ZO Skin Health
What’s Your Skin Age?
We all know how old we feel (and some days we feel younger than others!), but how old do we look? It’s harder to be objective about that.
That’s why Dr. Obagi developed the Skin Age test, a 5-minute questionnaire that enables you to assess your skin type, concerns, lifestyle, genetics, etc., and make an accurate projection of whether your skin makes you look older–or younger–than you really are. Immediately you’ll get an assessment of the factors that influenced your score, as well as some recommendations. There are some things that may surprise you–like the role of ethnicity, HRT, anti-depressants, diet, etc. Based on your input, there is also a proposed regimen–what you need to do to correct or maintain your skin. If you wish, you can print a copy of the regimen for your records. And if it looks really, really good, you can show it to your friends!!
The test is free, and so is the evaluation. Check it out at: http://www.zoskinhealth.com/skin-age-test.html
Have fun! And tell us what you think!
ZO Skin Health
Help for Yo-Yo Dieters, when the Yo-Yo is stuck in the “up” position
Gina Tutino has been a yo-yo dieter for most of her life. But for the past 10 years, that yo-yo has been stuck in the “up” position.
When she lost her husband, she stopped cooking, and ate junk food. Then she went through menopause, and weight loss became even more difficult. Eventually she gave up, and chose not to deal with the daily frustration of a stupid scale and relentless zippers.
One day she met Dr. Obagi and he focused on Gina’s face—not the rest of her body. She always had good skin; she just hadn’t taken care of herself in a long time. He recommended that she get started on ZO products.
In a few weeks, she began to see a difference. After 8 weeks or so, she began to like herself. And then she began to believe in herself again. That was the turning point.
She started a medically supervised diet, and began working with a personal trainer. No drugs or surgical intervention–just good old-fashioned diet and exercise. Over the next 18 months, she lost about 9 lbs per month—total, 165 lbs! Gina is now a slim, trim 136 lbs!
Congratulations, Gina—you know how to fight aging, and fight hard! You look terrific!
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.
Dr. Zein Obagi
What You Love About Aging
I’m in the business of making you look good. It’s what I do. A lot of times, though, making you look good means making you look younger. Certainly we can all understand the desire to get rid of unwanted wrinkles, sagging skin and fine lines. To be clear, though, I want everyone to realize that aging itself isn’t a bad thing. On the contrary, it’s quite lovely.
Think about it. The best cars are the classic models. The best music are the oldies but goodies. The best wine is the most aged. The words “antique” and “vintage” instantly make an item more appealing. That’s the way we need to think of ourselves: the older, the better. Like the classic pink Cadillac pictured above. Car connoisseurs covet it. Passersby admire it. We all respect it.
I recently asked my Facebook friends and Twitter followers to tell me what they LIKE about aging. Some of the answers surprised me. Take a look. Perhaps it will make you look at aging a little differently:
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Caroline appreciates her age because it’s taught her how to handle men better.
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Kristi loves her age because it’s given her confidence. She used to walk into a room wondering if people would like her. Now she wonders if she’ll like the people in the room.
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Tammy wouldn’t trade her laugh lines for the memories of joyous times with friends and family that the years have brought her.
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Selena may wish she had the same body she did in her 20’s, but not the same resume.
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Phyllis’ grandchildren make her thankful for her age.
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Pam insists the bright side of getting older is not having to LOOK older, which she credits to the Obagi products.
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Danielle never received as many compliments on her chestnut brown hair as she does with her head of silver hair.
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Monique wouldn’t trade the good taste and style she’s acquired over the years for fewer wrinkles.
Dr. Zein Obagi
Moisturizer: The Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth
I want you to forget everything you’ve been taught about moisturizing your skin. From the lady behind the cosmetic counter to the dermatologist on your TV — forget what you’ve been told. It’s high time you know the truth about hydrating your skin and I’m going to give it to you.
First, you need to consider where your information has come from. Think about your skincare sources and the key piece of advice they’ve drilled into your head: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. How many of these people were trying to sell you moisturizer?
It’s not rocket science, friends. They tell you what they have to in order to get the sell. And, you like what you hear — that your skin will look younger — so you oblige.
