ZO Skin Health
Skincare Products at the Academy Awards. And the Winner is…
In case you ever had any doubt, celebrities sell skincare products.
Case in point: about 8 years ago People magazine reported that Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt ”slathered Kinerase all over their beautiful bodies.” Sales of Kinerase soared.
Now, no one knows whether Jennifer and Brad actually used Kinerase (and they are not talking to each other, let alone the media!). But after packages of Kinerase were given away at a big celebrity event, Jenn and Brad took them home. A good PR firm did the rest!
(one thing to note about Jennifer Aniston–she’s one of the few celebrities in Hollywood that refuses to endorse any product–no matter how much $$ is offered!)
Hey, even though they make $$$ millions, celebs are like the rest of us; they like free stuff. They just get a lot more free stuff than the rest of us do. And at these award shows, the give-aways are pretty lavish–expensive watches, trips, and jewelry, all valued at about $30,000 per gift bag.
The give-aways at celebrity events (like the Academy Awards, the CMA Awards) aren’t as lavish as they used to be though. That’s because the IRS sent out letters saying that the recipients would be responsible for paying income taxes on the freebies. So many of the celebrities graciously said, “uh, thanks, but no thanks”.
So is it wrong or unethical to give away free products to celebrities? In our opinion, no. We just thought you might like to know that that’s the way the game is played. What brought all of this to mind was an infomercial that said that “many of the celebrities who went to the Academy Awards already have it”.
The next time you see that a celebrity has a particular skincare product, you have to wonder–did they get it for free?
deborah
A Day in the Life of Zein Obagi, MD
Dr. Obagi doing one-on-one consultations at one of his Personal Appearances
I learned something new on Saturday; in fact, I learned a lot.
There were 600+ women who began lining up outside a Nordstrom store at 7 am to see Dr. Obagi and a few other celebrities like Kate Somerville and Deborah Lippman. It’s a big show, but that’s not what impressed me.
Sitting next to Dr. Obagi, while he visited with people was a great experience. Even for me, and I’ve known and worked with him for a while. What made it most interesting was not what he said, but the people with whom he met—some of whom had traveled thousands of miles to see him. A few of the surprises:
- Many people told him that he had changed their life—given them self-confidence and happiness, because he treated difficult skincare problems that other dermatologists refused. We’re not talking lines and wrinkles here—we’re talking very serious and debilitating skin diseases.
- The mother who brought her son, who had severe nodular acne. Dr. Obagi asked this woman why she had not taken her son to a doctor before this. She said that she wouldn’t let anyone else treat him, because she herself had the same condition 25 years ago, and only Dr. Obagi was able to correct her skin. So she waited—and waited—until she could see Dr. Obagi. He gave her his card, and asked her to bring her son to his clinic right away.
- The number of different races and ethnicities that were represented. Part of the reason is because Dr. Obagi led the dermatology profession in the treatment of different skin colors. Only about 25 years ago, many dermatologists treated skin like it came in only two different colors: fair-skinned and slightly tan. They were color blind; they didn’t understand anything other than Caucasians. Dr. Obagi changed all of that. Now he’s a hero to people with skincare problems, all over the world.
- The number of different languages that they spoke. And he talked right back–in four different languages.
- There were some women whom he admitted that he couldn’t help—they had diseases for which there was no treatment. One woman left in tears, because he said, “I don’t want to mislead you. My products won’t help you.” Understandably and unfortunately, she was desperate for a solution. But at least he was honest.
- His 18-year old daughter, who sat and listened, so very proud of her father. She has heard it all before, I’m sure, but she wanted to hear it again.
- The number of people who came to him because they were disillusioned with skincare products that didn’t work. They left feeling stronger and optimistic, that this time will be different. They left with hope; but more than that, they left with solutions.
- Scores of women who use the Obagi® Nu-Derm® products that Dr. Obagi developed, and just wanted to thank him, personally.
It’s not very often that Dr. Obagi makes a personal appearance, but if you have the opportunity, join him some time.
For me, it was a day that I’ll never forget. For him, it was just another day.
ZO Skin Health
All the Wrinkled Ladies
Just a little something to remind you about the importance of good skincare. Ladies, if you don’t take care of your skin now, you could be doing this song and dance later. … Enjoy!
Oh, and we love Anita Renfroe’s sense of humor about her aging skin, but — if you’ve used the ZO Skin Health products than you know — IT’S NEVER TOO LATE FOR WRINKLE PREVENTION!
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.
deborah
Great Makeup Starts with Great Skincare
If you’re a fan of makeovers then surely you’ve seen TLC’s “What Not to Wear” and have watched the pivotal moment when makeup artist Carmindy twirls that chair around to reveal her jaw-dropping work. Viewers can’t help but wish they knew the secret to her artistry. Well, she reveals all in her new book, “Crazy Busy Beautiful: Beauty Secrets for Getting Gorgeous Fast.”
