In the world of dermatology, few names evoke the same level of respect and admiration as Dr. Brian V. Jegasothy. A pioneer, professor, researcher, healer, and innovator, Dr. Jegasothy dedicated his life to understanding the skin—not just as a biological organ, but as a dynamic reflection of health, immunity, and holistic wellness. Beyond his groundbreaking medical career, he was also the co-founder of Hylunia Skincare, a brand that seamlessly blended advanced dermatological science with the time-honored wisdom of Ayurveda.
But how did a Sri Lankan-born dermatologist with a prestigious academic career in the United States become a champion for clean, conscious, and holistic skincare?
From Colombo to the Pinnacle of Dermatological Excellence
Born on March 3, 1943, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Brian Jegasothy was a gifted student from the start. As a scholar at Wesley College, he won the prestigious Hill Medal in 1960 and went on to earn a direct entry to the newly established medical faculty in Peradeniya. He would go on to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Biology (1961) and Medical degree (1966) from the University of Ceylon, setting the stage for a journey that would span continents.
Driven by curiosity and a passion for healing, Dr. Jegasothy moved to the United States to pursue advanced medical training. After a mentor recognized his talent at a hospital in New York City, he was recommended for a dermatology residency at Yale University—one of the most prestigious programs in the country.
Over the decades, his academic and clinical journey took him through Duke University, the University of Pennsylvania, and ultimately to the University of Pittsburgh, where he served as Chairman of Dermatology from 1987 to 1999.
A Legacy of Scientific Breakthroughs in Skin Health
Dr. Jegasothy’s contributions to dermatology were as profound as they were diverse:
• He was instrumental in developing treatments for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer.
• He co-developed the photopheresis technique, now a standard treatment for advanced stages of this disease.
• He played a critical role in adapting FK506 (Tacrolimus) into a topical treatment for psoriasis and other immune-related skin disorders.
• His research into immunobullous diseases helped the medical community understand how autoimmune responses could damage the skin.
Throughout his career, he received numerous NIH grants, held editorial roles in leading journals, and lectured at over 50 top institutions worldwide, including Cambridge University, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, and Yale.
But despite this towering academic and clinical reputation, Dr. Jegasothy remained deeply rooted in values of empathy, community, and innovation.
Where Science Meets Soul: The Birth of Hylunia Skincare
In the late 1980s, Dr. Jegasothy met Dr. Lingam, a physicist and Ayurvedic practitioner who shared a bold vision: to create skincare that did more than treat symptoms—it would heal, nourish, and protect, free from the harsh chemicals that dominated the beauty industry at the time.
Dr. Lingam brought with him deep knowledge of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic medicine, which emphasizes balance, natural healing, and the power of botanicals. Together, the two doctors realized that modern dermatology and traditional Ayurvedic wisdom were not at odds—they were complementary.
This East-meets-West synergy gave birth to Hylunia Skincare, a trailblazing brand that:
• Eliminated harmful and irritating ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, and preservatives long before “clean beauty” became a buzzword.
• Infused its formulations with hyaluronic acid, plant peptides, and Ayurvedic extracts known for their calming, healing, and anti-aging properties.
• Focused on the skin’s immunological functions, understanding how inflammation, stress, and oxidative damage could prematurely age the skin.
Dr. Jegasothy’s scientific rigor ensured that every Hylunia product was backed by clinical insight, while Dr. Lingam’s Ayurvedic framework offered a holistic dimension that modern skincare had often ignored.
A Dermatologist Who Saw the Whole Person
What made Dr. Jegasothy so unique was not just his knowledge—it was his humanity.
He understood that skin conditions were not just skin-deep. They often reflected deeper physiological imbalances, stressors, and even emotional wounds. His patients and colleagues often spoke of his rare ability to blend clinical precision with compassion, always seeking root causes rather than superficial fixes.
This philosophy carried into Hylunia’s core mission: to create products that respect the skin’s natural defenses, reduce inflammation, and promote long-term wellness, not just cosmetic results.
A Legacy That Lives On
Although Dr. Brian V. Jegasothy passed away in 2007, his legacy continues through the countless lives he touched—as a healer, educator, leader, and innovator.
His vision lives on in every bottle of Hylunia—skincare that doesn’t just promise beauty, but delivers healing, balance, and protection.
Today, Hylunia is trusted by dermatologists, aestheticians, wellness practitioners, and skincare lovers across the world. It stands as a testament to what’s possible when rigorous science meets ancient wisdom, and when skincare is created by people who truly care.
