Warmer months bring plenty of excitement – think vacations, longer days and more time outside. Ensure your skincare regimen is ready for the summer to protect + soothe it from environmental stressors.

SUNBURN ON YOUR FACE

Summer can be synonymous with sunburns if you are not prepared.

Sunscreen is a must all year, but it is especially important for the summer. ZO® offers sun protection for every skin type and lifestyle, ranging from water and sweat-resistant, glow-enhancing and complexion-blurring formulas.

All ZO® sunscreens contain Triple-Spectrum Protection® which protect against sun + light damage.

HOW TO TREAT SUNBURN ON YOUR FACE FAST

Sunburns happen. Maybe you didn’t reapply enough during a long day outdoors or maybe you missed a spot. There are some steps you can follow after developing a burn. It is important to know that many skincare products, such as AHAs or retinol, are not advised to be used on burnt or damaged skin. Skincare for sunburns should be minimal and behavior based.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the following steps after developing a sunburn:

Apply a cool compress to the burn site
Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
Get out of the sun to prevent further sun exposure
Keep skin hydrated as it heals
See a doctor if burn worsens or blisters

BEST SKINCARE FOR SUNBURNS

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends keeping skin hydrated as it heals.

ZO® Skin Health’s Hydrating Crème is ideal for soothing stressed skin. It delivers long-lasting hydrating benefits, calms visible redness and aids skin barrier recovery. It can be used as often as needed. After applying, it is important to remain out of direct sunlight and cover up with protective clothing to prevent further damage.

A mild cleanser that supports the skin barrier, such as ZO’s new Balancing Cleansing Emulsion, is a great option to keep the area cleansed and minimize infection.

HOW TO PREVENT FACIAL SUNBURN

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen everyday is the best way to prevent sunburns on the face or body. It is vital to limit sun exposure and regularly reapply sunscreen as directed. Learning more about how to prevent facial sunburn is a great way to make sure you are protecting your skin.

Just Launched: new sunscreens from ZO® Skin Health.

One of the most important parts of any skincare regimen is sunscreen. It is considered one of the best anti-aging products, as it protects skin against environmental damage + premature signs of aging.

With new formulations and finishes now available to maximize your sun protection routine, ZO® has your skin health covered.

WHAT’S NEW

Introducing ZO® Skin Health’s newest sunscreen products just in time for the summer: Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 and Gel Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50.

WHAT MAKES THEM DIFFERENT?

All ZO® sunscreens are formulated with Triple-Spectrum Protection® to guard skin against harmful light and radiation, providing the necessary protection against UVA + UVB, High-Energy Visible (HEV) blue light and Infrared-A.

In addition to delivering Triple-Spectrum Protection®, all ZO® sunscreens contain abundant antioxidants and heat-soothing extracts to ensure powerfully protected skin.

With our newest formulas—Sheer Fluid and Gel—it is now easier than ever to get the sun protection you need while accounting for your skin’s unique needs + lifestyle preferences.

Both formulas are fragrance-free.

SHEER FLUID BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN SPF 50

Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 is a sheer fluid mineral sunscreen for all skin types that creates a natural, bare-face finish without leaving a white cast.

Its innovative packaging utilizes an internal metalized ball that, when shaken, mixes the weightless formula for optimal blending + performance.

GEL SUNSCREEN BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 50

Gel Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 is an unscented, clear gel sunscreen for all skin types with a lightly hydrating, complexion-smoothing finish. Additionally, it is water and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Gel Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 delivers its innovative formula in an airless pump bottle, optimizing product dispensation for ease of application + product stability.

FIND THE ZO® SUNSCREEN THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Finding the right sunscreen for your skin can be a challenge. ZO® offers a variety of different types of sun protection to accommodate all skin types + lifestyles. Take the Regimen Finder quiz to find your individual regimen, complete with the sunscreen best suited for your skin.

Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like–it involves washing your face twice. However, it goes beyond washing your face with the same cleanser two times in a row. To properly double cleanse, you need to use two different types of cleansing to get the job done.

HOW TO DOUBLE CLEANSE?

Double cleansing should be the very first part of your routine. It is simple to do as long as you have the right products, such as an oil-based cleanser and a water-based one. It is also important to build in additional time into your skincare routine. Many people choose to double cleanse at night since it is important to thoroughly wash the skin of any makeup before bed so skin can effectively renew itself as you sleep.

