Oculoplastic surgeon and founder of MZ SKIN, Dr Maryam Zamani, has dedicated her career to understanding the delicate anatomy of the face and eyes, championing preventative skincare grounded in clinical expertise. So, what are the science-backed skincare formulations designed to protect the skin, support rejuvenation, and help you maintain that radiant, confident glow all season long?

As an oculoplastic surgeon, and founder of MZ SKIN, what does ‘healthy’ skin mean to you?

Healthy skin is skin that functions optimally – structurally, biologically, and visually. Clinically, that means an intact skin barrier, balanced hydration, regulated inflammation, and efficient cellular turnover.

Visually, it appears luminous, even-toned, smooth, and supple. Healthy skin should look vibrant, but more importantly, it should behave well: resilient to environmental stressors, quick to repair, and able to retain moisture.

What changes do you often see occur to the skin during this time of year?

Winter conditions can disrupt the skin barrier more than almost any other season. Cold, dry air outside and heated indoor environments accelerate transepidermal water loss, leading to dehydration, sensitivity, dullness, and increased fine lines.

In my patients, I see flare-ups of eczema, increased redness, and a general loss of radiance. The under-eye area often looks more hollow and tired as dehydration temporarily accentuates shadowing.

What ingredients do you consider essential for achieving a brighter, more radiant complexion?

A bright, radiant complexion comes from a balance of exfoliation, antioxidation, and hydration with 3 simple principles: to REVEAL, ENHANCE and PROTECT the skin.

To start, reveal skin with gentle cleansing and exfoliation. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) promote cellular turnover for a smoother, more refined texture while being gentle to skin.

Then, enhance skin with prescribed formulations to target skin concerns. Vitamin C brightens skin, neutralises free radicals and stimulates collagen production; niacinamide reduces inflammation, improves tone, and strengthens the barrier. Retinoids increase collagen production, improve texture, and reduce pigmentation, while hyaluronic acid and ceramides restore plumpness,support luminosity and bring long-term hydration. Fibalky, peptides promote collagen and elastin production to structurally support skin suppleness

Not forgetting prevention, which is key!I advise wearing SPF every day – even in the winter ( SPF 30 in London and SPF 50 in sunnier climates). And incorporate peptides to support the skin infrastructure.

What about the under-eye area? What ingredients can help rejuvenate this delicate skin?

The peri-orbital skin is the thinnest on the face, so targeted actives matter greatly. Under-eye products should be potent yet gentle – and always ophthalmologically safe.

For example, peptides encourage collagen synthesis and improve firmness without irritation; growth factors and bio-identical signals support dermal regeneration; bark extract andcaffeine reduce puffiness by constricting superficial vessels; ceramides strengthen the barrier and improve smoothness; and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid hydrates deeply to soften fine lines.

Can you break down a simple holiday skincare routine that delivers results – but without being overwhelming?

Focused, consistent steps outperform elaborate 10-step rituals. A realistic but powerful holiday regimen could include the following:

Morning routine:

• Gentle cleanse (e.g., MZ SKIN Calming Cleanser)
• Vitamin C serum for brightness (e.g., MZ SKIN Brighten & Perfect)
• Peptide-based eye serum/cream (e.g., MZ SKIN Intensive Bio-Placenta Eye Cream)
• Targeted serum (calming for sensitive skin, Vit C for pigmentation, Hyaluronic Acid for skin that needs extra hydration)
• Hydrating moisturizer (texture can determined if you prefer a lighter or richer moisturizer)
• SPF 30–50 (your glow is nothing without protection)

Evening routine:

• Cleanse – double cleanse if wearing makeup (e.g., MZ SKIN Cleanse & Clarify Dual Action AHA Cleanser & Mask)
• Exfoliating mask or acid treatment 1–2x/week (e.g., MZ SKIN Radiance & Renewal Instant Clarity Refining Mask)
• Retinoid or peptide serum (e.g., MZ SKIN Advanced Retinol Complex Serum or Reviving Bio-Placenta & Stem Cell Serum)
• Targeted eye cream
• Rich moisturizer or overnight mask

Which products in your line are best for boosting that elusive “glow”, and what makes them so effective?

