Sharad P Paul

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

Paul is known for his work in the skincare formulation industry and received the Skincare Anarchy Top Doctor award in 2024. 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. He also founded the Baci Foundation—a charitable trust that focuses on literacy and health projects in lower socioeconomic schools.

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

Early life and education Paul was born in England, and grew up in India. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs), Jaipur Literature Festival (London), Dalkey Book Festival, and various TED and TEDx events. His presentations cover topics across medicine, literature, and public health.

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. The Genetics of Health (Simon & Schuster, 2017): Explores how evolutionary biology intersects with ancient wisdom to promote personal well-being. 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. 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. Melanoma and Hair Biology: Reviewed the optical properties of human hair in relation to UV absorption and potential links to melanoma risk. 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. 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. 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. Sunscreens: An expert commentary on sunscreen safety, risks of chemical sunscreens, and advice for formulators. Halo graft: a new skin graft technique: A new simple method of skin grafting for lower limb wounds after skin cancer removals. 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. 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.

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.

Awards and recognition 2024- Top Doctor, Skincare Anarchy Awards 2018- Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame from the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern 2016- Distinguished Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners 2015- Ko Awatea International Excellence Award for Leading (Health) Improvement on a Global Scale 2012- Finalist - New Zealander of the Year Award 2008- Time Magazine "Open Heart Surgeon 2003-Health Innovation Award