The first step is to utilize an oil-based or emollient cleanser first to remove dirt, sunscreen and makeup. An oil-based product is better at dissolving makeup, especially harder-to-remove products like mascara and lipstick, because these products are commonly formulated with oil-like ingredients, which aren’t water soluble.

The second step is to use your favorite gel or cream cleanser, to help remove any leftover oil and debris, for a perfectly clean yet comfortable complexion.

The rest of your skincare routine is unaffected, as this only applies to your Getting Skin Ready® protocol.

BENEFITS OF DOUBLE CLEANSING

Double cleansing ensures thorough removal of makeup + impurities from the face, which can offer the following benefits:

Minimizes sebum, bacteria and product buildup
Helps to prevent breakouts
Helps to improve the absorption of other skincare products
Is ideal for all skin types

DOUBLE CLEANSING PRODUCTS

Double cleansing requires two types of cleansers.

Balancing Cleansing Emulsion is an ideal choice for your oil-based cleanser. Upon activation with water, the emollient gel transforms into a milky fluid that is ideal for removing impurities, such as oil and makeup, from the skin. It is dye and fragrance free, provides soothing benefits to the skin and is indicated for sensitized and post-procedure skin.

Your second cleanser should be chosen based on your skin type and skin concerns. If you have oily or acne prone skin, Exfoliating Cleanser would be recommended to help clear away impurities without leaving skin stripped or dry. For normal to dry skin, Hydrating Cleanser offers a creamy, lightly foaming formulation ideal for normal to dry skin. Gentle Cleanser works for all skin types, and leaves skin feeling refreshed and clean.

If you are unsure of your skin type or looking to build out your ideal at-home regimen, take our Regimen Finder quiz to discover the right products for your skin.

Collagen is a skincare buzzword that is frequently included in anti-aging dialogues and conversations, but what benefits does collagen provide for skin health? Why is it important, and how can you support your skin’s natural collagen with not only your skin health regimen, but also your lifestyle?

WHAT IS COLLAGEN?

Collagen is a type of protein found in the body, primarily in the bones, cartilage, connective tissue, and of course, the skin. Collagen also helps provide structure to your cells and has been found to play an important role in many cellular processes, such as tissue repair.

There are many different types of collagen, with type 1 collagen being the most common type found in the human body. The body’s fibroblast cells, oversee collagen production.

As a person ages, the production of collagen (and skin’s other important structural protein, elastin) lessens, which contributes to the visible signs of aging, such as skin laxity and wrinkles.

BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN FOR SKIN

It makes sense that collagen offers numerous benefits to the body, since it is deeply entwined with major components and processes of the body, such as skin renewal and bone health. Collagen benefits for skin also include:

Improving skin elasticity
Strengthening skin
Improving + maintaining hydration
Skin renewal process

COLLAGEN-SUPPORTING SKINCARE INGREDIENTS

Your skincare regimen can help support natural collagen. In skincare, the goal is to help inhibit future signs of aging and to minimize the existing manifestations, such as improving visible fine lines, wrinkles and skin elasticity for a younger, healthier appearance.

Firming Serum visibly tightens and firms the skin, contributing to a more defined facial contour. It also is formulated with exclusive Sodium DNA and ZCORE™ complex, which help to improve the appearance of sagging skin.

10% Vitamin C Self-Activating offers efficacious antioxidant protection with two forms of vitamin C plus vitamin E to powerfully help protect the skin against environmental aggressors. Free radical damage can affect cellular function, which can impact skin’s natural ability to synthesize collagen.

A high-potency retinol, such as Wrinkle + Texture Repair, minimizes the look and feel of aging skin, such as improving texture, skin uniformity and evening skin tone. Wrinkle + Texture Repair also contains ZCORE™ complex which helps to improve the visible signs of sagging skin for a more youthful complexion.

The season of gifting brings about so many questions of what to get for your loved ones. Whether your friends and family are seasoned skincare veterans or brand-new to the game, there are options for everyone on your list. Let ZO® help with the perfect gifts for skincare lovers.

