The Interview: celebrated LA aesthetician Dr Simon Ourian on sculpting faces and elevating skincare

Dr Simon Ourian is a celebrated LA aesthetician counting the Kardashians and Lady Gaga among his most high-profile clients. He was drawn to the field due to his twin passions of science and art, in particular sculpture, which informs his refined approach to aesthetics.

He is most famous for his work in sculpting jawlines and cheekbones to deliver a harmonious face, but for those unable to place their face in his hands, he has a high-performing skincare and wellness line, Simon Ourian M.D, available globally on his website. The range is designed to enhance and prolong the results of aesthetic procedures or deliver some of its benefits to those who have not undertaken them.  

Technology also facilitates access to Dr Ourian's expertise through AI-driven online skin consultations while AI is also employed to predict skincare trends and inform NPD. He tells us all about his approach and his business.

Can I take you back to the start of your career and ask you to tell us what It was that inspired you enter the dermatology/aesthetics arena initially? You have said it combines two passions: art and medicine. 

My path into aesthetic dermatology was driven by a deep appreciation for both science and artistry. With a background in sculpting and art, I was intrigued by the prospect of applying those principles to refine and enhance facial features. Medicine provided the ideal foundation to merge technical expertise with creative vision, allowing me to make a meaningful impact on patients' confidence and self-perception. Aesthetic dermatology became the perfect synergy of precision, innovation, and artistic skill. 

How would you describe your approach and are there particular treatments you are best known for? 

My approach is centred on achieving a natural, refined aesthetic. I believe in subtle enhancements that respect an individual’s unique features rather than altering them dramatically. 

My most well-known treatment is the Coolaser technique, which improves skin tone, texture and elasticity while minimising downtime. I also specialise in non-surgical facial contouring, particularly jawline and cheekbone enhancement, which has become a sought-after treatment for those looking to achieve balanced and harmonious facial proportions. 

At the heart of my philosophy is the belief that consistency is key, both in professional treatments and daily skincare. A well-structured at-home routine, combined with innovative clinical treatments, delivers the best and longest-lasting results. 

As with all industries, this is a fast moving one and new developments are arriving all the time, which are the most interesting and most requested that you are seeing right now? 

The industry is evolving towards treatments that enhance skin quality while maintaining a natural look. There’s a growing demand for ultrasound and radiofrequency-based treatments, which offer subtle lifting and tightening effects without surgery. Injectable aesthetics are also becoming increasingly sophisticated, with innovative formulae that provide long-lasting, natural-looking results. 

Another key development is the integration of AI-driven skincare. AI allows us to personalise skincare regimens based on precise skin analysis, ensuring that each individual gets the most effective treatment for their specific concerns. We’re also seeing advancements in at-home devices, such as LED light therapy and radiofrequency tools, which offer professional-grade results outside the clinic. 

One of the big movements in beauty in a more general sense is the rise of Doctor-led brands and you have your own. Please tell us when it launched and what prompted you to take the step? 

I launched my skincare range to bridge the gap between in-clinic treatments and at-home maintenance. My goal was to create medical-grade formulations that deliver visible, lasting results while remaining safe for everyday use. By also introducing our AI analysis, this approach allows anyone, anywhere, to benefit from dermatology-grade skincare, not just those who can visit my clinic. 

The new wellness range

Can you describe the approach you take to the range and give us an insight into some of the key formulas/ingredients that you find to be the most effective? 

My skincare philosophy is built on three key principles: scientific research, simplicity, and consistency. Rather than overwhelming the skin with unnecessary steps, I focus on high-performance formulas. Key ingredients include: 

• Hyaluronic acid for deep hydration 
• Vitamin C for brightening and protecting against environmental damage 
• Peptides to support collagen production and maintain skin elasticity 

If someone were to choose just one thing to start with, I’d always recommend establishing a solid routine first. My 3 Daily Essentials - cleanser, toner, and moisturiser - are the foundation of healthy skin. Without this basic routine, even the best treatments and serums won’t be as effective. 

