Reset, revive, renew – with Dr. Levy

Dr. Phillip Levy, globally acclaimed Swiss dermatologist and pioneer in non-surgical aesthetics, has redefined the way we think about aging skin. His namesake brand delivers clinical-level results without needles or downtime — powered by Nobel Prize-winning research and a patented formula that activates dermal stem cells, the very source of collagen and youthful vitality.

As part of our editorial team, we had the opportunity to attend the exclusive Czech launch of Dr. LEVY Switzerland, hosted by the brand’s local representative, Infokrása — and to speak personally with Julien Levy, Dr. Levy’s nephew and international ambassador of the family-led brand. The conversation offered a rare insight into the brand’s clinical roots, family philosophy, and uncompromising approach to results-driven skincare.

Among the innovations presented, one stood out: Dr. Levy Fire & Snow — a 20-day treatment designed to reset the skin on a cellular level.

In this interview, Dr. Levy shares the philosophy behind his award-winning formulas, how he bridges medicine and beauty, and why truly effective skincare routines begin with activation, not just hydration.

Dr. Phillip Levy is considered a visionary in aesthetic medicine. How has his clinical know-how been reflected in the entire concept of skincare?

Dr. Phillip Levy is a dermatologist by training, and his lifelong medical focus has always been the skin — its layers, its structure, and its cellular activity. From the beginning, his mission has been clear: to deliver surgery-like rejuvenation results without surgery, without downtime, and without side effects.

As early as the 1990s, he pioneered the use of safe, reversible and comfortable aesthetic injectables like Botox and fillers. At the same time, he began exploring the world of stem cell research, a field he quickly recognized as the holy grail of regeneration, healing and healthy aging — not just for the skin, but for the entire body.

Because of his close ties to stem cell science, Dr. Levy was granted a patent for his groundbreaking skincare formula just two years after the discovery of dermal stem cell reservoirs — the source of all collagen and elastin in the skin.

Your brand is built on deep expertise, yet it feels very personal. What would you like every woman to take away from her experience with Dr. Levy skincare – beyond more beautiful skin?

Dr. LEVY Switzerland is a family-founded and family-led brand. It carries our name, and with that comes a deep sense of personal commitment and responsibility. Every product reflects Dr. Levy’s expertise — not just in its ingredients, but in the results it delivers and the experience it provides.

Just as he wanted to create visible results without surgery through safe, effective methods like Botox and fillers, his vision for skincare has always been the same: delivering medical-grade results, but through a luxurious, enjoyable experience in the safety of one’s home. That’s why every product is individually and clinically tested. Whichever formula someone chooses, our goal is that they are truly wowed by the results — and enjoy the journey from the very first application.

Dr. Levy’s products combine high performance with ethics – 100% vegan, cruelty-free and based on the principles of Swiss Clean Beauty. How do you manage to balance science and purity?

As a family business, the brand is rooted in the values of Dr. Levy and his family — including a strong commitment to animal welfare, respect for individuals, and environmental responsibility. This is a constant journey: we’re always exploring how to improve our packaging, production methods, performance and ethical practices.

That’s also why we limit ourselves to one or two new innovations per year. Creating formulas that meet our strict standards for performance, comfort and ethical integrity takes time — from research and development to formulation and clinical testing. For example, our 3Deep Cleanser took nearly three years and 38 different versions to finalize — and that’s just for a cleanser. You can imagine how long it takes to perfect a serum, cream or mask.

The stimulation of dermal stem cells sounds like scientific magic. How does ArganCellActiv® work, and why is it so essential for skin regeneration without needles?

You're absolutely right — it does feel like scientific magic. And what’s most exciting is that we’re only beginning to understand its full potential, not just for skin aging but for regeneration and healing of organs across medicine.

To explain how our formula works, we often use an analogy: every organ and tissue in the body is created and regenerated by "mother cells" — stem cells. But like real mothers, every one of them is different. To trigger joy in your own mother, you might bring chocolate; for someone else’s, it might be flowers. The same applies to skin: to activate its "mother cells", we need a precise ingredient that resonates uniquely with them. After testing dozens of candidates, we discovered that stem cell extracts from the roots of the argan tree could increase dermal stem cell activity by up to 80%. These cells are the ultimate source of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid — the essential building blocks of youthful, healthy skin.