BEST GIFTS FOR SKINCARE LOVERS

The best gifts for skincare lovers are those that they wouldn’t normally get for themselves. Spoil them with some ZO® best sellers, like next-generation Daily Power Defense. Reformulated with ZPOLY™ technology to help minimize the signs of premature aging along with a rich blend of antioxidants to defend against environmental damage, Daily Power Defense can quickly become the hero of any regimen.

For someone looking to try something new, Growth Factor Serum is a technologically-advanced skin health powerhouse.  With a combination of plant and enzymatically derived growth factors, Growth Factor Serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and the overall appearance of skin. As a pairing option, Growth Factor Eye Serum contains ZO® Growth Factor Technology specifically formulated for the delicate eye area.

ANTI-AGING GIFTS

All ZO® products are designed to address both the visible signs and key triggers of aging at every phase. For those looking to revive their youthful glow, consider a high-potency retinol. Retinol Skin Brightener 1% is clinically proven to improve the look and feel of uneven skin tone and texture while brightening the skin. For retinol newbies, Retinol Skin Brightener also comes in .25% and .5% concentration.

For a non-retinol solution, Firming Serum’s gentle formulation is indicated for any skin type. Firming Serum helps to define facial contours, supports skin’s natural renewal process and visibly tightens and firms the skin.

SKINCARE GIFT SETS

Looking for the perfect gift for someone who is new to skincare but is not sure how to take the first step? Programs + kits are the perfect introduction to beginners, including the Daily Skincare Program which includes a Getting Skin Ready® protocol to help balance skin and clinically proven Daily Power Defense to defend against environmental aggressors. For oily, breakout-prone skin, Complexion Clearing Program offers exfoliation benefits and Complexion Clearing Masque to absorb excess surface oils that can lead to future breakouts.

Whether during the holidays or all year-round, ZO® offers a bounty of results-oriented skin health solutions for anyone regardless of skin type.

A good night’s sleep is just what your skin needs to continue looking and functioning at its best, bringing a whole new meaning to the term “beauty sleep”.

HOW DOES SLEEP AFFECT YOUR SKIN?

Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recover, and when you wake up, you should feel refreshed and recharged. Lack of sleep can lead to several issues like reduced cognition, delayed reactions, attention lapses, mood shifts and not to mention the repercussions to your mental and physical health.

Sleeping less than the recommended time can impact more than your mood, it can affect your weight, mental health and immune system. After a full day of protecting us against UV rays, pollution, germs and bacteria, our skin also needs time to heal and regenerate. Without a good night’s rest, you may notice an increase in some skin issues like dark under eye circles, more prominent fine lines, reduced elasticity and a drier, blotchy complexion.  

After a full day of protecting us against UV rays, pollution, germs and bacteria, our skin also needs time to heal and regenerate.

HOW DOES SLEEP BENEFIT YOUR SKIN?

The National Sleep Foundation states that healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night. During this time, your body, including your skin, enters recovery mode and repairs itself. Skin can heal three times quicker overnight and blood flow increases, removing toxins as well as replacing and creating new cells.

Adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, and you can maximize each hour with some ZO® nighttime essentials.

1. Daily Power Defense Is an advanced serum clinically proven to strengthen skin’s protective barrier while defending against environmental stressors and premature signs of aging.

2. Recovery Crème rapidly restores moisture for more supple, soft skin while an exclusive firming complex rejuvenates the appearance of fragile skin.

3. Growth Factor Eye Serum visibly revives tired-looking eyes by plumping up the skin and reducing the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles around the eye area.

4. Radical Night Repair is a high-potency retinol treatment that helps to powerfully improve the appearance of skin texture, uneven tone, fine lines and wrinkles.

Stress is one thing we all share in common, whether as a chronic condition or as an occasional part of everyday life, and it has the power to alter the look and feel of our skin. Like our stressors, these effects on skin health can differ from person to person. However, a stress-induced breakout is not the end of the world: there are ways to combat the appearance of stress on your skin to prevent your stress levels from skyrocketing even more from, as an example, not knowing how to treat blemishes properly.

CAN STRESS CAUSE SKIN CONCERNS?

Anecdotally and scientifically, the answer is yes–stress can cause skin concerns. Excessive stress can induce flare-ups with certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, stress can also trigger breakouts and worsen other conditions, such as scalp-related concerns. Dryness, redness and itching can also be symptoms of stress in the skin.  

