Our Mission
Our mission is to advance knowledge and improve care in atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin diseases through clinical research, mechanistic investigation, education, and the development of novel, integrative therapeutic strategies.
Scientific and Medical Leadership
Rafal Pielak, PhD
Founder of Soteri Skin
Dr. Rafal Pielak earned his PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Harvard Medical School, where he studied the mechanisms of protein–drug interactions using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and other biophysical approaches. He then completed postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, where he investigated the molecular and cellular mechanisms of immune signaling and host–pathogen interactions using biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based methods.
Following his academic training, Dr. Pielak worked at Agios Pharmaceuticals, where he contributed to research programs aimed at identifying novel drug targets for rare monogenic diseases. He later became a founding member of the L’Oréal Technology Incubator in San Francisco, where he led an innovation team focused on translating advances in skin biology into clinically relevant technologies. His work contributed to product development for dermatology and skincare brands including La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, and SkinCeuticals.
Dr. Pielak is currently the founder and CEO of Soteri Skin, where he leads research and development of therapies for atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions. His work centers on the role of skin pH and the acid mantle as key regulators of epidermal barrier function, microbiome balance, and cutaneous inflammation, integrating insights from biophysics, immunology, and dermatology to develop science-based therapeutic approaches to chronic inflammatory skin disease.
Medical Advisory Board
Peter Lio, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology & Pediatrics, Northwestern University
Dr. Peter Lio is a Harvard-trained, board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology & Pediatrics at Northwestern University. He previously served on faculty at Harvard Medical School and is the founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center.
A nationally and internationally recognized authority in eczema and atopic dermatitis, Dr. Lio has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and three textbooks. He serves on the National Eczema Association’s Scientific Advisory Committee and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology’s Atopic Dermatitis Expert Resource Group.
Dr. Lio’s work uniquely blends evidence-based dermatology with integrative, patient-centered approaches to care, supporting patients of all ages with complex inflammatory skin conditions.
Daniel Butler, MD
Associate Professor of Dermatology, University of Arizona College of Medicine
Dr. Daniel Butler is a Harvard-trained, board-certified dermatologist and a globally recognized leader in aging and inflammatory skin research.
He began his academic career at UC San Francisco, where he became known for championing innovation, scientific rigor, and inclusivity in dermatologic research. Today, Dr. Butler leads the Inflammatory and Aging Skin Research Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, where his work is advancing how aging skin is understood, treated, and supported across the lifespan.
As part of his partnership with Soteri Skin, Dr. Butler provides expert insights, practical guidance, and science-driven perspectives to help translate cutting-edge research into meaningful, real-world skin health solutions for our community.
Jiade (Jeff) Yu, MD, MS, FAAD
Chair of the Department of Dermatology, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine
Dr. Jaide Yu is a dual board-certified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist who specialized in Atopic Dermatitis and Allergic Contact Dermatitis. He is Chair of Dermatology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. He is the current president of the American Contact Dermatitis Society.
Dr. Yu has worked extensively with industry partners in developing and advancing novel therapies for the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis and other inflammatory dermatologic disorders. He has a dedicated Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Dermatitis clinics that utilized the latest research and therapies for difficult to treat cases.