Guess what tip #1 is? No, not the way to master a smokey eye. Carmindy makes ZO Skin Health proud by proclaiming to her fans that great makeup starts with great skincare.
Carmindy: “Skin tells all. It reflects your health, indicates your stress-o-meter, and shows whether yov’e made precention part of your beauty routine.
“Even if you haven’t been most excellent to your epidermis, fear not. It’s never too late (or too soon) to step up your skincare routine and reap the gorgeous rewards.”
We couldn’t have said it better. Here are a few tips Carmindy recommends that echo the advice Dr. Zein Obagi has been recommending since back when he developed Obagi NuDerm. Take a look:
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Wear sunscreen every single day: Dr. Obagi asserts that SPF is your most reliable protection against the signs of aging.
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Wash your face at night: You’ve heard it here time and time again. Dr. Obagi recommends scrubbing at least one full minute to rid of the sebum that leads to blemishes.
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Exfoliate: Sloughing off dead skin cells is achieved with our Exfoliating Polish. Dr. Obagi recommends using it daily, but once a week is the bare minimum!
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Retinoid creams help stimulate collagen: Amen! Our Radical Night Repair Plus contains the highest concentration of retinol you’ll find over-the-counter.
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Don’t pile on a bunch of creams: We told you earlier this week that doing this can lead to sensitive skin and/or overmoisturization which causes lazy skin cells, the very cause of wrinkles and fine lines.
deborah
Who Trumps Healthy Skin on Celebrity Apprentice??
Between The Donald, Rod Blogojovich and Brett Michaels, the hair alone on “Celebrity Apprentice” could get a few stylists fired, but we’re not interested in talking locks. We’d rather discuss the SKIN on this show.
We’re focusing on “Celebrity Apprentice” — not just because we get a kick out of watching celebrities grovel on the unfortunate end of that long cherry wood table — but because it features men and women of broad backgrounds and various age groups. That means we’re watching a lot of different skin types, textures and tones. In High Definition.
Scary for them, fun for us.
We’d be happy to tell you what we think of Donald Trump and Brett Michaels’ skin, but we’re not sure what lies beneath their Oompa-Loompa spray tans. So, we’ll take on the woman whose skin is “so unusual.” And we mean that in a good way.
Cyndi Lauper’s creamy complexion is one color all over. (As some of you know, until you’ve experienced acne scarring or a skin disease like Rosacea, it’s an underestimated quality.) Her skin has an evenness in its tone with no age spots or broken capillaries in sight, which is unheard of for a rock star who’s still rockin’ at age 56.
Next up, Selita Ebanks, a Victoria’s Secret Angel. We’d love to put her in harsh, fluorescent lighting and strip her of her makeup bag. Not because we’re into cruel and unusual punishment but because we’re confident her smooth skin still wouldn’t boast a single bump or depression. Go ahead and add that to your “reasons to hate Selita Ebanks” list.
Lastly, Ivanka Trump. There’s a firmness and fullness to her face that has Dr. Zein Obagi’s definition of healthy skin written all over it. Yes, she has youth on her side, but clearly she practices vigilant care or we wouldn’t need a rescue and search team to find her pores.
As for the rest of the cast: Some have definitely kept up a good skincare regime, like Maria Kanellis. But the rest of them? Let’s just say their skin is as healthy as Maria Kanellis is a bonafide celebrity.
deborah
WE HAVE A SUPERSTAR ENDORSEMENT OF OUR OWN
If you’ve watched TV in the last five minutes, we’re willing to bet you’ve seen a commercial in which a celebrity is endorsing, or acting as the spokesperson of, a skincare line.
Whether it’s a flavor-of-the-month teen idol wearing nothing but a bath towel or one of the plethora of celebrities who’ve cured their news-to-us acne problem with 3 easy steps, skincare companies seem to think that stardom equals a medical degree in dermatology.
The latest endorsement comes in the form of the Kardashian sisters acting as spokespersons for a skincare line set to launch this spring. The threesome —famous for … let us get back to you on that — made the announcement earlier this week.
If you need a reality TV personality to tell you how to care for your skin, you’re in the wrong place. We do, however, have an in-house rock star who has a few recommendations for you.
See, the ZO in ZO Skin Health stands for Zein Obagi. As in Dr. Zein Obagi. The same man responsible for the Obagi Nu-Derm system and other products you’re so familiar with. Yeah, that guy. He’s the creator of our line and he’s the only one we need backing our products. Is he a celebrity? Yes — to dermatologists the world over.
ZO Skin Health doesn’t have to pay teeny bopper actresses with all of two years experience caring for their own skin or singers whose skin problems require a magnifying glass to see them to put their seal of approval on our products.
