College is calling your name – and unfortunately, so are stress, sleepless nights, partying, and forgetting about your good skin habits. What comes next? Acne breakouts, pimples, blackheads and more, of course.

Stay calm and carry on. ZO Skin Health has solutions that are easy and simple enough even for an overscheduled student to stick with.

Acne may be caused by genetics or hormones, and usually it’s a combination of multiple factors.   Contributing factors may include diet, sleep patterns, hygiene, lifestyle, exercise, and did we mention stress? If you are not exfoliating regularly because crashing for exams take precedence, dead skin cells will build up on your skin’s surface and inside the pores. These dead cells and debris mix with trapped oil and the end result is pores that get clogged, along with blackheads and whiteheads or pustules can’t be far behind.
To keep breakouts under control requires a 24/7, 365 days/year regimen. Even when you are not breaking out, but have a history of acne, don’t get lax. Stick with a program to achieve and maintain clear skin.
ZO Skin Health makes it easy – even for sleep deprived, stressed out college and grad students.  Try the ZO Skin Health Acne Prevention and Treatment Program that includes:

• Offects® Exfoliating Cleanser
• Offects® Exfoliating Polish
• Offects® TE-Pads Acne Pore Treatment Pads
• OSSENTIAL® BIO-SULFUR MASQUE

For even more convenience, Offects TE-Pads Acne Pore Treatment Pads now also come in single use packets, so you can through a few in your backpack or gym bag to keep acne prone areas clean and free from oil and dirt building. And the super effective blue Ossential Bio-Sulfur Masque doubles as a terrific spot treatment to prevent pimples from erupting.
With daily consistent use, these 4 best sellers will keep your skin clear and healthy all semester long!
NOTE: If your acne is severe or you get deep, painful nodules or cysts, see a Dermatologist. You may also required medical treatment with peels, lasers and prescription drugs.

Remember when the idea of wearing sunscreen used to mean pasty white globs of thick creams on your nose? That was zinc oxide, which is why most people skipped the sunscreen in the early days.

Among the individual sunscreen ingredients approved by the FDA, there are chemical and physical sunscreens.  To be effective, chemical sunscreens need to be rubbed into the skin for about 20 minutes before sun exposure. They do a good job at blocking UV light, but they need to be reapplied every few hours to maintain adequate protection. Physical sunscreens, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are both minerals, actually sit on the surface of the skin and physically block both UVA and UVB light. Newer zinc oxide sunscreens contain tiny particles that are transparent and called micronized to avoid the thick, white properties of earlier products.

Dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi set out to eliminate Zinc from his bestselling sunscreen formula – ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer SPF30.

The efficacy and broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection of any reflective sunscreen – such as Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide or a combination – is based on particle sizes. In his NEW formulation of ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer SPF30, Dr. Obagi used an even more effectively optimized particle size of Titanium Dioxide.  Therefore he was able to achieve the same efficacy profile, as SPF and Broad Spectrum (Critical Wavelength) clinical testing proved, as in the previous formula which used a less optimized particle size version of Titanium Dioxide. In so doing, it reduced the need to also rely on Zinc Oxide for skin protection.

The key ingredients in the NEW ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer SPF30 are Titanium Dioxide, along with hydrators, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, Fractionated Melanin, DNA Repair and Protect ingredients and more. What does that mean? Well, this version of our hero product is even more cosmetically elegant so it glides on beautifully like a luxury serum yet it protects your skin throughout the day from harmful UV rays and DNA damage.

Pregnancy is an exciting time for every woman, but along with carrying a new life inside you, your skin, hair and nails experience many changes. It is natural to wonder what you can do about the many changes your body is going through – and what might be dangerous for your baby during these 9 months.

It is well known that some ingredients in prescription medications and from topical skin care products can get absorbed into the body when applied to skin. If you are not entirely sure what is safe or what to avoid, always ask your OB/Gyn or medical doctor to find out.

A a general rule, most mild skincare products found in the drugstore or on department store shelves that do not contain high levels of ingredients regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may be safe to use. These may include cleansers, toners, moisturizers, eye creams, scrubs, masques, lip balms, body lotions, body wash, hand creams, etc.  But there are certain ingredients that are to be avoided until you have given birth and finished breast feeding.

