ZO Skin Health | Dr. Obagi Blog

TIP: If you want to feel good, try this cocktail

ZO Skin Health — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:05:42 +0000

Dr. Obagi has little patience with people who want a sweet-smelling, feel-good cream and expect it to improve their skin. So he has simple advice for those who just want to feel good: have a martini.

“If you want to look good,” he says, “use products with a high concentration of retinol.”

Then again, there are people who want to do both! For 2008-2009, sales of luxury cosmetics and skincare were up 63%. Sales of vodka were up 81% , and sales of rum were up 226%! Of course, if you drink too much, everyone else will look better too!

productsimple advice for anyone wanting to feel better: have a martini.

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TIP: Get “Smiling” Eyes!

ZO Skin Health — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:46:22 +0000

Want to save some money? Get your skincare products to multi-task. A good eye cream can work very well for the fine lines around your lips. That’s a good reason to smile! And when your lips smile, your eyes will too!

Here’s what to look for:

For anti-aging, nothing beats retinol. It stimulates cellular turnover and revs up collagen, reducing age spots and fine lines. Just be sure to wear a sunscreen, because retinol does make your skin more photo-sensitive.

Ingredients that hydrate your skin (ceramides, hyaluronic acid) will plump the fine lines quickly. No eye cream–even the most expensive one–is smart enough to know the difference between the lines around your mouth, and the lines around your eyes. If it works for your eyes, it will work for your lips!

Then smile–you don’t need to tell anyone your secret.

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TIP: Get Smart about Fillers

ZO Skin Health — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:16:37 +0000

If you’re in your 40’s or 50’s chances are you’ve noticed some vertical lines in your face–not wrinkles, but loss of volume.

To the rescue: facial fillers. There are several on the market now, some of which you’ve probably heard about. But which one is right for you?? Your doctor may be the best judge of that, but here are some things that you should know.

After you have lost collagen and elastin, fillers help the dermis return to a more youthful condition. They work underneath the skin to trap water, plump the skin and restore volume that has been lost. They’re frequently used in the naso-labial folds (on the sides of the nose), the “marionette lines” (around the corners of the mouth). These areas are particularly susceptible to breakdown because there is so much chewing, talking, smiling. But facial fillers can also be used to raise scar depressions, plump the lips, enhance the temples, cheeks or lower eyelids.

With fillers there is little pain, and not much downtime (although swelling and minor bruising can last for up to a week). Your doctor will use a fine needle and may use a numbing cream or local anesthetic to reduce the pain.

Fillers are made from synthetic compounds that are safe for your skin. There are lots of different brands, including Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Sculptra, Radiesse and Prevelle. Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and Prevelle are all made from hyaluronic acid, which is a natural sugar compound and provides fullness to the skin. Radiesse is made of tiny crystals that contain calcium hydroxyapatite, a substance found in our bones and skin.

Here are some of the pro’s and con’s of each:

Restylane: particularly good for nas0-labial folds, smile lines, forehead wrinkles, lips. You can expect it to last for about six-twelve months.

Perlane: injected deeper, so typically recommended for the cheeks, chin, eyebrows and around the mouth. The manufacturer claims it lasts 9-12 months. Not as popular as it used to be.

Juvederm: you’ve seen this advertised–for the “parentheses” folds. It’s the leading brand and from the company that brought us Botox. Lasts for about 6-12 months in the naso-labial folds; about 3-6 months in the lips.

Radiesse: recommended for smiles and nas0-labial folds. Lasts for up to one year.

Prevelle: recommended for fine lines, naso-labial folds, lips, lines around the mouth. Lasts for only 2-6 months, but is generally less expensive. Has lidocaine added to reduce discomfort.

Sculptra: generally multiple treatments are performed over a period of several months, but then it lasts for 2-4 years. Has lidocaine added, to reduce discomfort. Generally more expensive.

At the Obagi Skin Health Institute, Dr. Obagi uses Juvederm, Prevelle and Sculptra. Ask your doctor to explain his/her recommendations. It’s your face and your money, so make an informed decision–and be sure to select a provider who is well-qualified.

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TIP: Get Better Results with this 10-Second Tip

ZO Skin Health — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:14:15 +0000

Skincare products that sit on the surface of your skin have little to no benefit. Massage the creams/lotions into your skin until they have vanished. Here are the added benefits:

1. Dr. Obagi recommends applying products vigorously in a circular motion. You’re giving your skin added exercise to stimulate dormant cells.

2. You’ll enhance the activity of the functional ingredients, because you’re increasing penetration and absorption.

It only takes a few seconds. Give your skin a little extra exercise today!

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The Ten Most Vain Places to Live in the US

ZO Skin Health — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:41:53 +0000

Where would you expect that the most vain people –the ones who believe in better living through surgery– live??

Forbes and Total Beauty found out what ten cities have the most plastic surgeons, tanning salons and spas/salons per capita. Here’s the countdown:

#10 Louisville, Kentucky. Go figure. People there spend more on hair/skin/nail care. Louisville also has more than its fair share of plastic surgeons.

#9 Minneapolis, Minnesota. The winter cold there is brutal, and wreaks havoc on the hair and skin. It’s understandable that they have so many spas and salons. They need a little extra pampering.