The Radiance & Renewal Mask, a refining AHA acid mask, delivers instant luminosity by resurfacing dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, brighter base.

The Brighten & Perfect Serum hydrates, protects, and reverses oxidative damage to brighten skin and promote collagen production. The Intensive Bio-Placenta Eye Cream is a peptide rich formula to open eyes, depuff the area and support the delicate skin on the upper and lower eyelid. Finally, the Hydra-Lift Gold Face Mask infuse the under-eye skin with moisture, peptides, and gold to revive dull, tired skin rapidly — perfect before events.

How does the Intensive Bio-Placenta Eye Cream support rejuvenation and luminosity?

The Intensive Bio-Placenta Eye Cream uses a complex of biomimetic growth factors, peptides, and hydrating actives. These mimic the skin’s natural regenerative signals to increase collagen production, improve elasticity, and smooth fine lines. Brightening agents reduce dark circles, while nourishing lipids restore the delicate barrier so the area appears more luminous and youthful.

This eye cream has been clinically proven to improve upper eyelid smoothness by 41%, decrease crow’s feed by 16.4% and fine lines by 14.3% (within 1 month). Also, 90% of women that tested the eye cream for a period of 1 month agree that their skin looks smoother, 83% agree that their eye wrinkles and fine lines are visibly reduced & 80% agree that their crow’s feet appear visibly reduced.

How does the Microtox Tightening Eye Serum mitigate inflammation, dark circles and puffiness?

Microtox is formulated to instantly firm the under-eye area through a combination of peptides, cooling applicator delivery, and anti-inflammatory actives. It helps to reduce puffiness through vasoconstriction, strengthen the under-eye tissue to reduce creasing, visibly soften dark shadows with brightening ingredients and Support lymphatic flow with the cooling applicator.

It gives a “well-rested” appearance within minutes while supporting longer-term dermal health – and is clinically proven to improve the appearance of dark circles by 21.1% and reduce the appearance of eye bags by 22.7% (within 1 month).

What role, for you, do the Hydra-Bright Gold Eye Masks play during party season?

They’re my secret weapon for fast transformation. The gold-infused hydrogel delivers an intense dose of hydration, antioxidants, and peptides. They reduce puffiness, smooth fine lines, and instantly brighten – exactly what you need before makeup or after a late night. They are truly “event-ready” skin in 20 minutes.

Which forms of at-home technology can we use to amplify the results of our skincare?

LED light therapy (especially red and near-infrared), which helps to boost collagen, reduce inflammation, and increase circulation. MZ SKIN’s LightMax SuperCharged LED 2.0 Mask has two targeted modes (Anti-ageing and Acne Mode) that use red, near infrared and blue light to target common skin concerns.

The Anti-Ageing mode (red & near-infrared light) stimulates collagen & elastin production, which helps reduce fine lines, firms skin & improves skin texture. The Acne mode (red light and blue light) targets acne by killing blemish-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation and regulates oil production.

These pair beautifully with active skincare for boosted performance. For example, when paired with the Bio-Placenta Hyaluronic Acid Serum, 100% of women agree that their skin appears more even and hydrated.

Beyond at-home skin care – what in-clinic treatments can help to get the ‘glow’?

For true radiance, I often recommend:

• Light-based and lasers (MOXI/BBL) to improve tone and texture with minimal downtime.
• Microneedling with growth factors or polynucleotides to stimulate collagen and brighten.
• Light chemical peels to refresh dull skin and even pigmentation.
• Hydrafacial or deep hydration treatments in combination with aquagold for instant, event-ready luminosity.

On a more personal note – do you have any lifestyle tips or daily hacks that help your skin to feel supported during the festive season?

Absolutely! Little habits collectively create the long-lasting glow.

• Hydrate more than you think you need – festivities are dehydrating.
• Prioritisesleep – your skin repairs most efficiently overnight.
• Use a humidifier – winter air is harsh, and adding moisture back makes a difference.
• Never skip SPF – even in winter.
• Take your makeup off the moment you get home – don’t let fatigue win.
• Keep a nourishing lip and hand treatment in your bag to combat dryness immediately.
• Create a ritual with your skincare to elevate your at-home experience, add an athome treatment for a little “something extra” and to add joy to your routine.