Sheldon Pinnell, MD, 76, dermatologist and leading scientist behind L'Oreal’s SkinCeuticals, and J. Lamar Callaway Professor Emeritus of Dermatology and Chief Emeritus of the Division of Dermatology at Duke University, died in Durham, North Carolina on Thursday, July 4, 2013. Dr. Pinnell, known as the “founding father of topical antioxidants”, was the first to patent a stable form of vitamin C proven through peer-reviewed research to effectively penetrate skin, delivering eight times the skin's natural antioxidant protection, according to SkinCeuticals.
Early in his career, Dr. Pinnell made contributions to the understanding of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and the role of vitamin C in collagen biosynthesis. Over his lifetime, Dr. Pinnell had published more than 200 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals on dermatology topics such as photoaging, collagen synthesis, UV protection, topical vitamin C, and other antioxidants; and he also authored approximately 20 book chapters and holds ten patents.
A graduate of Duke University's Trinity College, Dr. Pinnell earned his medical degree at Yale University and trained at the University of Minnesota Hospital, the National Institutes of Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry in West Germany. Dr. Pinnell earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry at Duke University, where he graduated with Phi Beta Kappa academic honors.
In 1973, Dr. Pinnell returned to Duke University as an associate professor and investigator for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the Department of Medicine. A visionary leader, Dr. Pinnell developed and implemented strategic initiatives that facilitated the growth of Duke University's Division of Dermatology and culminated in the establishment of the nationally-recognized Department of Dermatology in 2009. He held the office of Chief of Dermatology for 15 years and retired in 2010 after 37 years of service. During his tenure, he trained over 100 residents, 22 research fellows, and left a legacy of 22 prominent dermatologists, including seven current department chairs, residency program directors, and associate department and vice chairs. Dr. Pinnell also served as a diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dr. Pinnell is survived by his wife, three sons and five grandchildren. A private ceremony was held on Monday, July 8th. Later this year, a celebration of his life will be held at the Duke University Chapel, in conjunction with the dedication of the Pinnell Center for Investigative Dermatology. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Pinnell's honor may be made to Duke University (PO Box 90581, Durham, NC 27701). Contributions may be designated for the Pinnell Center for Investigative Dermatology, or for Duke Athletics, the Sarah P Duke Memorial Gardens, and/or Nasher Museum of Art.