According to Dr. Rachael Eckel, Dermatologist in Trinidad and ZO faculty member,following is the list of ingredients to avoid while pregnant and lactating:

• Prescription Retinoids – Retin-A, Accutane, Differin, Tazorac, etc.
• Retinol
• Beta Hydroxy Acid/Salicylic Acid
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Hydroquinone

Of course this doesn’t mean that you can’t look after your skin while pregnant, but you may need to adjust your normal anti-aging or anti-acne skin care regimen temporarily. “Instead of loading up on vitamin A based products, switch to a non-retinol day cream or serum. Anti-aging skin care that contain Vitamin C, antioxidants, and peptides are usually fine to use during pregnancy too.  A strong SPF is also essential. ZO Skin Health Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF30 is a great choice because it includes a subtle tint with high protection,” says Dr. Eckel.

Many women break out during the first trimester, which then slows down by the second trimester. In some women, however, they may have acne for the whole nine months. “You can substitute benzoyl peroxide and Beta Hydroxy acid based products with glycolic or lactic acid formulas to help control breakouts. If your skin is inflamed or ruddy, try using ZO Medical Balatone, a calming toner designed to invigorate dry, weak skin. It also removes impurities and balances the skin’s pH,” she says.

Some of the skin changes that occur during pregnancy include pigmentation, melasma on the cheeks, chin and upper lip, moles, acne, rosacea, and stretchmarks. Many of these changes will resolve on their own once your hormones go back to normal, some will get better, and others will remain. The best advice is to wait to see your Dermatologist when you are ready for a post pregnancy skin check. Your dermatologist can advise you on what may require prescription drugs, topical products, or clinical treatments for your condition.

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer, as it can spread quickly throughout the body if not treated at an early stage.

The good news is that early detection is the best defense against deadly skin cancers. Regular check ups and screenings every 6-12 months with your Dermatologist can literally be life-saving. Consult with your dermatologist immediately if you see any abnormal changes to your skin, such as new moles or irregular dark spots. And don’t forget to check the areas that get the most sun exposure, such as scalp, back of the neck, hands, feet, and the bridge of the nose. These parts of your body are most prone to sun damage and also skin cancer. The sooner you get diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of survival.

Another critical step to prevent actinic keratoses, and all types of skin cancers from forming, is daily broad spectrum protection with a high SPF. And by daily, we mean 365 days/year.

ZO Medical Oclipse-C Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 is a lightweight natural mineral sunscreen that offers a powerful UVA/UVB protection. This formulation shields your delicate skin from high energy blue-violet light that has been shown to induce premature aging. Oclipse-C goes on smoothly and blends nicely, and is so light that is indicated for sensitive skin types. Many ZO physicians also recommend this new formulation for post-procedure sun protection after lasers, peels and injections.

Dr. Zein Obagi’s vision for prevention when it comes to skin health is simple: Minimize UV damage, prevent DNA damage and protect skin from environmental aggressors to improve overall skin health.

Vitamin C provides potent antioxidant protection from free radical damage that causes premature aging. The most dangerous environmental factors for skin are sun, pollution and oxygen that compromise your skin’s health every day.

The benefits of vitamin C include the benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, heart disease, eye disease, stress reduction, wards off colds, improves bones and teeth, and much more. While we cannot always get the required amount just from a healthy diet, doctors often recommend Vitamin C supplements year round.

In addition to Vitamin C working wonders for your body, other benefits of vitamin C include its ability to induce younger, firmer skin, fading sun damage, reducing discoloration, and preventing new damage from showing up.

Enter ZO® Medical C-Bright™ 10% Vitamin C Serum, a potent formula that provides a high dose of pure vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) that is stabilized to brighten and retexturize the skin. This water-free formula instantly self-activates upon contact with skin’s natural water content to reveal more radiant, even-toned skin. ZO® Medical C-Bright™ uses the power of pure vitamin C to rapidly exfoliate the skin’s surface. Advanced vitamin C ester goes one step further below the skin surface to prevent new melanin pigment from forming. The addition of coenzyme Q10, another powerful antioxidant, helps to defend against environmental triggers that cause inflammation. Natural occurring lipid hydrates and supports skin barrier restoration. It also minimizes the appearance of wrinkles.

“C-Bright™ 10% Vitamin C Serum delivers exfoliating and brightening benefits while inhibiting the formation of new pigmentation. The result is a brighter skin tone and reduction in lines and wrinkles,” said Dr. Zein Obagi.