The duration of these symptoms varies depending on multiple factors. These symptoms can disappear after a few days or can persist for weeks, depending on things such as preexisting skin conditions, stress levels and quality of life.

EASE THE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON YOUR SKIN

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to handling stress the right way. Despite that, there are ways to ease the effects of stress on your skin and minimize the more visible symptoms.

Stick to Your Regimen

Even if you’re stressed, continue to take care of your skin. If you suddenly change up your regimen, that can cause a skin reaction. An important note – if dealing with increased sensitivity, burning or dryness, consider decreasing usage of active ingredients, such as AHAs or retinol.

Move Your Body

Exercise is a natural way to reduce stress. 

Get Some Sleep

Sleep is when your body replenishes and heals itself. Sleeping can also help to improve mood, and if anything, will give you the energy to tackle whatever is stressing you out.

Skincare is Self-Care

For some, skincare is therapeutic–not only in its benefits to the skin but also to the mind. Treat your skin to a spa day at home with Complexion Clearing Masque for blemish-prone skin or Enzymatic Peel to revive the look of a dulled complexion.

WHAT ARE THE BEST PRODUCTS TO HELP FIX PROBLEM SKIN?

It depends—how is stress affecting your skin? There are several routes you can go about treating stressed-out skin depending on your symptoms, such as sensitivity, dryness, or redness.

Gentle, non-irritating products can help to calm the appearance of stress. Calming Toner balances the pH of skin and calms the complexion with a soothing botanical complex. 

Renewal Crème is a lightweight hydrator that is fast-absorbing and good for mild dryness + redness, clinically proven to revitalize the appearance of stressed skin.  For intense dryness or flare ups, Hydrating Crème hydrates and soothes the skin for long-lasting relief. Hydrating Crème has also been accepted by the National Eczema Association.

Skin Normalizing Program is a five-product regimen that is curated specifically to address red, sensitive skin. The program features Rozatrol®, a multi-modal serum designed to combat multiple concerns related to red, irritated skin.

The best thing to do to help stressed-out skin is to see your skin health professional. They can work with your skin to offer suggestions, treatments, or medication to get your skin back to its optimal state.

We all know that damage from light, specifically sunlight, can impact our ability to achieve and maintain healthy skin. But did you know that the light from your phone and other electronics could also be affecting your skin?

WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT?

Blue light is also known as high-energy-visible (HEV) light—it’s a color in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by the human eye. Blue light has a short wavelength and, in general, shorter wavelengths produce higher amounts of energy.

We are exposed to blue light on a constant basis. Sunlight is the largest source of blue light emission, but you can also find it in your electronic devices. Computers, laptops, smartphone, tablets and televisions all emit blue light.  

IS BLUE LIGHT BAD FOR YOUR SKIN?

The concern of blue light damaging the skin comes from the fact that we are constantly exposed to screens, from work to at home, or are constantly under LED lightbulbs that also increase our exposure. Eye health experts have already expressed concerns over this constant exposure, as our eyes are not structured to filter out blue light and some damage can be caused in the long run.

Similar concerns have arisen regarding the correlation between our skin’s health and our exposure to blue light. Most worries about premature signs of skin aging and skin cancer have been associated with UVA and UVB rays, but blue light could be another culprit damaging your skin. Like sun exposure, the effects aren’t always noticeable right away—damage can accumulate over time. Some effects from blue light exposure can include hyperpigmentation, redness, and inflammation.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM BLUE LIGHT

ZO® Skin Health’s sun protection portfolio offers scientifically superior sunscreens formulated with the broadest most comprehensive range of sun protection available. Both chemical and physical sunscreens contain advanced Triple-Spectrum Protection® against UVA/UVB and I-RA rays. ZO® has also incorporated melanin, a novel formulation of melanin, that is specifically designed to absorb harmful blue light.

Make sure to apply your sunscreen of choice daily and re-apply every few hours to ensure your skin is protected against light damage all day.

A glowy, dewy complexion is a sign of healthy skin, so it’s only natural that skin looking and feeling dry becomes a growing concern among patients, especially as the days grow colder. Dryness and dehydration are both words that get thrown around interchangeably. However, there is a difference between these two skin issues causing treatment options to vary. 

