At home skincare with Dr Maryam Zamani

In the ever expanding and often overwhelming world of aesthetics and skincare, a trusted doctor is invaluable. One such highly respected Oculoplastic Surgeon and leading Facial Aesthetics Doctor is Dr Maryam Zamani who specialises in surgical and non-surgical facial aesthetic procedures at her practice in London. Thanks to her ultra-subtle approach and meticulous attention to detail Dr Zamani has garnered a loyal following globally. Huge advances in the field of facial aesthetics, lasers and injectables inspired Dr Maryam to open her own practise in Chelsea, London. Her signature aesthetic is exceptionally subtle: she advocates doing very little, comparing what she does to the “no make-up make-up” look in cosmetics.

Here she talks to Tru & Beyond founder Miriam Abadi about the much trending benefits LED.

Dr Maryam what can you tell us about your new Lightmax Supercharged LED Mask 2.0?

 The first thing I’m sure you’ll notice is that the mask is made of silicone which makes it easy to roll up and travel with. The last version wasn’t as easy to travel with and only had the option of one light. This one has the option to mix the red and blue lights, delivering the most impactful results. This is the only mask on the market that delivers both acne reduction and rejuvenation. The combination of the two results in a purple hue which is ideal for acne prone skin. It helps decrease inflammation as well as the amount of acne. Ideally it should be used for 10 minutes, four times a week for a month to see a decrease in the inflammatory acne. The red light, which can be used every day and delivers immediate results, is for rejuvenation, it goes deep into the skin for a smooth and calming effect while stimulating collagen production. For long term benefits the red light should be used four times a week not exceeding the 10 minutes mark. It is easy to recharge the mask and the battery is long lasting. The mask is a medical device which is FDA certified, so you have the comfort of knowing that you are using something which would be used in a clinical setting.

Could you talk us through this growing LED light trend?

LED (Light Emitting Diode), are different wavelengths of light that get absorbed into the skin and serve different purposes. Blue is on the lower end of the scale, on a more superficial level. Infra-red penetrates much deeper. The light can be used on all skin colours and skin types apart from pregnant women and those prone to epileptic seizures. If you are on certain types of medication, where light can act as a trigger you should always consult your doctor before using an LED mask. One thing we were very aware of when developing this mask was to ensure that there is no leakage of light to the eye area. Over the last few years, the effects of blue lights on the eyes have been well documented and as the mask is medical grade, it guarantees no leakage.  

Is the mask just for personal use or can it be shared?

It can definitely be shared. The mask is very simple to clean. The lights don’t heat up and are protected but cannot be dipped in water, however you can simply use an alcohol wipe to wipe the inside of the mask.  

 How would you prep your skin before using the mask?

 I prefer to use the LED mask in the evening. You can simply just clean your skin and then use the mask. Personally, I clean my skin and usually apply a sheet mask e.g. the pink anti-pollution mask when I am in London, after removing the mask I leave any of the residual serum on my face and then I put the LED mask on. If you have a clear face mask you can apply that and then put the LED mask on top, however to maximise the penetration of the LED into your skin it is important to put the mask onto your bare skin without any barriers. In terms of products anything deeply hydrating e.g. hyaluronic acid serum is fine to apply on the skin before using the mask but avoid using anything that negates light like Vitamin C, Retinol or SPF.

How did you conceive the idea of this LED mask?

I have always loved the benefits derived from LED, from minimizing burn scars, to healing and rejuvenation. As such I have always had the technology as part of my in-office routine. I wanted to be able to extend the benefits of LED into peoples at home skin care routines. Busy lifestyles and distances mean that not everybody can come and see me, so I have designed a lot of my skincare, from masks to ampules to be used as part of an at-home selfcare routine at peoples own convenience.

What other new launches do you have planned?

 We have a lot of new items coming out. A new hyaluronic acid will come out in January. We also have a new rich and a new light cream coming out, both will serve as baseline moisturizers depending on skin type and preference. The thin cream has a lot of active hydrating ingredients which I feel will do really well in the Dubai climate. There is a fantastic eye cream in the works which will be ideal for those with fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. We are also working on a sensitive line for acne and rosacea prone skin. And there is another revolutionary gadget which we plan to launch at the end of next year – I can’t say too much about it right now though!

You’ve recently opened a new shop in London, tell us more about that?

Yes, I’m very excited about my new Clinic cum MZ Skin shop which opened just off Sloane Street in September. We have and aesthetician who offers facials and two dermatologists who do mole mapping, look at skin lesions and offer aesthetic procedures. The floor above is the MZ Skin shop.

Since we have you here, I wanted to ask what you think about this new Plasma treatment for the eyes?

Personally, I would not recommend it to people with pigmented skin as it can leave the skin darker and very red for a prolonged period of time. The idea is to tighten the skin, but the amount of post procedural swelling, in my opinion negates the effect. I would only recommend something I would do for myself and this is not something which I would. I prefer an upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

What is your opinion about fillers?

For the right candidate it can guarantee great results. I don’t use fillers in my own face, I have a bit in the most random places! In between my eyebrows, in my ear lobes and the top of my nose. I have a small face with big cheek bones so it just doesn’t work for me face type. The skin boosters are nice because they hydrate under the skin and they dissolve in a few weeks time. Once or twice a year it’s a nice treatment to do.