Cleansing should be the simplest part of your daily skin care routine. But, you may not realize that some all too common bad habits can cause a whole list of skin problems, including dry patches, irritation, oiliness, redness, clogged pores, and breakouts.

Cleansing before you go to bed is an essential part of keeping your skin healthy. During the day the oils on your skin oxidize, which collects dirt and debris on cells from pollutants, bacteria, perspiration and smoke. Cleanse skin at night to remove these toxins that can age your skin and contribute to clogged pores. Cleansing your skin in the morning is important to reduce oil and drops of perspiration that may have formed overnight. Beware that overwashing or harsh scrubbing can also exacerbate your skin’s oil production, leading to acne.

If you’ve got sensitive skin, you’ll want to use clean hands or a soft washcloth to avoid irritation. ZO Offects Hydrating Cleanser is the one for you. It gently hydrates and rejuvenates without disrupting the moisture barrier. Using panthenol and allantoin to soothe, repair, and restore skin, it sweeps away all the dead skin cells and supports cellular renewal.

If you have an oily complexion, cleansing your skin with the right product is vital to control breakouts. ZO Offects Exfoliating Cleanser is ideal to gently exfoliate and cleanse skin, reduce excess oil and neutralize free radicals from the environment. This bestseller also contains encapsulated vitamin E that provide antioxidant protection and hydration for healthy oily and acne prone skin. The foaming surfactants to remove oil and impurities from the skin, and micro-beads help to remove dead skin cells to unclog pores and stimulate healthy cell turnover. An added dose of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) also help to stimulate the exfoliation process dead skin cells. Plus, this multi-tasking formula helps to boost your skin’s natural production of collagen.

Generally, it is best to use warm water. Both hot and cold water can be harsh on your skin. After washing, gently pat skin dry and leave skin slightly damp.

ZO Skin Centres is the newest brainchild of Dr. Zein Obagi, and the flagship location opened in June 2015 at the posh Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California. Clients can stop by for a rejuvenating ZO peel, have a bit of BOTOX for your crow’s feet or Juvederm in your lips. You can even schedule a Coolsculpting session to freeze the fat on your tummy, all in the privacy and convenience of a modern pampering setting.

Dr. Obagi has spent over three decades researching and developing revolutionary ways to restore and maintain healthy, vibrant and glowing skin. Just like our celebrated ZO family of products, our signature services are sought-after by celebrities in Beverly Hills, London, Paris and more.

The experience begins with a consultation by Dr. Obagi himself or his plastic surgeon colleague Dr. Aaron Kosins. At your first Skin Health evaluation with Dr. Obagi or Dr. Kosins, you will have a comprehensive assessment of your skin  and an opportunity to discuss your specific concerns and review your medical history. Photographs will be taken to document your skin’s current condition and to be evaluated by the doctor. You will receive a fully individualized program designed to meet your goals. At each follow-up visit, new photographs will be taken to document your skin’s progress.

All treatments are performed by highly skilled medical aestheticians trained in the principles, protocols and methods of Dr. Zein Obagi. The services offered at the ZO Skin Centres are inspired by the ZO® Circle of Skin Health, which takes into account Prevention, Therapy, Daily Skincare and Maintenance. One of our client favorite treatments is the ZO® Signature Facial with Lymphatic Drainage for hydrated skin that glows.  This relaxing treatment utilizes cutting edge technology, including microcurrent therapy, to improve skin firmness, reduce wrinkles and smooth skin followed by lymphatic drainage to rid the skin of toxins and impurities. It’s perfect before a night out or special occasion!

Look for the ZO Skin Centre at 401 Newport Centre Drive, Suite A208, Fashion Island – open 7 days/week.

Although prescription hydroquinone is still considered the gold standard in skin lightening by many physicians and skincare professionals, Beverly Hills Dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi warns that it comes at a price.

It fades many spots when used consistently and blocks the enzyme needed for creating new ones. Paired with a prescription retinoid or potent retinol, it can begin to lighten dark spots in four to six weeks, sometimes sooner. However, prolonged use of hydroquinone comes with some risks.

But today, there are some potent alternatives to hydroquinone that do not come with the side effects and potential irritation. “Skin becomes immune to the effects of hydroquinone after prolonged use,” says Dr. Obagi. “Alternative treatment options can reduce discoloration with powerful agents that are gentle on skin.”