I’m not trying to sell you anything. I have a bevy of skincare products, yes, but I won’t mention one of them in this writing. I just want you to know the truth. Even if it means purchasing less moisturizer. And, that’s what it will mean because your skin doesn’t need it. That’s right, your skin — get this — hydrates itself.
When the skin cells are strong and healthy, a natural delivery system of hydration takes place. But when the cells recognize an outside source has already hydrated the skin, there’s no need for the natural hydration to take place. They consequently become inactive and stop the moisture production process. That leads to dry, dull, aging skin.
Ever noticed the more moisturizer you apply, the more your skin seems to need it? It dries out, right? That’s because your skin is becoming addicted to the outside source of hydration: the moisturizer you’ve been piling on.
Look, I’m not recommending you swear off moisturizers. I realize tightness and dryness call for it sometimes. But, you need a functional moisturizer to keep your cells active and healthy. Look for moisturizers that contain Retinol so skin is hydrated, but cells are simultaneously stimulated. The higher the concentration of Retinol, the better. Otherwise, you’re creating more problems for your skin, including accelerating the signs of aging.
So, there you have it: The truth about moisturizing. Not quite the same information you’ve been given over the years, I know. But, remember, I’m not selling you anything. I’m giving you something: knowledge. And, knowledge is power.
ZO Skin Health
Our Focus is Your Skin, Nothing Else
“Keep your eye on the ball.” It’s such a simple concept, but the words are repeated from the little leagues all the way up to major league baseball. Why? Because focus is crucial, not just with sports, but with any industry in which excellence is sought. So, why trust a skincare company that’s got its eye on five other balls, from fragrances all the way to fashion? Dr. Zein Obagi’s focus is your skin. Always has been, always will be.
You won’t ever find yourself browsing the cosmetic counters and coming across a hot new mascara with the ZO Skin Health logo on it. Nor will you stumble across our new shampoo and conditioner at your corner salon. We respect the two fields, but prefer to play the game for which we’re known. The game Dr. Obagi transformed.
If a skincare company has real integrity we’d think they would want to do the same. That’s why we’re left scratching our heads when we see supposed reputable skincare brands manufacturing makeup brushes, eau de parfums and nail polish.
What’s even more insulting are those who trespass into our territory from a department that doesn’t share a single common denominator with skincare. We can’t count how many fashion designers have woken up one morning and decided to stamp their name on a collection of skincare products. The most comical to date, however, would have to be the luxury jewelry brand that recently put out everything from eye cream to cleansers. We’re still trying to figure out the four C’s of skincare.
If you’d rather not deal with brands that are distracted by potential profits in other industries than you’ve come to the right place. We always have our eye on the ball: your skin.
ZO Skin Health
Skincare Tips You Haven’t Already Heard
Certain skincare tips, like drinking plenty of water, are now common knowledge. But, every once in a while you come across a true treasure. The kind of rare tip you haven’t heard before but wish someone told you years ago. They usually come up when you least expect it, but we decided to go looking for them. We asked our Facebook fans and Twitter followers to share the best, rarely-heard-before skincare tips and they answered with some treasures. Take a look:
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Liz says DON’T drink with a straw. When you tighten your lips to suck from a straw, you’re using the same muscles it takes to smoke a cigarette. And, we all know what smokers’ lips, and the wrinkles around them, look like.
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Victoria recommends you DO use a hands-free headset for your cell phone. Think about it. If your cell phone is ridden with makeup and oils after a long call, guess what transferred to your face? Bacteria, acne’s faithful ally.
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Dawn advises you DO apply more sunscreen to the left side of your face and upper body. Not because she has something against your right side, but because she realizes we spend a good chunk of time in our cars. And where does the sun hit us when we’re behind the wheel? You guessed it, our left sides.
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Teresa suggests you DO cut your TE Pads in half. The faithful ZO Skin Health customer does this to make them last longer and thus gets more bang for her buck. You know what they say, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Kudos to Teresa for coming up with this one.
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Xavier thinks women who DON’T own a magnifying mirror are doing their skin and themselves a favor. Looking at our pores that close-up can cause unnecessary obsession and, in many cases, lead to picking, prodding and popping. Put the magnifying mirror away. Your skin, and sanity, will thank you.
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!
ZO Skin Health
Anti-Aging or Anti-Truth?