Thanks to this targeted stimulation, independent clinical studies showed a 59% improvement in skin firmness and up to 53% reduction in wrinkle depth within just eight weeks.

Personally, I was intrigued by the Radical3 Reboot Pro Peel. What’s behind its power, and why is it presented as the most potent at-home exfoliant?

The Radical3 Reboot Pro Peel is designed to deliver professional-level exfoliation at home — but without the usual side effects or discomfort often linked to medical-grade products.

It has the lowest pH legally allowed in Europe without prescription (3.5) and includes the maximum 10% AHA concentration — a smart blend of glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids. It’s also enriched with black willow bark extract (a natural source of salicylic acid), and non-irritating enzymes from pomegranate and pumpkin for effective oxygenation. To complete the trio of exfoliation methods, we added organic rice beads, which help remove impurities and allow deeper penetration of active ingredients. To balance this intensity, the formula also contains hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5 and prebiotics — so skin feels soft, plumped and nourished, not irritated or stripped.

You’re also entering the world of beauty technology. What do devices like Contour Pro and ThermoGlow Pro bring to everyday users at home?

These two devices have distinct functions and benefits. Contour Pro combines Electro-Muscle Stimulation (EMS) with low-level Radiofrequency (RF) to tone facial muscles and restore youthful contours. It can visibly enhance the face’s definition — often from the very first use — and works beautifully alongside any topical skincare regimen. ThermoGlow Pro, on the other hand, is all about optimizing your entire ritual. It doesn’t take more time, but instead makes every step work better. Through smart sequencing of contrast therapy (hot and cold) and ionic microcurrents, it amplifies product absorption and stimulates circulation. It’s not about adding more steps — it’s about making every one more effective.

ThermoGlow Pro is referred to as a home biohacking device. What exactly can it do, and why does it deserve a place in modern skincare routines?

ThermoGlow Pro works by applying micro-shocks from rapid temperature shifts — moving from cold to hot and back again, then settling to a warm, comforting temperature. These changes, combined with electromagnetic currents, trigger a physiological response in the skin.

The result is improved blood flow, detoxification, and cellular renewal. Much like a Finnish sauna is proven to boost endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, this device offers a localized, skin-specific biohacking effect — enhancing skin health and radiance through advanced yet intuitive technology.

Your new product Fire & Snow promises a complete skin reset in just 20 days. What exactly is behind this concept?

Fire & Snow is a simple yet highly effective skin cure to use every 2 to 3 months — helping to reactivate regeneration, boost cellular longevity and restore glow. Most people would love to take time out every season for a proper reset, but it’s not always practical. This treatment offers that same effect in just a few minutes per day, with results visible from the very first use. It works through topical contrast therapy (heat and cold), paired with powerful peeling, hydration, stimulation and protection. Both products are based on biotechnology and deliver clinically proven results.

Heat – cool – renew. Fire & Snow feels like a ritual for restarting the skin. What exactly happens in the skin during this treatment?

The Fire Peel contains Wu-Zhu-Yu fruit extract, which boosts micro-circulation and produces a warming effect. It helps the skin absorb acids and enzymes more deeply while increasing oxygen flow.

The Snow Serum then delivers a refreshing, cooling sensation thanks to Swiss peppermint extract — known for its soothing properties. Together, these contrasting phases stimulate the skin’s natural functions and visibly enhance clarity, tone and glow.

The Snow serum contains an epigenetically active ingredient. What exactly does it affect, and how does it contribute to cellular longevity?

Epigenetics is a powerful and growing field — and it complements stem cell science beautifully. In Snow Serum, we use an extract from Japanese lotus root stem cells, proven to stimulate the production of SIRT1 and SIRT6. These two proteins are known to regulate gene expression and play a critical role in DNA repair, cellular defense and overall longevity. This makes the serum a key player in strengthening the skin from within — not just improving how it looks, but how it functions at the deepest level.

Looking to the future, where do you think skincare is heading? Will it be a world of scientific technology, or a return to natural principles with new precision?

There’s space for both — and we believe today’s consumers want it all. People are looking for more natural ingredients, but also demand visible results and technological innovation. That’s why we see a shift toward “pick and choose” rituals, where each product plays a precise role in a personalized routine. You might use a clinical-grade serum and then follow it with an organic oil — and that’s beautiful. High naturality and advanced technology don’t contradict each other; they can complement each other perfectly.