wounds after skin cancer removals.[37]
  • Golden Spiral Flap: a new skin flap closure method: A new surgical flap technique adapted from existing rotational flap methods but based on the golden spiral pattern.[38]
  • Parallel relaxing incisions to aid wound closure after excision of large leg lesions: This new technique used principles of biomechanics and BEST lines to help wound closures on the lower leg under less tension.[39]

Philanthropy

In 2017, Paul created a mobile library classroom under his charitable foundation, the Baci Foundation, a free nonprofit initiative, which provides literacy and mentoring programmes to the disadvantaged children. He also funded literacy programmes in schools with his venture Baci Lounge which has served as a model of social entrepreneurship.[40]

Awards and recognition

  • 2024- Top Doctor, Skincare Anarchy Awards
  • 2018- Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame from the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern[41][42]
  • 2016- Distinguished Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners[43]
  • 2015- Ko Awatea International Excellence Award for Leading (Health) Improvement on a Global Scale [44]
  • 2012- Finalist - New Zealander of the Year Award [18]
  • 2012- Chair's Award - New Zealand Medical Association's highest award [45]
  • 2008- Time Magazine “Open Heart Surgeon[12]
  • 2003-Health Innovation Award

References

  1. ^ a b Kannan, Ramya (20 December 2014). "Just skin deep". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  2. ^ Johnston, Martin (4 June 2016). "Doctor by day, writer by night, a thinker at heart". NZ Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  3. ^ Morton, Jamie (30 December 2017). "Kiwis shouldn't top skin cancer death stats. An expert explains how to pick the best sunscreen". NZ Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  4. ^ K.P. (31 January 2019). "Gene therapy is not for creating flawless human beings: Dr. Sharad Paul". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  5. ^ "New book says laziness can be inherited". wusa9.com. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  6. ^ Maxted, Anna. "How safe is your sun cream? The new science of tanning". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  7. ^ "Skin and other stories". The Hindu. 19 January 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  8. ^ a b "2021 SEMI-FINALISTS". mit100k.org. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Academic develops unique skincare product for export". exportertoday.co. 6 July 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  10. ^ a b Sinha, Vipasha (19 January 2015). "Skin and other stories". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  11. ^ "Eight Year Old's Short Story Wins $5000 Library of Books". www.scoop.co.nz. 15 December 2015. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  12. ^ a b c "The Genetics of Health: The Science Behind Laziness, Lifestyle and Longevity with Dr. Sharad P. Paul". Kea New Zealand. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  13. ^ McFadden, Suzanne (26 September 2015). "Renaissance man". nzherald.co. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  14. ^ "Wellness Warrior: Dr. Sharad Paul – Salonpas®". Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  15. ^ "Paul, Sharad P". readhowyouwant.com. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  16. ^ "Sharad P. Paul". harpercollins.co. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  17. ^ Bradford, Alina (20 May 2017). "Sunburn: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment". livescience.com. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  18. ^ a b c "Dr Sharad P. Paul (0000-0001-9601-9109)". orcid.org. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  19. ^ "Uniting Global Experts to Transform Skin Health Together". worldwidedermatologycollaboration.com. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  20. ^ a b "Skin Surgery Clinic - Dr Sharad Paul". healthpoint.co. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  21. ^ "Sharad P. Paul". simonandschuster.com. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  22. ^ "Genes, Germs and Geography: The Future of Medicine". Chatham House. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  23. ^ "Dermocracy". The Hindu. 3 December 2014. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  24. ^ "ZEE JLF to map mankind's future with evolving science, tech & Artificial Intelligence". DNA India. 16 January 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  25. ^ "Wellness through skin". dermatogenomix.com. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  26. ^ Paul, Sharad P. (3 December 2024). Biohacking your genes. Beyond Words. ISBN 978-1-58270-958-1. Retrieved 16 May 2025. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  27. ^ "Skin: A Biography". www.nhbs.com. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  28. ^ Koshy, Jacob P. (16 May 2025). "Book Review | Skin: A Biography". mint.
