Jetsetter: Secret London spots, travel skincare and the trick to de-puffing eyes with MZ SKIN founder, Dr. Maryam Zamani
10/03/24
The leading Iran-born oculoplastic surgeon and aesthetic doctors shares her favourite London spots, MZ SKIN essentials and talks ‘pro-ageing’
Few skincare entrepreneurs know the nuances of the face better than Dr. Maryam Zamani – one of the world’s leading oculoplastic surgeons and aesthetic doctors. Originally hailing from Iran, the London-based doctor’s experience spans 20 years, and it’s this passion, knowledge, and depth of experience that led her to find MZ SKIN. The brand launched in 2016 directly into the iconic Harrods, Knightsbridge, growing to be a force within the skincare industry – with its innovative ‘pro-ageing’, empowering healthy skin at every age. Here, she gives a glimpse into her local London life, shares her skincare secrets and what she can’t travel without.
You live in London, how would you describe your base to someone who has never visited?
Home is my safe, serene and colorful home filled with memories with my family, chocolate and candy spread throughout, flowers to brighten anyones day and the smell and noise of a family with small children.
If someone has 48 hours in your neighbourhood, where would you send them?
I love Chelsea Green – the Wild Tavern is one of my favourite neighbourhood restaurants. Le Petit Beefbar is also around the corner and one of the kids favourites. Andreas is where we buy our fruits and veggies, the fish mongers for our fish, and of course the Birley Bakery for my matcha latte and a little something sweet. A few streets away, I also love Pavillon Road for a little bit of shopping and to grab a bite to eat. And of course, I head to Kx every single day for a bit of a work out.
Favourite restaurant, bar and shopping area in London?
Shopping is a hard one. I still like to explore a few favourites on Walton Street and in Notting Hill but most of my shopping is now done online. Restaurants are the usual suspects for me – Dinings SW3 on Walton Street, Kx for something quick and light. Nobu is our Sunday staple and few others like Oswalds and La Loma.
What’s your road most travelled?
I think it’s probably the States. My immediate family is in the US so I generally take a few trips a year.
Tell us why MZ Skin is different and what makes it stand out?
Our target customer is the sophisticated, educated woman who is interested in beauty, longevity and the nicer things in the world. She wants skincare that works but also brings her joy in the process. MZ SKIN is a high performance female doctor-led range developed with science and designed for joy. The ethos is to ‘Reveal, Enhance, and Protect’ the skin using proprietary innovative pro-ageing formulations to give the consumer radiant, healthy skin at every age. At home skin rituals have been created to elevate skincare.
Tell us how your illustrious career as a world-leading Oculoplastic Surgeon helped you create the brand?
Being an oculoplastic surgeon with a special interest in facial aesthetics and a certificate in dermatology means that I hear about patient concerns every single day. I have formulated various formulations based on the needs I see in my office; the tired eye and uneven skin tone. One of the first places we see fatigue is in the eye area. No two eyes are created equal. Puffy eyes, dark circles and fine lines and wrinkles can be seen in isolation or in combination, requiring different ingredients and formulations.
For instance, puffy eyes can be exacerbated by certain topical ingredients that may improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is important to differentiate between the two. Skin tone and clarity is another source of dissatisfaction for my patients. I have created the simple ethos to reveal, Enhance and Protect the skin to help my consumer and patient achieve clear, radiant skin. Clear skin from pigmentation, acne, redness or inflammation means skin looks much more youthful.
What MZ Skin products would you say appeal to frequent travellers and those living in the GCC?
So many! First it is good to have a light exfoliation 2-3 times a week with the Cleanse and Clarify cleanser that doubles as a light mask. Then light hydration is key. Hyaluronic Acid Serum, the Light Moisturiser. Eye cream depending on the concerns. In the evening, I recommend using the Essence to Reveal skin, and then Enhance skin by equalising skin tone , reducing inflammation and break outs. I follow this with the Rest and Revive Serum and moisturiser depending on how it feels- light or rich depending on skin. Retinol is also an excellent product to incorporate into skincare will again help decrease the amount of sebum produced.
What would you say is MZ Skin’s hero product?
There are a few- soothe and smooth eye cream for sure, brighten and perfect Vit C, and our Rest and Revive serum!
Talk us through your travel beauty regime.
Generally I keep my routine simple. I arrive to the airport with a cleansed skin with just skincare on top and of course MZ SKIN. If I am on a short haul, I cleanse my face and add a bit more hydration and SPF before I land. For longer haul flights, I cleanse my face and often do a 10 minute LED light routine followed by soothe and smooth eye cream, Rest and Revive serum and my rich moisturiser with SPF.
What items are always in your suitcase?
Of course my MZ SKIN is always in my suitcase, a universal charger, a book I want to read, a shawl to keep me warm, cosy soaks to keep my feet warm, and lip balm.
Wheres next on your travel bucket list?
I want to do a little trip with the kids to Utah, to the Amangiri, Vegas for some fun concert at the Sphere and a dude ranch (currently obsessed with the Yellowstone series)
Where is your happy place in the world? Describe it for us?
St Tropez will forever be my happy place. The green wild nature with the umbrella pin trees are breathtaking, the blue of the sea with the backdrop of the coast line brings me mental calm. I swim every single day and hike along the coast. The light in the south of France is incredible, the air refreshing and nature stunning. The town is small and super cute, the restaurants yummy and old friends that make any place better. It is incredibly grounding and brings me inner peace.
Leave a Reply