Dr. Obagi believes that non-hydroquinone alternatives can be ideal for the treatment of skin conditions either when hydroquinone treatment is completed or contraindicated, or as a healthy maintenance system long term. He often recommends use after completing a course of hydroquinone for 4-5 months, or when skin lightening is not needed or desired. These novel treatments are also effective when an even skin tone is the main objective, and when texture and anti-aging benefits are part of restoring even color tone.

In the ZO family of products and treatments, the ZO® Non-Hydroquinone Hyperpigmentation System For Restoring Even Skin Tone includes 5 key products. These potent products will not cause the level of irritation and side effects commonly associated with hydroquinone, but are effective at improving skin tone and texture and reduces the signs of pigmentation.

• BRIGHTENEX™
  Skin Brightener & Correcting Crème, Non-Hydroquinone
• RESTORACALM™
  Soothing Recovery Crème 
• RETAMAX™
  Active Vitamin A Micro Emulsion
• Ossential® Daily Power Defense
• Oclipse-C™ Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50

Of course, Dr. Obagi strongly recommends daily liberal use of a broad spectrum SPF50 to guard against further UV damage that causes discoloration.

The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on the body, which accounts for why it is so prone to environmental abuse and the effects of stress and sun exposure. The skin around the eyes is one of the first places signs of aging like crow’s feet, crepey skin, puffiness and dark circles. The area around the lower eyelids is also prone to dryness because it is so thin, which can make fine lines and wrinkles appear earlier and become more visible over time.

The lower lid area is also quite sensitive so it is recommended not to overdo it with intensive and aggressive anti-agers. Use a moisturizing eye cream with essential fatty acids to combat dryness and smooth the skin around the eyes.  You want to decrease the potential for irritation while increasing the skin’s ability to build new collagen to strengthen the skin that has thinned with age.

Dark circles under the eyes are the result of several factors. For starters, genetics will determine whether you are more prone to darkened areas. Fair skin and thin skin around the eye area can make dark circles look worse and more prominent. Dark circles can also be the result of increased pigmentation, thinning skin that reveals blue and purple veins, or hollowness of the under eye area from fat loss that can create a shadow.

Eye creams with skin lighteners and brighteners such as Vitamin C, can be used to treat pigmentation of the area. Eye creams with ingredients that increase collagen production can help to thicken the skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles due to underlying blood vessels.

ZO Medical Hydrafirm Eye Brightening Repair Creme contains active vitamin A and biomimetic proteins to encourage natural collagen production and help restore skin’s elasticity. Our exclusive blend of bioengineered plant stem cells provides potent antioxidants and inflammation management to protect against future signs of skin aging. We also added enzymatic vasodilators, caffeine and coenzyme A to reduce the appearance of puffiness along with optical diffusers soften the appearance of dark circles. Nourishing shea butter moisturizes and replenishes the delicate skin barrier.

The thirties are the time when your skin starts to show visible signs of aging. At around age 35, cells get lazy and slow down so they don’t turnover as easily without a little help. Fine lines and wrinkles appear, and skin tone becomes more uneven from daily UV exposure, even if you are diligent about wearing your SPF. Brown spots and wrinkles start to develop, especially for smokers and sun worshippers, and those who have not taken good care of their skin until now.

If you are prone to acne breakouts, you may find that your skin is less oily and therefore, you have fewer pimples, cysts and blackheads. In some cases, acne can continue into the 30s and beyond.  Many women are also starting a family in their 30s, which may bring on another set of skin concerns, including rosacea and melasma due to hormonal changes.

The first thing to do is to step up your skin care regimen and add some more intensive formulations to combat the signs of aging. ZO SkinHealth Oclipse Sunscreen-Primer SPF30 is a great place to begin. This best selling multi-tasker acts as a primer under makeup, and has a sheer, light tint that can make it your every day go to skin saver. Packed with SPF30, it also protects from sun damage whether you are walking outside or sitting in your office all day by a window.

Another handy kit to try in your 30s is the ZO GSR (Getting Skin Ready) System. This trio of essentials will help optimize the effectiveness of your ZO® treatment program. As the first basic step in your anti-aging skin care protocol, three key products are included: Offects Exfoliating Cleanser, to be followed by the Offects Exfoliating Polish, and your new BFF – ZO Skin Health Offects® TE-Pads Acne Pore Treatment to control excess oil and keep skin smooth and clear.

Take on your 30s armed with a super advanced customized skin care regimen to maintain your youthful, healthy skin well into your 40s.