Many people suffer from dry and dehydrated skin. But how do you know the difference and, is there really a difference? Let the ZO® Skin Health experts explain. 

WHAT IS DRY SKIN?

Dry skin is often a long-term condition influenced by genetics. It occurs due to an impairment in the production of lipids that compose skin’s moisture barrier. As a result, water is lost from the skin. While some people can be born with naturally dry skin, it can also be caused by other factors. Extreme hot and cold temperatures can exacerbate dryness; harsh skincare products can strip the skin. Medical conditions, hormones and natural skin aging can also be the cause. 

Dry skin needs to be managed daily to maintain skin health. ZO’s approach requires starting with the basics. A customized Getting Skin Ready® protocol for dry skin types is the best place to start—Hydrating Cleanser, Exfoliating Polish and Calming Toner all work synergistically to minimize dryness and infuse the skin with hydration.

Extreme hot and cold temperatures can exacerbate dryness; harsh skincare products can strip the skin.

WHAT IS DEHYDRATED SKIN?

Dehydrated skin is more of a temporary condition. Like with dry skin, dehydrated skin is often an issue associated with a damaged skin barrier. 

A damaged skin barrier cannot adequately maintain water and moisture levels in the skin. Dehydrated skin can also be caused by a lack of water consumption and extreme weather conditions. If you notice a lack of elasticity in your skin, as well as pronounced fine lines and wrinkles, it may not be a sign of premature aging, but a symptom of dehydrated skin. It’s an issue that can affect anyone, even oily skin types.

Healthy skincare and wellness habits are needed to treat dehydrated skin, like drinking the right amount of water daily and receiving additional hydration from electrolytes. ZO® functional hydrators can supplement your skincare routine with deeply nourishing ingredients to help restore a hydrated appearance and support the skin’s protective barrier. For mild symptoms of dryness, use the Renewal Crème in the AM and for more moderate symptoms, try the Recovery Crème, which is Renewal Crème’s richer, more emollient counterpart—also clinically proven to improve signs of skin aging.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRY AND DEHYDRATED SKIN?

Dry skin and dehydrated skin may present similarly, but not every person with dry skin has dehydrated skin, and not every person with dehydrated skin has a dry skin type. While some symptoms may be similar, dry skin is classified as a skin type, while dehydrated skin is a skin condition. Contact your ZO® physician to find which category your skin falls under.

The fall season brings with it crisp air, cupped leaves and the promise of cooler weather. Autumn weather may be milder than winter’s, but as the season begins to transition into a cooler, dryer climate so should your daily skincare routine to better support your skin.

Here are three must-have essentials that will make a difference in your fall skincare routine:

HYDRATION

Skin becomes more susceptible to dryness and dehydration as temperatures begin to cool down and brisk winds pick up. If your skin is already normally on the dryer side, you may expect an exacerbation of these symptoms: redness, itching, flaking and roughness.

Hydrating Crème is the perfect ZO® functional hydrator to help provide immediate relief to dry skin. Ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and ophiopogon japonicus root extract allow this hydrator to immediately protect and relive dry skin while restoring hydration from within for a normalized skin barrier.

EXFOLIATION

Exfoliation is often not prioritized for the fall and winter season, but it remains a key step in maintaining healthy skin no matter the season. During the cooler months, natural skin exfoliation may slow down from changing temperatures and overusing moisturizers.

Make sure to use a gentle exfoliant, like Exfoliating Polish, to remove layers of dead skin cells, allowing corrective products and hydrating properties to better penetrate and deeply nourish the skin. With regular use, you’ll soon notice a softer, smoother and more radiant appearance.

SUNSCREEN

Even if the weather is cooling down and the sun isn’t shining as bright, UV rays are still there. As the leading cause of skin cancer, you should always protect your skin against UV rays to maintain skin health.

ZO®Skin Health offers a variety of scientifically superior sunscreens, each uniquely formulated to suit a variety of skin types and lifestyles. However, they each have something is common—Triple-Spectrum Protection®, proven broad-spectrum defense against harmful UVA, UVB and I-RA rays, as well as blue (HEV) light. To find the right sunscreen for you, read our latest post on ZO® sunscreens.