Our seal of approval comes from one of the most respected doctors in dermatology. Our endorsement is in our name, not in a celebrity.
deborah
AND THE AWARD GOES TO …
Surely you tuned into the 82nd Annual Academy Awards last night and watched Monique, Sandra Bullock, Kathryn Bigelow and the others accept their little gold men. Well, today we’re giving out an entirely different kind of award.
Consider these the ZO Skin Health awards for best performing pores, skin tone and elasticity on the red carpet. Without further ado, we’d like to present the Best Skin at the Oscars.
Best Performance by Fair Skin:
Let’s face it. The fairest of them all have a bigger battle against sun damage. That’s why we tip our hat to Tina Fey for keeping her face, neck and chest, well, much better than just fair.
Get the look: Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30
Best Shine Control:
We’ll let you decide whether or not she shines on stage, but teenager Miley Cyrus’ oily skin often has her shining on the red carpet. And not in a good way. But, not this time around. Kudos for keeping the shine in check, Miley.
Get the look: Offects TE-Pads Acne Pore Treatment
Best Overall Elasticity:
We give this award to the cougar with the loudest meow. Just look at Demi Moore’s arms. If that’s not stellar acting — 40 something arms acting like 20 something arms — than we don’t know what is.
Get the look: Oraser Body Emulsion
Lifetime Achievement for Best Skin:
It takes guts for any woman to sport a plunging neckline. But for a 60-year-old woman to do it? It takes magic. Or one powerful skincare regime. Bravo to Meryl Streep whose flawless skin over the years is the only performance for which she hasn’t been recognized.
Get the look: Ossential Daily Power Defense
Did we leave anyone out? Let us hear whose skin wowed YOU at the Oscars.
ZO Skin Health
Vdara Spa–Check it out
The current issue of Harper’s Bazaar (with Tiger Woods on the cover) has a story on Vdara Hotel and Spa. It’s a beautiful 18,000 sq. ft. spa. But that’s not what I think makes the property extraordinary–in fact, there’s nothing ordinary about Vdara.
- It’s a non-gaming (no casino!), non-smoking hotel and spa—which is highly unusual in Sin City.
- The hotel is entirely “green”–and the spa is the one and only certified green spa in Vegas.
- It’s a part of new City Center complex—the largest privately funded real estate development in the US.
- It was conceived—put on the drawing boards—while Las Vegas was flourishing. Now the whole city is in economic crisis, the real estate market has tanked and tourism is in decline. But the owners didn’t pull back, and try to hide during the recession. They took a gutsy move and opened the resort in November 2009—and by all accounts, it has been met with great reviews.
I’m happy that ZO Skin Health is the #1 brand of skincare sold at the Vdara Spa. My Stimulation Peel is the #1 facial treatment performed at the spa. I was happy to be there on opening day, along with Orlando Bloom and lots of other dignitaries. If you’re in Vegas, check it out—I think you’ll like it.
ZO Skin Health
Tattoos (and Tattoo Removal)
One of the leading online news-magazines (www.msnbc.com, to be exact), had a story yesterday about Hollywood celebrities who have tattoos. What’s especially interesting though, is that that story got more hits than any other story on the homepage—generating more visitors than stories about Iran nuclear weapons, Haitian refuges, and gubernatorial primaries. I guess we all need a break from reality now and then.
So why do people like Penelope Cruz (she has the number 883 tattooed on her leg), Angelina Jolie (she had her Billy Bob tattoo lasered off, and later replaced with a map of the birthplaces of her adopted children) and Pink (too many tattoos to enumerate!) get tattoos?
I live and work in Beverly Hills, but I have no idea.
Some people have tattoos for cosmetic reasons (aka permanent cosmetics), for eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, lipliners. Also, some women have tattoos as part of post-surgical breast reconstruction.
Then again, there are Elvis tattoos, dragons, butterflies, leopards and lizards. For all of those crazy varmints and witchcraft tattoos, 50% of the people who get them later regret it. Luckily, there are several ways of removing them, and which technique a dermatologist uses will depend on the size, position and age of the tattoo.
In my practice I use a QS laser, which breaks up the pigmentation. The body’s scavenger cells then remove the pigmentation, over a period of about 30 days. The lasers cause bleeding, oozing and then crusting, so healing takes about 7 days. Generally, multiple treatments are required—but there’s no way of telling in advance.
After treatments are completed, there will be no residual pigmentation, but a flesh-toned outline of the tattoo will remain. Just a little tint—like in ZO Skin Health’s Oclipse sunscreen—will help even the tone and conceal the outline.
Whereas tattoo parlors are sometimes suspect and of questionable quality, it’s important to work with skilled and trained medical specialists for tattoo removal. Before you get a tattoo, just think about Halle Berry. She had the name of her first husband, David Justice, tattooed on her derriere. After she divorced, she had his name lasered off, and a sunflower tattooed in its place. As she said, “I wish I never had the tattoo in the first place. Clean, clear skin is always better.”
Good point, Halle.
