ZO Skin Health
Stay Cool!
If you live in an area where the temperature is soaring, your skin is under stress and duress. Dry skin, eczema, acne-prone and sensitive skin are all especially problematic. Here’s what Dr. Obagi recommends to get through the summer heat:
- Sweating is your body’s way of regulating temperature. Wear fabrics that allow your skin to breathe properly—like linen and cotton. Spandex, lycra, etc. are comfortable, but they may trap sweat, congest pores and cause breakouts on your back or neck.
- Hold off on facial waxing, glycolic peels, microdermabrasion, etc. Avoid or reduce the use of products that contain high concentrations of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoic acid or retinol. They all work to expose new, younger, healthier skin cells, but in so doing, shed the dull, dry skin cells that have been blanketing your skin.
- Drink plenty of water or a sports drink. When your skin is not properly hydrated, it will appear more wrinkled, dry and damaged.
- Apply a good sunscreen (like ZO Skin Health’s Oclipse SPF30) about 30 minutes before going outside—it can take that long for it to be fully absorbed by your skin, and reapply it throughout the day. Sunscreens with physical blocks (like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) are better than chemical sunscreens.
- Avoid the use of products that are fragranced.
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat. Not only will it shelter you from the UV rays, it will provide some welcome shade (and protect your hair color!)
- Opt for a treadmill instead of your favorite jogging path. Now is the time to enjoy an air-conditioned fitness center.
ZO Skin Health
Fight and Protect
Boxing trainer Frankie (Clint Eastwood) had two messages for boxer Maggie (Hilary Swank) in Million Dollar Baby: fight and protect. And as the movie reveals, “protect” is as important, if not more important, than just fighting hard.
It’s the same message that Dr. Obagi (and every other dermatologist) preaches every day: to defeat the signs of skin aging, you have to fight hard, and protect your skin.
And that’s the reason that we have paired our two very popular products–Radical Night Repair Plus and Oclipse sunscreen–this month. When you get RNR Plus, we’ll give you a .5 oz Oclipse sunscreen. You have to protect your skin against UV rays all year long, but especially during summer! To take advantage of our current offer and get a free Oclipse, go to: http://www.zoskinhealth.com/shop.html
When you think of the movie, get out the Kleenex, and remember: fight and protect.
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?
Dr. Zein Obagi
What Does SPF Stand For? Your Sunscreen Probably Flunked!
SPF = Sun Protection Factor. Or SPF = Your Sunscreen Probably Flunked. That’s right. Even though physicians have been preaching for years the importance of wearing sunscreen, one bunch of treehuggers now claims otherwise.
Two years ago, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) challenged the safety and efficacy of sunscreens, claiming that the chemicals used in it can cause or accelerate cancer. In fact, they claim that 80-some percent of sunscreens flunked–claiming that they are not safe and/or effective That’s worrisome.
So let’s face the facts:
* EWG’s studies were done only on laboratory mice, and mice are much more susceptible to cancer than people.
* One of the ingredients that they claim is responsible is retinyl palmitate, which is a form of Vitamin A–which in fact is used in the treatment of cancer.
* the EWG generally prefers titanium dioxide and zinc oxide–two physical sunblocks. On that particular point, dermatologists generally agree that physical sunblocks (which block the sun’s rays) are preferable to chemical ones (which absorb the skin’s rays). So we agree. But what should you do about it?
Remember the column that was first published in the Chicago Tribune, with advice for new grads?
“Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.”
Sunscreen is still your best protection again skin cancer and skin aging. Just reapply it frequently, use a minimum of SPF30 and use it every day.
Donna Queen
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
What’s Hot in Skincare for Fall (and what’s not!!)
Want to know what is supposed to be hot (and what’s not) in cosmetics/skincare departments this fall? According to the beauty experts at Nordstrom, look for new anti-aging products for boomers and Gen X (born between 1974-1980)! Here’s what these women want–and what they can look forward to:
* Brighteners–they used to be called lighteners, but the new ones target hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Remember the good old days of using baby oil and aluminum foil reflectors, and toasting your skin? Now all of that damage is really surfacing.
* Treatments–with some of the new technologies, you can enhance the penetration of active ingredients and stimulate muscle tone with microcurrent technology. This is a big advance in the state of the art.
* Retinol–it’s now bigger than ever, and better than ever. Everybody is jumping on the bandwagon for Active Vitamin A. But can they catch up with Dr. Obagi’s ZO Skin Health? Well, he’s already one step ahead. We’ll tell you more later! But the beauty experts at Nordstrom said, “Awesome”!
And what has lost popularity with boomers? Natural and organic products. Botanicals are good, but when it comes to anti-aging, people want what really works.
ZO Skin Health
Skincare. Use It or Lose It
Why do so many skincare companies put products in 1 to 6 ounce containers? Why not supersize them, like some discount retailers do?
In case you’ve missed the evening news recently–and Dr. Obagi has been quoted on many of the networks–the problem is that supersized products may be false economy. Here’s why:
1. Just about all personal cosmetic products have a shelf life. You can see that date printed on the jar–it’s called the PAO (Period After Opening)–an illustration of a little open jar, with a number inside–like 6M, 12M, etc. That stands for 6 months, 12 months, etc.– how long the product will stay fresh after it has been opened. Skincare companies are not required to include the PAO on the package, but ZO does.
2. Some products will lose their potency after repeated exposure to light or air. Vitamin C, retinol, glycolic acid and hydroquinone–curiously, they’re some of the best and most effective ingredients–all are particularly vulnerable. Airtight, opaque packaging helps, but it’s not fail-safe. As someone told me once, “it’s impossible to make anything fool-proof, because fools are so ingenious.”
3. Products that are applied directly to your face–for example, lip gloss, lip balm, eyeliner and mascara, become breeding grounds for bacteria. You’re not doing yourself any favors by keeping them long past their expiration date. That’s why so many skincare products are sold in airtight pumps–to reduce the possibility of contamination.
4. Cosmetics and skincare products need to be stored properly–away from direct light or heat, and with the jar firmly closed. Don’t keep them in your car–especially during the summer.
5. Loofahs and sponges are frequently the host for bacteria. All of those nooks and crannies, and the moist bathroom environment, are conducive to bacterial contamination. According to Dr. Obagi, the bathroom is “a fertile ground for mold, bacteria, fungus and streptococcus, and these things make you vulnerable to acne and infections.
Here’s what Dr. Obagi recommends for the useful life of skincare and cosmetics:
- Cream and gel cleansers: One year
- Serums: Six months
- Liquid foundation: Six months if it is in squeezable packaging, two months in any other form
- Concealer: Three months
- Loose powder: Two years
- Pressed powder: 18 months
- Eye shadow: Two years if powder, two months if it’s cream, unless it is in a squeezable or airtight container
- Mascara: Three months (but discard sooner if it dries out)
- Eyeliner: Up to three years for regularly sharpened pencils, two months for cream or liquid eyeliners
- Blush: Two years for powder, two months for cream
- Makeup sponges: Wash after each use and throw away after two weeks
- Lipstick: One year
- Lip gloss: 18 months
- Lip liner: Up to three years if sharpened regularly
- Nail polish: One year
Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Donna Queen
High-Powered Skincare – When Necessary
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.
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.
Donna Queen
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.
