Who is Suzan Obagi?

Dr. Suzan Obagi is Obagi’s lead medical consultant and director of the state-of-the-art UPMC Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Health Center, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and an associate professor of dermatology and plastic surgery at The University of Pittsburgh – in short, Dr. Suzan Obagi is a skincare guru, with her own results focused skincare line!

Her great knowledge of dermatology and skin care earned her the impressive title of New York Times Style Magazine‘s top cosmetic surgeons in the US.

Dr. Suzan Obagi has combined her skincare knowledge and formulated 4, high strength, active products to target specific skin concerns. Each of the 4 formulations contain clinically proven active ingredients, so if Dr. Suzan Obagi is too far from you for a skin consultation, you can get great skincare results from anywhere in the world by using her skin care range.

How is SUZANOBAGIMD™ linked to Obagi®?

Obagi’s inventor Dr. Zein Obagi is Dr. Suzan Obagi’s father, so rest assured knowing that these products have been formulated with years of industry experience and skin care knowledge. 

The SUZANOBAGIMD™ product range has been designed to fit seamlessly into the main Obagi® range, so you can integrate the products into your current Obagi® system or use these as standalone products – the choice is yours!

What do the SUZANOBAGIMD™ products treat?

The SUZANOBAGIMD™ range contains products specially formulated to target acne-prone skin, dryness, signs of ageing, photo damaged skin and oily skin. There’s a product for every skin concern, read the descriptions below to find out which product will help you achieve your skin goals.

1. SUZANOBAGIMD™ Balancing Toner

This scientifically formulated toner helps to restore the skin’s natural pH levels, control excess oil and minimise the appearance of pores, whilst also removing traces of oil and impurities. This product is suitable for all skin concerns.

2. SUZANOBAGIMD™ Cleansing Wipes

A super convenient, on the go solution to effectively cleanse your skin, glide one of these wipes over your face for a gentle cleanse, removal of make-up, oils and environmental impurities.

3. SUZANOBAGIMD™ Intensive Daily Repair

This PHA exfoliating and hydrating lotion will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, breakouts, whilst gently exfoliating dead skin cells – so you can experience a brighter, clearer, more youthful complexion.

4. SUZANOBAGIMD™ Retivance® Skin Rejuvenating Complex

This hypoallergenic cream contains the powerhouse skincare ingredient, Retinol, to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cell build up, increasing cell turnover, reducing breakouts and minimising visible signs of ageing.

It’s often touted as a miracle ingredient, but does Vitamin C really live up to the hype? Skin-brightening, anti-ageing, a solution for hyperpigmentation and skin discolouration. Admittedly, this could sound almost too good to be true. However, Vitamin C does have a multitude of benefits, which is why it’s such a popular component in skincare.

The Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is famed for its skin brightening effects and not without good reason. Used regularly, skin retains moisture and is left wonderfully radiant and even toned. But there’s much more to it than just a few celebrated benefits.

Let’s talk about free radicals, the aggressive arch enemies of youthful, healthy skin. These unstable atoms break down collagen and elastin, causing premature ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Vitamin C, on the other hand, has powerful antioxidant action that defends skin against the damage caused by free radicals and environmental factors like the weather, chemicals, and pollutants. 

It also promotes collagen production, crucial for supple, elastic skin and which also aids in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Another hidden benefit is that Vitamin C also boosts the effects of your SPF.  With a 30-year legacy of scientific expertise and clinically proven results, Obagi^® has created not one, but two highly effective Vitamin C skincare ranges to cover all of your skin care needs. Products from the Obagi-C^® Fx and Obagi Professional-C^® collections can be used alongside one another for optimal effect.

Obagi-C^® Fx Collection

This is a comprehensive skincare system for mature or sun-damaged skin, or for anyone wishing to target the signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation, or skin discoloration. Available in both Normal to Oily and Normal to Dry skin types, this range is gentle on skin, whilst incredibly transformative at a cellular level, meaning that with continued use, you’ll most definitely see a visible difference in the appearance of your skin.

Arbutin (7%) is a natural glycoside, extracted from the bearberry plant and is known for its skin-brightening properties. L-ascorbic Acid (10%) is the most potent form of Vitamin C, which corrects and protects skin from free radical damage and environmental factors, including UV exposure. 

These two key ingredients form an exceedingly strong synergy, targeting signs of ageing and hyperpigmentation head on to reveal a wonderfully radiant, healthy glow. 

Obagi Professional-C^® Collection

Obagi Professional- C^® products include powerful Vitamin C serums that can be used to complement the anti-ageing efficacy of the Obagi Nu-Derm^® Fx system and the Obagi-C^® Fx Collection.

Formulated with L-ascorbic acid, these serums are available in varying strengths, 10% (suitable for sensitive skin), 15% (suitable for most skin types) and 20% (suitable for oily skin types). Perfect for preventing and reducing signs of skin ageing including fine lines and wrinkles, they also protect against future damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, collagen production is stimulated resulting in firmer, more resilient skin.Clinical studies demonstrated that Obagi Professional-C^® Serum penetrates the epidermis and dermis significantly better than most Vitamin C serums. It’s this deep penetration that ensures that they actively correct, transform and protect skin cells, changing their appearance from the inside out. The serums are so effective that 91% of Professional-C^® users reported that their skin appeared brighter and more hydrated.

