deborah
The Next Big Rip-Off
Exactly how stupid do some companies think consumers are?
Just as I finished writing this blog on how we, as a company, were committed to holding our prices, offering better value, and making products that deliver what they promise, I came across the opposite — a company that is now marketing an emery board made with ground diamonds and stainless steel. Because we all need one of those, right?
Maybe I’m the one missing something here. Maybe a trying economy, record-high layoffs and countless home foreclosures instilled — not a sense of value — but a sense of frivolous spending in consumers. Maybe rather than spend each and every hard-earned dollar carefully, shoppers want nothing more than to introduce their paychecks to the nearest toilet.
Something tells me it’s not the consumer who hasn’t learned their lesson, though. I have a sneaking suspicion it has more to do with ignorant companies who see the first signs of a recovering economy and interpret it as the green light to act like the past two years didn’t take place at all.
What’s wrong with the personal care industry that they appeal to obsessive shoppers with meaningless and overpriced products? If irresponsible spending were a drug, these companies would be the dealers. They make money off people’s careless habits.
We like to blame Wall Street for taking advantage of our savings and investments, but the consumer products industry should also share in the blame.
Let’s do what is right. Let’s develop and market smart products for smart people.
Dr. Zein Obagi
Go to the Gym to Work on Your Skin
People usually workout with a very specific goal in mind. To chisel their abs, drop 15 pounds by the reunion or just firm up for bikini season, which many of you are doing right now. But, when was the last time you heard someone say they were heading to the gym to clear up their acne or improve their wrinkles?
Most people don’t realize that working out benefits your skin just as much as your body.
As a board-certified dermatologist and the creator of ZO Skin Health, I formulate anti-aging products with potent ingredients that combat wrinkles and fine lines. But, the battle doesn’t stop there.
I tell my patients all the time that products and procedures do most of the work; the rest is up to them.
You’ve probably noticed that many anti-aging products claim to boost collagen, the stuff youthful skin has a lot of and aging skin doesn’t. But, guess what else boosts collagen? Yep, exercise.
A great cardio workout kicks your blood flow into motion. When that happens, your skin cells get a healthy delivery of oxygen and nutrients — the picture-perfect setting for natural collagen production. And how does that benefit your skin? You’ll see fewer dry patches, firm skin and less wrinkles.
Click here for the best collagen-boosting product on the market.
For those who are acne-prone, the reasons to workout are even more attractive. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, which makes it easier for your pores to get rid of the toxins in your body that can lead to blemishes.
On top of this, stress levels drop. It’s no coincidence that pimples show up when they’re least welcome: just before the Power Point presentation in front of the bosses at work; the night you flight out for your big vacation; the day of your wedding! You likely had a lot of headache-inducing planning prior to such events, which brought on a mountain of stress.
Exercise balances out the hormones that go into overdrive when stress revs up. It may not produce an immediate difference in skin, but you’ll definitely take note of the absent flare-ups during your next big event.
No time for the gym? Prevent acne from ever coming on with this kit.
It doesn’t stop here. Cellulite can improve, the elasticity in your face can bounce back and a nice rosy glow often results from regular workouts, too.
So, the next time someone asks what you’re trying to accomplish at the gym, tell them you’re toning and tightening — your skin.
deborah
The Economy is Improving. Can We Go Back to the Good Ol’ Days?
Today, every page in the Money section of USA Today was encouraging —retail spending is up; older adults are spending more on travel and younger ones are spending more on apparel; auto sales are up; housing prices have stabilized; people feel secure in their jobs; the economy is rebounding in California and Florida.
All together now: “Phew!”
But, can manufacturers assume that consumers will abandon their thrifty habits? Can skincare companies now sneak in a price increase or 12? Can consumers view this progress as the green light for indulgent spending?
I can’t speak for the skincare industry as a whole. I can only speak for ZO.
We have NO intention of increasing prices in 2010. We believe some important lessons were taught in the recession, namely:
-
“Value” is important. No one — no matter how affluent — should engage in profligate spending.
-
Whether a product costs $39 or $139, that product should deliver results in direct proportion to its cost. Consumers deserve to get what they pay for.
-
Manufacturers need to invest in what matters most. At ZO, we believe that is “results.” Beautiful packaging is not important. In fact, you may notice that we’ve made some cutbacks in some of our packaging, so that we can avoid price increases.