  29. ^ "Stories from a surgeon". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  30. ^ "A New Skin Tensiometer Device: Computational Analyses To Understand Biodynamic Excisional Skin Tension Lines OPEN". ResearchGate. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  31. ^ Huang, Xiyong; Protheroe, Michael D.; Al-Jumaily, Ahmed M.; Paul, Sharad P.; Chalmers, Andrew N. (2018). "Review of human hair optical properties in possible relation to melanoma development". Journal of Biomedical Optics. 23 (5): 1–9. Bibcode:2018JBO....23e0901H. doi:10.1117/1.JBO.23.5.050901. ISSN 1083-3668. PMID 29752798. S2CID 21671144.
  32. ^ Huang, Xiyong; Protheroe, Michael D.; Al-Jumaily, Ahmed M.; Chalmers, Andrew N.; Paul, Sharad P.; Fu, Xiang (1 April 2019). "Simulation of UV power absorbed by follicular stem cells during sun exposure and possible implications for melanoma development". Journal of the Optical Society of America A. 36 (4): 628–635. Bibcode:2019JOSAA..36..628H. doi:10.1364/JOSAA.36.000628. ISSN 1520-8532. PMID 31044982. S2CID 127220103.
  33. ^ Huang, Xiyong; Protheroe, Michael D.; Al-Jumaily, Ahmed M.; Chalmers, Andrew N.; Paul, Sharad P.; Fu, Xiang (1 April 2019). "Simulation of UV power absorbed by follicular stem cells during sun exposure and possible implications for melanoma development". JOSA A. 36 (4): 628–635. Bibcode:2019JOSAA..36..628H. doi:10.1364/JOSAA.36.000628. ISSN 1520-8532. PMID 31044982. S2CID 127220103.
  34. ^ Paul, SP (2018). "Biodynamic excisional skin tension lines for surgical excisions: untangling the science". Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. 100 (4): 330–337. doi:10.1308/rcsann.2018.0038. ISSN 0035-8843. PMC 5958865. PMID 29543064.
  35. ^ Paul, Sharad P. (2017). "Using a Thermal Imaging Camera to Locate Perforators on the Lower Limb". Archives of Plastic Surgery. 44 (3): 243–247. doi:10.5999/aps.2017.44.3.243. ISSN 2234-6163. PMC 5447536. PMID 28573101.
  36. ^ Paul, Sharad P. (4 September 2019). "Ensuring the Safety of Sunscreens, and Their Efficacy in Preventing Skin Cancers: Challenges and Controversies for Clinicians, Formulators, and Regulators". Frontiers in Medicine. 6: 195. doi:10.3389/fmed.2019.00195. ISSN 2296-858X. PMC 6736991. PMID 31552252.
  37. ^ Paul, Sharad P. (2010). ""Halo" grafting--a simple and effective technique of skin grafting". Dermatologic Surgery. 36 (1): 115–119. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01363.x. ISSN 1524-4725. PMID 19889162.
  38. ^ Paul, Sharad P. (2016). "The Golden Spiral Flap: A New Flap Design that Allows for Closure of Larger Wounds under Reduced Tension - How Studying Nature's Own Design Led to the Development of a New Surgical Technique". Frontiers in Surgery. 3: 63. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2016.00063. ISSN 2296-875X. PMC 5110558. PMID 27900320.
  39. ^ Paul, Sharad P. (2017). "Biodynamic Excisional Skin Tension Lines for Excisional Surgery of the Lower Limb and the Technique of Using Parallel Relaxing Incisions to Further Reduce Wound Tension". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open. 5 (12): e1614. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001614. ISSN 2169-7574. PMC 5889464. PMID 29632788.
  40. ^ "Doctor spreads love of words to children". Stuff. 10 September 2009. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  41. ^ "Dr Sharad Paul inducted into Kiwi-Indian Hall of Fame 2018". Indian Weekender. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  42. ^ "Hall of Fame Awards 2019: Time to celebrate achievers in the Kiwi-Indian community". Stuff. 25 July 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  43. ^ "Congratulations to the recipients of the 2016 College Awards that were presented on Saturday 30 August at the Annual Conference at Langham Hotel, Auckland". rnzcgp.org.nz.
  44. ^ "Sharad Paul - JLF Adelaide". jlflitfest.org. 17 September 2013. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  45. ^ "Learn to eat, eat to learn': The doctor taking on childhood obesity in Glen Innes". Newshub. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
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