What if your skin-care routine could do more than hydrate or brighten—what if it could actually make you feel more attractive? That’s the idea behind XOMD, a new line created by San Diego dermatologist Sabrina Fabi, MD, and Chicago facial plastic surgeon Steven Dayan, MD. The married duo spent more than two years developing what they call the first “Moodceutical,” a skin-care system focused on how you feel as well as how you look.
The line is built around oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which plays a role in feelings of bonding, trust and connection. It’s typically released through physical touch, but this line uses a topical approach to stimulate similar pathways. “We trademarked the term Moodceutical,” says Dr. Dayan. “It’s mood care meets skin care.”
The XOMD Mood-Skin Link
Dr. Fabi says the idea started with a simple question: What makes someone truly happy with their results? “Even if you stimulate collagen or efface a wrinkle, it doesn’t always translate to a confident patient,” she says. “What I’ve learned in my 15 years of aesthetic practice is that patients ultimately want to feel good in their skin. And there’s nothing that makes you feel better than how you look and feel when you’re in love.”
She’s also speaking from personal experience. “I went into dermatology because I have eczema, struggled with acne and developed telogen effluvium from taking Accutane,” she shares. “I’ve always been sensitive to the fact that how you look affects how you feel, and conversely, how you feel affects how you look.”
Dr. Fabi points to a growing area of research on the psychosocialdermal axis, the idea that inflammation and neurochemical signaling in the skin can influence mood and social interaction. “We’re tapping into a concept that’s still unfolding in the literature,” she says.
What the XOMD Study Showed
To put their hypothesis to the test, the doctors conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using their three-piece system: Detox Cleanser ($48), Intoxicate Serum ($188) and Arouse Moisturizer ($155). The results were significant.
“We achieved improvements in radiance, redness, dryness and tone evenness as early as four weeks,” says Dr. Fabi. “Skin dewiness and overall skin quality continued to improve through week eight.”
BUY NOW – $188
But the psychological effects were just as noteworthy. “We looked at confidence, first impressions and sexual satisfaction using validated scales,” says Dr. Dayan. “Confidence went up 60 percent at four weeks and 86 percent at eight weeks. Participants were also rated by others as looking more attractive, having better social skills and seeming more successful.”
BUY NOW – $155
They even looked at how the product influenced first impressions. “The participants who used the product were rated as more attractive, more confident, even younger,” says Dr. Dayan. “There was a clear difference.”
The Chemical Component in XOMD
So, how do the formulas work? Each product contains a proprietary blend of ingredients chosen for skin health and the ability to influence oxytocin signaling. “We use a phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid that supports cellular communication, a jasmine botanical that helps stimulate oxytocin release and a carob-derived compound that acts like a pheromone,” says Dr. Dayan.
Dr. Fabi notes that none of the products contain fragrance, parabens, sulfates or known hormone disruptors. “We wanted to create something elegant and clean that could fit into any routine,” she says.
As for how to use the line, Dr. Fabi says she applies the system morning and night. “In the morning, I apply the Arouse Moisturizer after my antioxidant serum and follow with mineral sunscreen. At night, I wash with the Cleanser, apply growth factors, then the Intoxicate Serum and finish with Arouse.”
Dr. Dayan adds that beyond just a sensorial experience, the deeper goal is emotional. “Our purpose is about reconnecting. Let’s connect again, with ourselves and with others. The skin is a powerful sensory organ that influences how we interact with the world.”