-
No manufacturer should take a customer for granted. We value our customers and partners, and will work to deserve and maintain the trust that has been established.
The recession reminded us all of the importance of quality, value and self-discipline. So we mutually have something to be thankful for. We’re thankful for you and you’re thankful for your skin. The way it should be.
Dr. Zein Obagi
Botox: Know When to Say When
Have you ever met a Botox junkie? Someone who doesn’t know when to say when? I like to refer to the syndrome as Frozen Face. No matter what emotion they’re feeling, you’d have no idea judging from the frozen look on their face.
I refuse to let patients leave my office looking like this. Why? Because I’m responsible for making them look their best and that’s far from the best anyone can look.
Like any cosmetic injectable, Botox should be handled with the utmost care. That starts with the person administering the injection. Are they licensed to handle these types of cosmetic procedures? Or have they simply watched enough injections to think they know what they’re doing? Botox was designed to paralyze the muscles that cause fine lines and deeper wrinkles. Think about that for a moment. It might take minutes to perform, but it’s a serious procedure.
You probably wouldn’t let the receptionist at your hair salon take shears to your hair; don’t let anyone but a licensed professional put a needle to your skin.
If you think the mishaps start and stop with Frozen Face, you’re mistaken. A more serious complication is blepharoptosis, more commonly referred to as Droopy Eyelid. Sure, they’ve develops drugs to treat it, but why risk an embarrassing side effect that can last up to six months?
Which leads me to the duration your Botox should last. Many physicians will try to tell you the clock-rewinding effects will only last three months. They’re not injecting enough, plain and simple. But there’s a fine line between enough and too much. This is why I don’t recommend budget-shopping your Botox. It’s not TJ Maxx. You can’t take back Frozen Face or Droopy Eyelid when you discover you’ve received poor quality.
For the sake of your face’s reputation: Please heed my advice and pass it along to those you care about. Let’s put an end to Botox junkies.
deborah
Marketing Gobbletygook and Double-Speak in Skincare
Pardon me while I download my frustration for just a minute. I may even embarrass myself. I’m pretty good with computers and iPhones, but Microsoft Office is about as far as I go. Technology bores–or maybe “overwhelms” is a better word–me. So when I tried to buy some thumb drives on-line, which are pretty much no-brainers, I thought–I was totally bufuddled by the technical gobblety-gook on a dot-com (I have absolutely no idea what is meant by a “jump pen memory stick enhanced for Windows ready boost). Huh? What’s that?? So instead of making a purchase, I just closed the window.
Whoever is coming up with these things doesn’t understand that even though women use technology, we generally don’t understand it–nor do we want to. Speaking for myself (and trying to avoid gender profiling here!) I have zero inclination to try to figure it out.
So what does this have to do with skincare? Well, what the computer industry calls “tech-speak” evolves to what the skincare industry calls “beauty-speak”–a bunch of pseudo-scientific and pedantic language that is instead thoroughly confusing! Some of it is pure double-speak.
Let’s face it, the anti-aging skincare industry overcomplicates things. There are way too many options, and way too many ingredients. Even well-informed consumers have a hard time figuring it out. Part of it, I’m sure, is the companies keep adding marketing bells-and-whistles, to differentiate their products and try to impress consumers.
Dr. Zein Obagi isn’t like that. He doesn’t understand marketing and is the first to admit it. He thinks like a dermatologist, and wants to use that which works. So that’s why ZO Skin Health is focused on the tried-and-true–like retinol. With Dr. Obagi, there is much more “steak” than “sizzle”. In case you haven’t already guessed, he is a very direct, straightforward, results-oriented guy. With Dr. Obagi, there is no hidden agenda.
So why do skincare lines have so many options? Some of the old-guard companies–that developed their lines 15 or 20 years ago–are challenged to keep their products new and relevant. Retailers demand “newness”. So the companies keep developing more stuff–even though “new” is not necessarily better. And after a few years, they have product lines with 50 or 75 different products–and who can figure them all out?
Skincare is Dr. Obagi’s priority, but it’s probably not yours. I hope that the marketing materials that ZO has developed, and the products that Dr. Obagi has formulated, are simple to understand, select, and use. Because I wouldn’t blame you if you hit the “escape” button, or “Command W” if we’re boring you with technical gobblety gook. Let’s talk to each other in plain English. Everything works better that way.
