A quick anecdote (but it’s a true story): Last week I was traveling with Dr. Obagi. We spoke on the phone to coordinate the activities for the day. He said, “OK, I’ll pick you up at noon. Look for my car. I rented a white Ford Focus.” Wait a second. A white Ford Focus???

At home he drives a sporty yellow Porsche.  And today… one of the cheapest, pokiest cars around??  What happened?

If you knew the guy, you would understand completely. He enjoys fine red wine, but he’s also happy to grab a burger at McDonald’s. He has nice Italian suits, but at home, likes a pair of sweats. Ten years ago, when he smoked a pipe, his employees gave him an expensive gold lighter. He politely declined it, because he “prefers to flick a Bic.” Dr. Obagi knows that there are times when you need or appreciate power, and times when you don’t need it. And that’s the way he thinks about skin care.

He made Obagi Nu-Derm and ZO Skin Health products that are power-packed (like Obagi Medical Products’ Nu-Derm Blender and ZO Skin Health’s Radical Night Repair Plus). But he can’t put that much power in every product, or your face would be incredibly irritated. But those other products still play important support roles — to provide anti-oxidants, UV protection, reduce sebum, etc. It takes all kinds.

There’s a time and a place for everything. It’s nice to have a Porsche in the garage, but sometimes a Ford Focus  gets the job done.