2025 has also seen us take our skincare journey into a holistic wellness direction with the recent launch of our wellness range. Our new Simon Ourian MD Daily Ritual (£40 per month) supplement is an AI-driven, all-in-one supplement tailored to individual wellness needs - supporting energy, mood, gut health, skin radiance, and overall well-being. 

You have one of the most high-profile client bases in the business, how does your experience treating these clients impact the approach you take to developing your skincare? 

Celebrities rely on treatments that offer maximum results with minimal downtime, which has shaped my approach to skincare formulation. Many of my clients are constantly in front of cameras, so their skin needs to look flawless and natural in all lighting conditions. This has reinforced my focus on products that strengthen and perfect the skin over time, rather than just offering instant but temporary effects. 

The key to youthful skin isn’t just advanced treatments – it’s about consistency so you need to be thinking hydration, SPF protection, and what you put inside through diet and supplements. I always advise my clients to keep their skin well-hydrated, avoid excessive sun exposure, ensure you’re taking the right vitamins, and get high-quality sleep, as it plays a crucial role in the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate. 

The skincare is designed to optimise in-clinic treatments and to allow others to experience some of the effects of those treatments, but it seems to me they also have other benefits that are almost there by stealth. For example, my skin is prone to redness, and I have used skincare designed specifically for that, but yours has been much more effective in combating it… how do you do it? 

My approach prioritises calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients alongside powerful active compounds that improve skin function. Many products designed for redness merely mask the issue; mine work to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce irritation, and enhance overall resilience. The combination of antioxidants, peptides, and barrier-repairing ingredients ensures that redness is addressed at its source. 

I’m a fan of your formats too. For instance the hyaluronic mask is fantastic and feels more effective than a serum. How important is it to consider this when you are developing products? 

Thank you! Texture and delivery systems are just as crucial as the ingredients themselves. Masks, for example, allow for prolonged absorption of active ingredients, ensuring deeper hydration and long-lasting effects. I always consider how a product feels on the skin, how well it absorbs, and how it integrates into a routine. A great formula needs the right delivery method to be truly effective. 

The New Hollywood Tripeptide Lip Treatment

There have been a number of new additions to the range lately, such as the Hollywood Tripeptide Lip Treatment, how do you prioritise NPD and how long typically does it take to get a new product to market? 

With our AI analysis, we operate a highly sophisticated algorithm built with my 25 years expertise, combined with extensive data points gathered through our consultation process. As more consumers engage, the system continuously refines itself, enhancing the precision of personalised regimens. However, this is just the beginning, our technology allows us to anticipate trends, such as seasonal skin concerns, and adapt accordingly. AI and advanced analytics play a crucial role in shaping future innovations, and this is where our vision truly lies. For now, our launch has been guided by in-depth research into the primary concerns of our consumers. 

So, as our new product development is guided by both scientific research and patient needs, we can closely observe emerging trends, but we also prioritise formulations that deliver tangible benefits. Every product undergoes extensive testing and refinement, a process that typically takes anywhere from several months to a year. Our goal is always to ensure that each new addition complements the existing range, while offering something innovative and effective. 

The online consultation tool is so clever. Please tell us how that works? 

Collaborating with top technology specialists, we devised a comprehensive skin analysis process that is backed with all the learnings of my 25 years of expertise at Epione Beverly Hills. This extensive skin analysis empowers you to better understand your unique skincare needs. This data-driven approach, informed by a rich dataset embodying my insight, forms the basis for personalized product recommendations. 

Our AI is trained on a vast dataset of millions of faces and skin images, allowing a more comprehensive analysis of the skin. The AI analysis assesses the skin on 15 parameters including hydration, wrinkles, luminosity, skin tone, texture, evenness, and more. This analysis created a score highlighting key areas that could be improved, which in turn matches the right products for your individual skin needs. 

Do you find that skincare customers (those that live close enough in any case!) sometimes end up customers of the clinic too? 

They can do, yes! But ultimately our Simon Ourian MD wellness range has been developed so that everyone can experience my expertise from the comfort of their own home – wherever that maybe. 

Find out more about Dr Simon and his skincare at www.simonourianmd.com