#8 Charleston, West Virginia. No kidding! Charleston has more tanning salons per capita than NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Miami—combined!!

#7 San Diego, California. Sure, Californians are consumed with their appearances. But they also spend too much time outdoors during beautiful sunny weather. So they have more wrinkles and skin laxity! Advice from Dr. Obagi: wear Oclipse SPF 30 Sunscreen!!

#6 Dallas, Texas. Don’t mess with Texas! People there spend more time and money in salons so that their hair and nails look good.

#5 Los Angeles, California. This one was a no-brainer. The folks who live in Lalaland have more cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. All of the nose jobs, lip plumping and breast enhancements add up.

#4 Salt Lake City, Utah. There are more plastic surgeons here (per 100,000 people) than anywhere in the US. Who knew?? One theory is that because Mormons have large families, women there opt for tummy tucks and liposuction—also dubbed “Mommy Makeovers”.

#3 San Francisco, California. It’s a city best known for herbal and homeopathic supplements. So they probably like to go au-naturel on their skincare, haircare and nails as well. And they pay more than most anywhere else, too!

#2 Miami, Florida. People who live in Miami are rumored to eat too much, drink too much and smoke too much. Now we know that they spend too much on manicures, pedicures, facials and hair color, too!

#1 New York, New York. Everything there just costs more. Facials, haircuts and massages help to relieve stress in the Big Apple. Until they see their credit card bills… Then they need to start all over again.

How about in your hometown? Where do you think people are particularly vain?

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TIP: The best way to start your day

ZO Skin Health — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:35:38 +0000

Want some breakfast food that works for your waistline as well as your skin? It’s so good you may even want to have some for dessert.

It’a a mango, and although it’s relatively new to the American diet, it’s been around for 4000 years. Not only are mangoes low in calories and high in fiber, they have some very interesting properties.

* Mangoes are powerhouses for anti-oxidants (like beta-carotene) that neutralize free radicals that damage skin cells and lead to premature aging. Just one mango contains 1-3X your minimum daily requirement of Vitamin C.

* They’re a very good source of silica. Never heard of it? Our bodies hold a small supply of this important mineral, but that reserve diminishes as we grow older, causing dry skin, wrinkles, brittle hair and nails. Silica retains 300 times its weight in water, so it helps your skin stay hydrated and plumped. .

The only problem with mangoes? It’s a little difficult to cut the fruit away from the stone. But the best things in life aren’t easy, are they?

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What’s Life, without a Wrinkle or Two??

ZO Skin Health — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:26:26 +0000

Hands with age spots and wrinkles… are you concerned about them, or proud of them? Here’s something to think about–it was sent to us by one of our friends. We hope you’ll enjoy:

–

Grandma, 90+ years old, sat on the patio bench. She didn’t move… just sat with her head down and stared at her hands.

Finally, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. ”I’m fine,” she said. ”Have you ever really looked at your hands–I mean, really looked at them?”

No, I guess that I never had.

Grandma then smiled and told this story:

“My hands, though wrinkled and shriveled, have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and embrace life. They caught my fall when, as a toddler, I crashed to the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. My mother told me to fold them when I prayed. They tied my shoes. They held my husband, and wiped the tears from my face when he went off to fight in World War II.

“When I was engaged, they wore a diamond–and I thought that it was the most beautiful ring in the world. When I first held my baby, they were clumsy and awkward. Soon they learned to hold all of my children, and eventually, my grandchildren. They shook when I buried my parents, and they trembled when I buried my husband.

“They have covered my face, combed my hair, wiped babies’ bottoms–more times than I can count. And to this day, when not much of me works the way that it used to–my hands still know how to dry a tear and fold in prayer. These hands tell the story of my life. And someday, God will reach out to these hands when he takes me away.”

Now, when I look at my own aging hands, I remember my grandmother. And I hope that my hands will someday will have lines and wrinkles that tell the story of a rich and wonderful life.

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TIP: A 10-second trick to make your skin look younger

ZO Skin Health — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:21:57 +0000

Putting on an eye cream? Tap, tap, tap is for the birds, birds, birds! Your skin is meant to be strong and tolerant, and babying your skin is like spoiling your kids—they grow up to be weak and lazy.

Instead of tapping your skin with your pinkie, Dr. Obagi recommeds that you pat your skin firmly. You’ll be stimulating your skin cells—keeping them awake and vibrant. Don’t overdue it, though—stretching and pulling and tugging will over-stress the elastin fibers.

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Preposterous Anti-Aging Skincare Claims–They’re Getting Kind of Old!

ZO Skin Health — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:35:34 +0000

When it comes to anti-aging skincare claims, who can you trust? Good question, and the FDA wants you to know. So they have published a list of companies that are making false and misleading claims. In our opinion, it’s long overdue. While the industry was not regulated, companies began making more and more unproven claims and publishing misleading photos.

And the companies that they’re naming–well, it’s a who’s-who list of skincare–Helena Rubinstein, Guerlain, L’Oreal, Lancome, Coty, Lancaster, Avon, Chanel, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Shiseido–the list goes on and on!

Dr. Obagi is in favor of increased regulation–he has always been a great proponent of ensuring that skincare claims are fair and honest.

For more information, check out the following link:

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_188.html

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Stay Cool!

ZO Skin Health — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:07:12 +0000

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.

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