Superwoman Dr. Maryam Zamani
Dr.Maryam is an Oculoplastic Surgeon, widely known as “The Eye Doctor” in private practice in London, turned skin care heroine when her passion project, MZ Skin, turned into a business. And, of course, she’s surrounded by women supporting other women. “Inspiration just comes in the strangest of forms and surrounding yourself with people who are amazing just lifts everybody. We are raising the bar, collectively” she says.
What did you do before you founded MZ Skin and how has it helped inform how you do what you do now?
Sometimes, I think life experiences and paths really pave the way for each person differently. I am the perfect example. After completing my ophthalmology training in the states and relocating to London, I completed two oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery fellowships while my US board certifications and credentials were being transferred over. This was when I became interested in hyaluronic acid fillers, doing research for their aesthetic and reconstructive purposes in patients with deformities from previous traumas and cancers. Without surgery, we could dramatically improve the aesthetic appearance of the face, which thrilled both the patient and me. This prompted me to learn more about the skin and what other non-surgical treatments could be done to help my patients. And this is when I enrolled in a Dermatology Course with Cardiff University. Soon after I started my private practice on Sloane Street doing a combination of all the learning I had done- both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. MZ Skin started as a passion project for something I wanted for myself and my patients that I could not find in the market - clean, effective formulations, backed by science for the modern-day woman that wanted skincare with a luxurious experience.
What’s been the most surprising element of starting your own business?
I did not realize when I embarked on this journey that creating the actual creams would be the easy part. The business plan and implementation was difficult because it was all new territory. As this has been a self funded project, I had to choose wisely and minimize expensive mistakes. For every aspect of development, I met and spoke to numerous people before I found ‘the one’ to incorporate into the MZ Skin team. Everyday I am confronted with little obstacles that I have learned to navigate. While it has been absolutely so much more than I ever dreamed, there have been a few learning curves thrown our way.
What are some daily non-negotiables for you when it comes to taking care of yourself?
Exercise! I always make sure I have time every evening to get my workout in. Two to threes times weekly I have my trainer David to help train with light weights. I hate weight bearing training but know how important it is to maintain strength and bone density. Twice weekly I have one on one reformer Pilates classes to help re-align my posture and lengthen my body, and pretty much every evening I spend 45 minutes on the elliptical at kx gym to get my cardio in. When I travel, I like to incorporate hikes and walks into the mix and find a local trainer or gym as well.
How do you implement your own products into your routine?
I like to keep skincare simple and I always say the best routine you can have is the one you are consistent with. When you have a very active lifestyle a complicated skincare routine is not realistic, in the mornings I recommend cleansing the face, followed by skincare including eye cream, a serum targeting your specific skin concerns and then a moisturiser with SPF. Then in the evenings it’s pretty similar- cleanse, then enhance with serums, eye cream and a moisturiser. It’s always nice to have time once or twice a week to enhance this with a relaxing ritual that can include ampoules, masks and the LightMAX Supercharged LED 2.0 Mask
LIGHTMAX SUPERCHARGED LED 2.0 MASK
What other brands, founders or personalities do you find inspiring?
I have a lot of really fabulous women around me who I can talk to and look up to. These women are really on top of their game. I actually find this a really hard question because I love being around people who have gone out and taken a risk and said: ‘You know what, I’m going to try this’ and then making it work and then sometimes having it explode is just phenomenal. Inspiration just comes in the strangest of forms and surrounding yourself with people who are amazing just lifts everybody. We are raising the bar, collectively. I’ve always been a huge fan of Estee Lauder and her story!
What website or IG page do you visit daily for input and to stay up to date?
@mzskinofficial of course. We try to help our viewers learn about our ingredients, our products, and what they can do for you. I also love our pink- powerful yet soothing, calming and always chic aesthetic.
How do you structure your work day to help get things done while staying calm?
There is no routine day but they are all quite full. I am not an early morning person so I organize in the evening so I can have a late wake up at about 7:15. A little breakfast before the school run and I am in the office by 8:30 and start seeing patients at 8:45/9 am. I spend time with my MZ Skin team everyday- either in the am or the afternoon depending on my clinic schedule and then I am home when my children get home. At that point, I take a pause to be with them and now that they are older, while they do homework, I train - either doing cardio, pilates, or weight training. We have dinner together on most nights and then I finish off the rest of my emails, prepare for the next day and relax with my husband. I have a strict policy of sleeping my 7.5 hours a night and also working out. And of course I try to make time to see friends for dinner a couple of times a week as well. Weekends I tend to spend with the family and try to limit work to 2 hours a day. It is always a juggle but also very rewarding.
Who do you turn to for advice, support and help?
I always turn to family such as my mum or my husband for support and advice, as they know me the best! Equally important is having a strong network of friends and other inspirational women who I can bounce ideas off of and learn from. We all have mentors at every level
What do you do to unwind and relax in the evening?
I like a little home ritual every week to help me relax while pampering the skin. I love a exfoliating mask like Radiance & Renewal followed by a facial mask like Hydra-Bright Gold Face Mask. I enjoy facial massages as they can improve circulation, lymphatic drainage and lighten your mood so it’s always nice to incorporate when you are applying topical creams. Most recently, I just launched our new LightMAX Supercharged LED 2.0 so I try to use it at least 3 times a week.
What’s your favourite meal to eat?
I’m a big fan of Persian food so anything with crispy rice always goes down well!
What’s your number one beauty “secret”?
I don't think there are secrets! Beauty sleep and hydration are essential, and a smile always makes everything look better!
Where do you go to relax, rejuvenate and recharge?
When I’m on holiday I love going for hikes and looking at pretty sea views, it really relaxes me. However, when I am at home I have recently started taking a short bath with Epsom salts and body oils at the end of the evening to relax me and prepare me for the next day. I think mindfulness comes in also when I exercise. I find that it helps clear my mind and gives me a mental break to refocus on doing something active
What’s your favourite travel destination ?
I love visiting Saint-Tropez, it brings back so many great memories and I get to spend so much time with my family and dear friends. Whenever I return, I feel calmer almost immediately.
Besides your own incredible products, what other Muse & Heroine products do you swear by?
I just absolutely love the supplements form Depurativa - delicious, vital with just the correct amount of nutrients.
Love the Uka shampoo and the fact that I can get refills. Feels divine to use and a pleasure to buy knowing I can refill!
Licia Florio nail polish in clay!