ZO Skin Health
What Are Your Skincare Spending Priorities?
I have a patient who comes in regularly. He’s hard-working, has a great personality and wears the metrosexual title almost as proudly as he wears his designer duds. In fact, the last time he came into my office, he was sporting luxury flip-flops. They cost $80, if they cost a dime. Not something I’d invest money in, but I get it.
We all have our spending priorities. We all have things in our life that, to us, justify reaching a little deeper into our pockets. So, what are your spending priorities where skincare is concerned? Are you getting the most bang for your buck?
For instance, the ZO Skin Health DNA Kit is my go-to recommendation for newcomers to the brand. Why? It’s the best way to familiarize them with all that ZO can do for them — and it stretches their dollar the furthest. Many of our customers come back for DNA Kit seconds once they’ve run out. These are the folks who just can’t decide on one or two products — they want it all.
If you want it all, but simply can’t have it all, don’t worry. For folks like you I pull out the big guns because I want you to know you spent wisely. For those with sensitive skin, Growth Factor Serum always does the trick. Customers who want anti-aging with muscle won’t feel a drop of buyer’s remorse with Radical Night Repair Plus.
When I come upon the type of skincare shopper who will cut corners elsewhere to ensure her skin is in top form, I pull out Oclipse. This is where you put your money when tomorrow matters just as much as today. SPF and the preventative measures that come with it is your strongest ally in the battle against aging.
So, which category do you fall into and how high is skincare are on your spending totem pole? As long as it makes you as happy as those designer flip-flops make my metrosexual patient, that’s all that matters.
ZO Skin Health
Facelifts, Optional.
I went to a party in Tinsel Town this week, and while there was some small-talk about Tiger’s troubles or the California gubernatorial, I spent most of my time talking about— you guessed it — skin. That’s OK, it’s my favorite thing to talk about.
But there’s something that I didn’t like: The number of women who told me that they needed plastic surgery — a facelift or necklift — or lasers. Who told them that? Their friends? Their husbands? Their doctors? No, none of the above. More often than not, the women had convinced themselves.
I’ve got nothing against plastic surgeons. In fact, one works in my practice. There are some wonderful plastic surgeons out there. And lasers? I almost have more than I can count. Admittedly, I like gadgets, high-tech equipment and the latest technology.
I tried to convince these women that the right skincare products can thicken and strengthen their skin — maybe a chemical peel (like the Obagi Blue Peel) would be a good idea. I tried to convince them that they looked great and that invasive surgery wasn’t the right option at this time. Mild skin laxity can be reversed non-surgically. Face lifts are necessary only when muscle and skin laxity is pronounced. The land of the rich and famous has some petty, ego-driven and competitive people and unfortunately this influence has spoiled some otherwise wonderful people.
Is it their skin these folks don’t believe in or is it their dermatologist? Because I can turn both around in no time.
It shouldn’t be about keeping up with the Joneses. Especially not when the Joneses are getting gratuitous plastic surgery. It’s time we start a new trend. One that accomplishes healthy, youthful skin without the aid of a scalpel. Your skin can do it.
deborah
Look Who Invited Us Over
They say you’re only as good as the company you keep, which is why our latest announcement speaks volumes. Ready? Here it is: The latest spa to carry the ZO Skin Health line is the Spa at Four Seasons Westlake near Malibu, California. This is one drop-dead gorgeous place.
Dr. Zein Obagi spent last Thursday there for an event celebrating the newly renovated and upgraded spa menu, which now features two ZO facials! While guests were hob-nobbing with celebs like Brooke Burke and Antonio Sabato Jr., Dr. Obagi was busy greeting guests and talking with some of aestheticians who work at the spa.
If you live in the L.A. area or plan to visit, the ZO Skin Health line is sold at the Spa at Four Seasons Westlake Boutique and the spa’s two facial treatments include the Ossential Stimulator Peel ($145 for 20 minutes) and the Growth Factor Collagen Therapy ($225 for 50 minutes). Dr. Obagi is particularly proud of the Stimulator Peel — it produces remarkable results — due to a combination of ultra-high concentrations of three different acids. The other facial steps up the antiaging factor with powerful peptides, retinol and amino acids to stimulate those skin cells and rev up your skin’s production of elasticity and collagen. Both provide a pampering experience while you’re at the spa, but let you take home results as an added benefit.
