The Passing of A Legend
Written by DERMASCOPE Magazine
Peter Pugliese, M.D., a leader, luminary, and legend in the skincare industry passed away peacefully on Friday evening, January 15th, 2021 at his home in Bernville, Pennsylvania at the age of 94. The world-renowned skin physiologist, inventor of 13 patents, and author of hundreds of industry publications and presentations leveraged a lifelong curiosity to pioneer innovations that elevated and transformed the science and business of professional skin care.
Dr. Pugliese authority, innovator, and entrepreneur in the fields of cosmetic chemistry, ingredient formulation, and precision skincare, Dr. Pugliese began his career as a physician in 1957. His passion for scientific discovery and humanitarian causes led to contributions well beyond the medical office. From inventing apparatus for measuring blood glucose concentrations to measuring moisture content of skin and enzyme activity, his efforts contributed to scientific advancements benefitting human and veterinary technologies.
As a humanitarian he self-funded and implemented the first successful methadone clinic, treating prison inmates addicted to heroin in the 1960s. A champion of the environment a half-century before sustainability became mainstream, he published reports about the toxic environmental offsets of the industrial economy. His published articles on topics such as the prevalence of berylliosis among factory workers were referenced by researchers around the world.
Beyond his medical practice, research, and scholarly publications, Dr. Pugliese was a pioneer in advanced aesthetics, which became the professional passion project of his life. Beginning in the late 1970s he became a fixture at the world’s leading gatherings of ingredients, formulation, and cosmetic science events, including the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, American Academy of Dermatologists, Society of Bioengineering and the Skin, Society of Investigative Dermatology, American Association Advancement of Science and more. In 1996, he was awarded the Mason G. deNavarre Medal Award, The American Society of Cosmetic Chemists highest honor.
Nearly 50 years after beginning his career as a physician Dr. Pugliese founded Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, a skincare system based on the circadian rhythms of the body and the science of chronobiology. Circadia became the first product manufacturer to introduce topical ingredients proven to work with the body’s natural circadian rhythms. Today, his grandson Michael Pugliese serves as CEO of Circadia.
Remarking on his grandfather’s legacy, Michael stated, “No one in the industry has not been influenced by his contributions and spirit of generosity. Whether someone requested a consult, a scientific review, or an honest opinion, my grandfather was always there to nurture, coach, and inspire. His humility, service, leadership and love epitomizes a life well lived.”
A craftsman who employed his head, heart, and hands to make the world more beautiful, Dr. Pugliese was a talented woodworker who enjoyed designing and crafting well into his tenth decade of life. As a patriot, Dr. Pugliese served his nation in the United States Marine Corps and United States Army. Amid a life of service to industry, community, and country, Dr. Pugliese remained committed to his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Wishing the courage, strength, and love to help the Pugliese family through their loss. Peter Pugliese, M.D. will stay ageless in the memories of those who loved him and through the pages of DERMASCOPE. With his support and contributions to the magazine for over 45 years, this is truly the passing of a legend.
As a humanitarian he self-funded and implemented the first successful methadone clinic, treating prison inmates addicted to heroin in the 1960s. A champion of the environment a half-century before sustainability became mainstream, he published reports about the toxic environmental offsets of the industrial economy. His published articles on topics such as the prevalence of berylliosis among factory workers were referenced by researchers around the world.
Beyond his medical practice, research, and scholarly publications, Dr. Pugliese was a pioneer in advanced aesthetics, which became the professional passion project of his life. Beginning in the late 1970s he became a fixture at the world’s leading gatherings of ingredients, formulation, and cosmetic science events, including the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, American Academy of Dermatologists, Society of Bioengineering and the Skin, Society of Investigative Dermatology, American Association Advancement of Science and more. In 1996, he was awarded the Mason G. deNavarre Medal Award, The American Society of Cosmetic Chemists highest honor.
Nearly 50 years after beginning his career as a physician Dr. Pugliese founded Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, a skincare system based on the circadian rhythms of the body and the science of chronobiology. Circadia became the first product manufacturer to introduce topical ingredients proven to work with the body’s natural circadian rhythms. Today, his grandson Michael Pugliese serves as CEO of Circadia.
Remarking on his grandfather’s legacy, Michael stated, “No one in the industry has not been influenced by his contributions and spirit of generosity. Whether someone requested a consult, a scientific review, or an honest opinion, my grandfather was always there to nurture, coach, and inspire. His humility, service, leadership and love epitomizes a life well lived.”
A craftsman who employed his head, heart, and hands to make the world more beautiful, Dr. Pugliese was a talented woodworker who enjoyed designing and crafting well into his tenth decade of life. As a patriot, Dr. Pugliese served his nation in the United States Marine Corps and United States Army. Amid a life of service to industry, community, and country, Dr. Pugliese remained committed to his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
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