Female soldiers make huge sacrifices for our country every day. When we at ZO Skin Health found out we could curtail just one of those sacrifices, we jumped on it. We’re proud contributors to Operation Courage is Beautiful, a program that sends more than 2,000 female soldiers the personal care items they once took for granted, but now think of as luxuries.

We’re not talking shimmering body bronzer here, folks. These are items as basic as body lotion, lip balm, conditioner, moisturizer and sunscreen. Security concerns prevent female soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan from purchasing them so they go without.

Sure, they’re soldiers with as tough a temperament as their male counterparts, but they’re still women. They still have that feminine desire to maintain their physical appearance. But don’t take our word for it. Let them tell you.

“It is nice to get items that give you a feeling of being back home and of being stylish in this environment,” said Ti’Akka R.J., who is stationed in Iraq.

Her colleague, Amy, agreed. “I very much enjoyed the girly products,” she said. “Little did I know how much I would miss that stuff while deployed.”

Another soldier said it’s people like us that make her service worth her while.

This, plus the fact that the son and daughter-in-law of our customer service manager Sue Munz are both in the Navy, made Operation Courage is Beautiful a no-brainer for us. But it doesn’t stop here.

Our servicemen and women hold a special place in our hearts at ZO Skin Health. Our founder, Dr. Zein Obagi, has quite a history in the U.S. Navy. He joined the Navy shortly after moving to the United States. From ’75-’80 he served as a medical officer. From ’80-’81 he was a dermatologist in the Naval Hospital.

This is why we’re taking our involvement further than just product donations; now we’re helping to defray the shipping costs so this program can continue. Dr. Obagi’s service was integral to his status as a world-renowned dermatologist today. He was honored to serve his country and is honored to make a small, yet significant difference in female soldiers’ lives today.