For someone new to “Moodceuticals,” how would you describe XOMD in just a few words?
XOMD is the world’s first Moodceutical, a breakthrough category of topical neurocosmetic skincare rooted in oxytocin science. It’s clinically proven to significantly improve skin quality and elevate confidence, enhance first impressions, and strengthen romantic and social connection.
What first inspired you to merge skincare with emotional wellness when creating XOMD?
Early in my career, I realized that traditional aesthetic training missed the most important truth: a mathematically perfect nose or jawline doesn’t guarantee a happier or more confident patient. Conversely, people with so-called “imperfect” features could be incredibly captivating. Their magnetism came from self-esteem, not symmetry.
That sparked a lifelong curiosity. I immersed myself in the science of beauty and attraction conducting clinical trials, studying beauty across cultures and continents, teaching medical students at the University of Illinois and undergraduates at DePaul, and publishing my theories in Subliminally Exposed, which became a New York Times bestseller.
After 23 years in practice, treating more than 50,000 patients and publishing over 200 medical papers, the timing was finally right. I partnered with Dr. Sabrina Fabi ranked the #5 cosmetic dermatologist in the U.S. by Newsweek magazine and my partner in life and parenthood to create something never before seen: a skincare line that improves skin quality and measurably enhances confidence, connection, and social interaction.
If you could give one piece of winter beauty advice that everyone should follow, what would it be?
Sunscreen! Yes, even in a gray Chicago winter it is non-negotiable. Beyond that, combat dry winter skin with a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer formulated with bioactive emollients and amphoteric-balanced humectants to keep the skin barrier stable and comfortable.
XOMD users report feeling more connected in their relationships. Why does that connection matter, especially this time of year?
Humans are wired for connection. We learned during the pandemic that isolation whether behind four walls or a screen is incompatible with emotional and physical health. Chicago winters make it tempting to retreat under a blanket, but too much isolation takes a toll.
XOMD is intentionally formulated with botanicals designed to encourage pro-social behavior. Users consistently report feeling more confident, more attractive to others, and more fulfilled in their relationships. During the cold, quiet months, that added boost in mood, connection, and self-assurance can make all the difference.
What’s one daily habit that keeps you centered emotionally and physically during the holiday rush?
An early morning workout is my anchor. I alternate cardio and strength training, but recently I’ve discovered the incredible benefits of swimming. That first cold splash wakes me instantly, and the post-swim euphoria carries me through the entire day.
With so much noise in skincare, what do you hope XOMD brings to the industry that’s been missing?
XOMD is the beginning of a new era not just in skincare, but in aesthetic medicine. We may be the first commercialized Moodceutical neurocosmetic, but we certainly won’t be the last.
For decades, the industry focused on collagen, elastin, and gene markers. Yet no patient has ever walked into my office asking for more collagen. They ask to look better, feel better, and show up as the best version of themselves.