It goes without saying that the Four Seasons brand defines the epitome of quality and the Westlake property is no exception. With onyx-studded treatment rooms that each lead out to private gardens and tranquility lounges full of blooming orchids, it’s a truly tranquil place to let go of everything — and beautify your skin in the process.
For more photos from the event and to find out about all ZO Skin Health’s updates and deals, become a fan of our Facebook page right here.
ZO Skin Health
Ingredients: Know What to Look For
When you get serious about skincare, ingredients become priority number one. As a formulator, that is the way I develop my products. I don’t have time to waste on the ineffective stuff and neither do you. But I often hear women express that they just don’t know which ingredients are the real deal.
Is it pure caviar, shavings of 14 karat gold or particles from an exotic fruit everyone seems to pronounce differently?
None of the above. It’s much more simple than that — and nowhere near as sexy. Take a look:
Let’s start with the anti-oxidants. They protect your skin cells from UV damage, pollution and free radicals. The most common ones (and the most important !) are Vitamins A, C and E.
Retinol (aka Active Vitamin A): This ingredient’s main function is skin cell turnover, which produces collagen — the stuff your skin had a lot of in its prime. If you’re familiar with my skincare philosophy then you know the key to younger looking skin lies in keeping skin cells active. When they go to sleep — a result of aging —fine lines, dull skin and wrinkles form. Retinol is like a bucket of cold water to sleepy skin cells. Continued use of it in high concentrations wakes cells right up and puts them straight to work.
Active Vitamin C: This is another antioxidant, but it works differently — it helps synthesize collagen. This property lends a very valuable feature to your skin in that it stabilizes free radicals and in doing so protects healthy cells from getting damaged. In English? It’s an excellent preventative measure against wrinkles as well as the photoaging sun exposure can cause.
Vitamin E: It helps protect the skin from UV rays and, as an added bonus, softens and smoothes, too.
Be advised: Retinol is a pure and active derivative of Vitamin A. If you use a synthetic form of Vitamin A, or take oral supplements of these vitamins, you simply will not achieve the same results. It just doesn’t work that way.
Be advised: Vitamins A and C have to be properly stabilized, packaged and stored. They can’t be exposed to light or UV rays or the formula could turn colors, or just go inactive. If isn’t stabilized then it oxidizes and turns yellowish or dark when exposed to air or water, essentially spoiling it.
deborah
Why Your Skin Needs Preparation for Spring
When spring arrives you can’t help but store the sweaters, pull out the beach towels and put the top down. But what are you doing to get your skin ready?
According to Dr. Zein Obagi, world-renowned dermatologist and creator of antiaging skincare line ZO Skin Health, it takes hard work to get great skin and preparing it for the changing seasons is no exception.
“Your skin isn’t your cell phone. It doesn’t automatically adjust itself after Daylight Savings,” says the world-renowned dermatologist. “You need to do the initial work and it will respond.”
But, you need to do the right work, which is why the first step to transitioning your skin from winter to spring is to amp up on SPF and cut back on moisturizer. The SPF will protect you from the harmful UVB rays your skin will be seeing more of in the months ahead and less moisturizer will activate your skin cells, the key to Dr. Obagi’s healthy skin philosophy.
“Too much moisture trains the skin to rely on outside sources for hydration instead of producing it from within,” says Dr. Obagi. “In trying to counteract the dryness with a lot of moisturizer, you’re actually perpetuating it.”
Less moisturizer isn’t always received with open arms, but neither was Dr. Obagi’s healthy skin concept 30 years ago. Today it’s mainstream.
The second step in preparing skin for spring is much easier to swallow. It comes in the form of berries. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries —they’re all in season and great for your skin. Each is high in antioxidants, which protect skin cells from the damage increased sun exposure can cause.
Next up is your cosmetic bag. If not cleaned out regularly, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs that will ultimately transfer to your face. Pay special attention to water-based products, which degrade and become useless after a year at the longest. Mascara has a 3-month life span. Anything without water — powder, eye shadow, etc. — can last up to two years.
Once you’re done trashing the expired products, thoroughly clean your brushes. Wash them with shampoo until the water in the sink drain runs clear. To make this process easier, keep a brush-cleaning spray like Brush Off handy and clean off your brushes after each use.
