Zein Obagi, M.D. Acne Prevention + Treatment System
I've had this kit for a few months now, but when I received it, I was having the best skin ever. I had clear complexion and smaller-looking pores, and I was loving my skin, thanks to some hormone therapy, my retinol regimen, and my Clarisonic skin cleansing system.
After a few weeks, I switched my hormone therapy pills and the new brand wasn't working for me. I developed really bad zits on my chin, and usually for me, cystic pimples on the chin are indicative of hormone imbalance. My doctor switched me back to the old brand, but before that, I developed a lot of acne. I gotta say, this system from Dr. Zein Obagi was a lifesaver.
World-renowned for anti-aging skincare, Zein Obagi, MD created ZO® Skin Health and conceived of the original Obagi Nu-Derm® System. Dr. Obagi is also the head dermatologist at Obagi Skin Health Institute, Beverly Hills. This is different from the Obagi Nu-Derm® System that we often see at spas and dermatology clinics. Dr. Obagi is no longer affiliated with Obagi Medical Products, Inc., a company that distributes the Obagi Nu-Derm® System. However, Dr. Obagi recommends that ZO® Skin Health products be used as prequel to Obagi Nu-Derm®, or in conjunction with it, or as part of the Obagi Nu-Derm® maintenance program.
The ZO Skin Health by Zein Obagi, MD is a four-part system features an exfoliating cleanser and polish, salicylic acne pads, and a bio-sulfur masque. Founder Dr. Zein Obagi is an acne expert and speaks about surprising sources of acne, including beauty products you wouldn't suspect, and what ingredients (including new technologies and old standbys) really deliver acne-clearing results. Let's talk about the four products in this system.
STEP 1: EXFOLIATING CLEANSER
Offects® Exfoliating Cleanser
Offects® Exfoliating Cleanser
From Dr. Obagi: The Offects® Exfoliating Cleanser includes encapsulated beads with Vitamin E, the most important antioxidant for healthy skin, as well as smoothing micro-beads that soften and exfoliate dead skin cells, whisking away dirt and oil. Advanced Lipopeptide helps boost collagen production, preventing premature aging. Dr. Obagi recommends that you cleanse your face for one full minute to take out grime, dirt, excess oil and bacteria that cause acne.
MY TAKE: I really like this cleanser. It feels very refreshing on the skin. The tiny granules gently massage the skin and slough off surface sebum and dead skin cells. I like to use this in the morning, it makes my skin look bright and clean and ready for the day.
STEP 2: OFFECTS EXFOLIATING POLISH
From Dr. Obagi: Use ZO® Skin Health Offects™ Exfoliating Polish twice a week to remove buildup and reveal the fresh, radiant skin beneath. The exfoliator uses round magnesium crystals to gently yet effectively remove dead skin cells, increase epidermal turnover and create a clearer, smoother, more even-toned complexion. Vitamins A, C, and E provide powerful antioxidant protection, allowing active ingredients to penetrate the skin to work harder, deeper and faster. The polish combines therapeutic Dead Sea minerals with the benefits of microdermabrasion to slough off dry skin and restore a healthy glow. “Exfoliating is possibly the most crucial skincare step in an acne-fighting regimen,” reveals Dr. Obagi. “Unclogging pores and clearing away debris not only combats existing acne, but prevents new ones from forming, giving you a continuously clear complexion.”
MY TAKE: Can you see how fine the grains are? You can hardly see them! I used this once and I was immediately hooked. After exfoliating, I really felt my skin became smoother with those little bumps (maybe half-out whiteheads) gone. It gave my skin a nice, even complexion, as long as I use this twice a week. I am impressed with this product.
STEP 3: OFFECTS® TE-Pads Acne Pore Treatment
Dr. Obagi says: Use ZO® Skin Health Offects® TE-Pads to sweep away any excess oil and dead skin cells left behind after cleansing. The multi-tasking pads are soaked in 2% Salicylic Acid—the highest over-the-counter concentration—to gently exfoliate and control breakouts by reducing oiliness. “These one-of-a-kind pads also prep skin for future treatments,” explains Dr. Obagi. “The treatment actually increases the benefits of other therapies used in conjunction with Salicylic Acid.”
MY TAKE: This is hands-down the most effective product I use for acne that is just beginning to sprout from my skin. When I feel that a cystic acne is raring to emerge, I place this over the area after cleansing for a minute. It effectively kills the bacteria before the pimple even emerges from the skin. You don't know how many zits I've prevented from emerging by using this pad. The salicylic acid is a strong ingredient to zap the zit away. Take note, very important:
DO NOT USE ON SUNBURNED, WINDBURNED, DRY, CHAPPED, IRRITATED OR WOUNDED SKIN. DO NOT APPLY ON SKIN FOR MORE THAN A MINUTE. It will burn your skin. This is what happened with me when I applied it on the affected area for more than a minute (or maybe even 30 seconds). It caused a scab because I burned the top layer of my skin. Be very prudent and careful when using this.
All in all, though, I love this product. If I feel that I am having a zit coming up, I use this product right away.
STEP 4: BIO-SULFUR MASQUE
Dr. Obagi says: Finally, for the complexion-perfection cherry on top, give yourself a weekly facial with the ZO® Skin Health Bio-Sulfur Masque, available exclusively in the Acne Prevention and Care Kit. Apply the paste evenly to face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes, or use it to spot treat pimples overnight. Bio-Sulfur slows sebum activity, breaks down sebum on skin’s surface, and provides anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits to keep the complexion healthy and clear. “This mask is a treatment I use in my own practice,” says Dr. Obagi.
MY TAKE: I haven't used this as a masque, but I use this as a spot-on treatment for pimples to dry them out. This is amazing in conjunction with the Offects TE-Pads. I leave this on my zits overnight and in the morning, they become significantly smaller or dry out completely. My husband even uses this to spot-treat his pimples. Another miracle product for me.
All in all, I am in love with this system and I cannot recommend this enough. It retails for $139 at zoskinhealth.com, but I believe it is very much worth the price for people who are afflicted with acne regularly. Of course, it is always best to talk to your dermatologist prior to starting any acne regimen, especially if you have complications like pregnancy, illness, etc.
The Shades Of U Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.
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