Dr. Zein Obagi, creator and namesake of ZO Skin Health, a new skincare line, was not the chit-chatty, complimentary presenter we are used to encountering at press events. He basically told us most women treat their skin all wrong, and just about shot down a reporter when she challenged one of his points.
I was wondering if his PR folks knew about this sort of performance before it happened, so I scoured the press materials afterwards. And there it is, in paragraph three of a sheet called THE VISIONARY: “outspoken and almost evangelical in style.” Ok then. Evangelical. Moving on.
He said moisturizer ruins skin by making it weak, and that skin cells “become lazy and slow down” as we age. He said lots of companies buy dermatologist endorsements and twist around lab data (ok, that one I definitely believe).
He said his products have the highest concentration of wrinkle-fighting retinol available over the counter, and basically that they’ll make you look younger, longer, and they’re what we should be putting on our faces.
I didn’t try the hardcore anti-aging stuff (but Product Fiend really liked it); I did use the Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 ($85) and the Offects Exfoliating Cleanser ($45).
The primer is great. It’s tinted and provides just a tiny bit of coverage, plus the silicone-based formula melts right into skin – Obagi used the word “velvety,” and I’d have to agree. Makeup goes on beautifully on top of it, and my skin looks a whole lot more even at the end of the day.
The exfoliator is ok – not quite rough enough for me, but I understand that my addiction to ground pumice and chopped-up seeds isn’t necessarily good for my face. Still, I’m not sure it’s $45 good. If you’re going to spend more money than you should on a ZO product, I’d stick with the primer – or try your luck with that $325 face cream and get back to us.
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Am confused, so moisturizers are not good for the skin?
I use the exfoliating cleanser and at first glance had the same response “Not enough beads” but continued to use it and realized less is more. It made my skin look and feel great and it doesn’t leave a sandy residue like other exfoliators. Plus I can use it everyday, which is something I like and it won’t overwork my skin!!! I definately think its worth the price. But I’m still confused about the whole moisturizer comment??? I still use it EVERYDAY and on my neck too!
I’ve had an appointment Dr. Obagi recently and am using a myriad of the products with great satisfaction. He truly IS serious about waking up your skin. I thought it was just a good tag line: Fight aging. Fight hard. This man means it!
If you want a really great scrub, try the Offects Exfoliating Polish.
I have been using the starter kit for about 2-3 weeks. I like the way the Exfoliating Cleanser leaves my skin feeling very clean, but not at all drying. My favorite is definately the Sunscreen & Primer. It goes on so smoothly and has a hint of color. Unlike other sunscreen and/or primers I’ve used, it isn’t heavy or greasy and does’t leave me with and oily/shiny look. love it…
Okay, now it has been a month or so. I am definately seeing my brown spots lighten up. I am using the products religiously and my skin feels smoother. I’m hoping to see my fine lines diminish…
I use the exfoliating cleanser and absolutely love it!! I use it every day and this product makes my skin look and feel amazing. Its almost like I can feel my skin exfoliating the second I lather up my skin. I use this on both my face and my neck. After using this product I dont think I will ever use another brand again!