Another recent addition to the Professional-C^® collection is the ground-breaking Obagi Professional-C^® Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask. With the highest potency of Vitamin C on the market, this formulation contains a whopping 30% L-ascorbic Acid.

This polish + mask brings the salon and spa experience to the heart of your home. An immensely dynamic 2-in-1 formula, there are ultra-fine crystals for exfoliation plus a powerful infusion of 30% L-ascorbic Acid. You won’t be surprised to hear that skin is exceptionally bright and smooth after only one use.

For optimal results, we do recommend applying this product 2-3 times per week. After cleansing, pat the skin with a towel until it’s only slightly damp. Once applied, kick back and relax for up to 15 minutes whilst your skin is infused with its powerful antioxidants. 

Remove with a soft, damp towel, taking care to rinse any residue off skin. Then you can revel in how gloriously radiant your skin looks. With continued use, you’ll also notice that skin tone and texture improves and fine lines and wrinkles are diminished.

Not only that, but now that skin is exfoliated and primed, follow-on products will be able to penetrate more deeply. It’s the ideal time to use a Professional-C^® Vitamin C serum before finishing off with the beautifully nourishing Obagi Hydrate^®.

Have you experienced regular acne breakouts on your face and in particular on your chin and cheeks? Then this might be due to wearing a face mask all day long. If you’re in a field of work where wearing a face mask all day is required, you will likely notice that your skin under the mask is getting irritated or is breaking out. To minimise or get rid of Maskne, we have assembled the best tips for you to try out. 

How does Maskne happen?

Maskne combines the two words ‘mask’ and ‘acne’, which stands for acne breakouts as a result of wearing a face mask for a long period of time. If you’re working in retail, healthcare or public transport, the chances of you wearing a face mask all day are high. First of all, it’s important to change your face masks regularly, to protect yourself from the coronavirus as well as taking better care of your skin. During the day, we collect bacteria in our face masks, which results in acne breakouts or irritated skin. To prevent this, you should wear a fresh face mask every day but preferably even every few hours. This way, you minimise the risk of getting Maskne.

How to get rid of Maskne

Are you one of the unlucky ones and is your face covered in impurities after a long day of work? There’s no need to worry, as there are many products specifically formulated to target Maskne challenged skin. With Maskne, the skin around your chin and cheeks is likely producing more sebum which then results in more acne breakouts. 

By cleansing your face twice daily, you minimise the risk of getting Maskne or you can get rid of it more easily. Using a cleanser both during your morning and evening skincare routine helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. The Obagi CLENZIderm M.D.® Daily Care Foaming Cleanser is a gentle facial cleanser that can be used twice daily for every skin type. This Obagi cleanser uses 2% Salicylic Acid, a type of BHA, to help effectively clear clogged pores to reduce the likelihood of spots or Maskne. After using the cleanser, your skin will be clean and refreshed, without feeling dry, tight or flaky. 

After exfoliating, it’s important to hydrate your skin thoroughly without clogging the pores. Use a noncomedogenic moisturiser such as the Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops™ Facial Serum. This lightweight facial serum is ideal for all skin types, won’t block pores and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and smooth. Always make sure to protect your skin against UV rays after exfoliating, as your top skin layer is washed away which makes your skin more vulnerable to sun damage. Apply sunscreen, preferably with SPF 50, every single day to keep your skin healthy and undamaged. 

Other ways to avoid Maskne

Another way to minimise Maskne is avoiding direct contact between your face mask and your skin. There are now sheet masks available for the lower part of your face that can be worn after wearing a face mask. These sheet masks are specifically designed to target Maskne and are often formulated with salicylic acid to bust blemishes, exfoliate the skin, and prevent clogged pores. 

By combining a purifying exfoliator, a lightweight facial moisturiser and a sheet mask once a week, you will quickly notice an improvement in your skin. Let’s not define our face masks determine what our skin looks like!

Sun-care, sun damage, SPFs. We’ve all heard the facts about protecting our skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. But it’s all too easy to switch off from the warnings. A hint of sunshine and we can’t wait to get our bikinis out. Throw in a few sangrias and it’s game over! Okay so maybe not all of us do that. Yet, even in normal day to day life, our skin is impacted by the sun’s rays. We may not be able to see UV rays, but we can most definitely feel them. So, if it’s there all the time, how many of us wear SPF all year-round?

Chances are that you also don’t know the difference between UVA or UVB rays and how they affect skin. Don’t worry it’s not a test! In truth most of us don’t. We use the terms generically, without knowing the difference. If you don’t fancy premature ageing and would like to protect yourself from serious skin cancers, it’s definitely time to take sun-care a little more seriously during summer 2022.  

What is UV Radiation?

Ultraviolet radiation is a form of electromagnetic energy. It tends to come from natural sources like the sun. There are some artificial sources though, including tanning beds, lasers, and black lights.

So, why is prolonged overexposure to ultraviolet radiation so damaging? The reason is that it’s because energy causes change to happen and in the case of skin, this damages the cell DNA which causes cell mutations, genetic defects, and skin cancer as well as premature ageing.

UVA Rays

Most sun rays are UVA which have the lowest level of energy within them but a longer wavelength. That’s why more UVA rays penetrate the earth’s atmosphere and in terms of skin, they permeate the inner cells within our topmost layer of skin, including the dermis. 

UVA rays also cause sunburn or its cousin, the much-desired tan. As we’ve learnt in recent years, whilst a tan might leave us glowing and healthy-looking in the short-term, it can cause long-term damage. Premature ageing, wrinkles and some skin cancers are conditions attributed to this invisible enemy. It all makes the prospect of getting a good tan less appealing.

UVB Rays

A very small amount of UVB rays make it into our atmosphere. These have a medium amount of energy and a shorter wavelength, targeting the cells in the top layer of skin. It doesn’t take long to observe some extremely nasty side-effects, including sunburn blistering, delayed tan and over time, hyperpigmentation. We’ve all fallen foul of UVB rays at some point. Do you remember all those times when your tan came out the day after you’d sunbathed? Not good. Not good at all. The culprit is those dastardly UVB rays that had spent the night wreaking havoc on your skin cells.

Even worse, is the potential for skin cancer later on in life. Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma often appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. Luckily when they’re discovered early enough, these common forms of skin cancer are generally curable. 

But worryingly, over-exposure that leads to sunburn has also been proven to play a big role in developing the most dangerous of the three skin cancers, Melanoma.

Obagi Sun Shield Matte™ Broad Spectrum SPF50 

The importance of safeguarding yourself against skin cancer is obvious. That’s why an SPF is recommended for daily use by The Skin Cancer Foundation and can greatly reduce the danger posed by UV radiation as well as fight against signs of ageing. Thankfully, the days of heavy, thick sunscreen are long-gone. Obagi Sun Shield Matte™ Broad Spectrum SPF50 offers broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, leaving a sheer, matte finish to reduce shine as well as sun factor protection 50. Zinc Oxide deflects the UV rays, while Homosalate and Octisalate absorb and release radiation.

Vitamin C serums have grown in popularity rapidly and are now an essential part of most people’s skincare routine. You might be new to Vitamin C skincare products or you have just started using them. It’s great to read about all the benefits and plus sides of Vitamin C, but are there also side effects? Before purchasing or using, we recommend reading up on both the benefits and possible side effects to have a clear understanding of how a Vitamin C serum works. No need to do the research for yourself, as we have gathered all you need to know about the side effects of Vitamin C serums in this blog.

What does a Vitamin C serum do?

Firstly, let’s have a look at what Vitamin C serums actually do. Why are they so extremely popular? Most likely because it has proven to work miracles for dull-looking skin that could use a little pick-me-up. Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that helps to protect your skin from damaging free radicals, whilst also promoting collagen production in your skin. 

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, which is responsible for your skin’s firmness and elasticity. When getting older, your body’s natural collagen production starts to slow down which will eventually result in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Vitamin C has proven to promote collagen production which improves your skin’s firmness and elasticity, giving you a more youthful appearance. 

Besides reversing the signs of ageing, a Vitamin C serum can also help to brighten up dull-looking skin, giving you a more radiant complexion. For this reason, you cannot exclude a Vitamin C serum from your summer 2022 skincare routine! 

But what about the side effects of Vitamin C serums?

Now, let’s talk about the darker side of Vitamin C serums, if there even is one. Because if you ask us, the benefits of Vitamin C serums definitely outshine the side effects. As with every new skincare product you’re using, Vitamin C serums can cause your skin to irritate at first. The most common side effects include: 

• itching
• redness
• skin irritation
• tingling sensation upon application

To be completely clear: itching, redness or slight skin irritation does NOT mean you should immediately drop the product and opt for another one. It takes some time for your skin to get used to the product, so give it the time it needs. In most cases, after a few days your skin should slowly start to get used to the products. However, if you experience continued burning or signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling or hives, then immediately wash your face to remove the serum. 

Choose the right percentage of Vitamin C

If your skin gets too itchy, red or irritated from using a Vitamin C serum, this might mean the percentage of Vitamin C is too high for your skin. In particular if you have sensitive skin, you will definitely need a Vitamin C serum that has a lower concentration, for example 10%. If your skin is used to Vitamin C products, you might notice that the effects will decrease so it might be time to choose for a serum with 20% L-ascorbic acid. This is where the Obagi Professional-C® Serum is the absolute perfect Vitamin C serum for all skin types, as it is available in three different strengths: 10%, 15% and 20%. Simply choose what works best for your skin type and if it works well, you can always step up your game to a higher percentage. This way, you keep the side effects at a minimum.