Blackheads and breakouts are never a fun experience. Spots can sometimes be painful and an all-around irritating skin experience. We know that no matter what age you are, breakouts can occur, causing us to rush to our skincare in the hopes of aiding the situation. This is where things can go wrong and we want to make sure that if and when blackheads and breakouts happen, you are safely handling your skin situation.

It’s often that we don’t notice a blackhead until it’s too late, and the same goes for breakouts too. There is never a good time for one of these to appear, and that’s why we’ve got the blackhead and breakouts 101 to make sure the next time they do appear, you’ll know exactly what to do and how to treat them.

What is a Blackhead? 

The first step in combating the dreaded blackhead is to understand exactly what it is and how it affects our skin. Blackheads are a form of hormonal acne, known as acne vulgaris. They appear on the skin when a hair follicle becomes clogged. As the name suggests they appear dark, almost black, when the clogged follicle opens up and is exposed to the air. More commonly, blackheads can be caused by the overproduction of oil in the skin’s glands, happening mostly during hormonal shifts like puberty, which is why as teenagers we tend to experience them more. 

What are Breakouts? 

Similar to blackheads, it’s important to understand what breakouts are so that we can effectively treat and prevent them. Breakouts are also a small cluster of acne that have been caused by the hair follicles becoming clogged with excess oil residing in the skin. Otherwise known as the Sebaceous gland, these microscopic holes on the skin’s surface produce something called sebum, and a combination of overproduction of sebum and dead skin cells leads to what we know as ‘breakouts’. 

The difference between the two relates to whether or not the pore eventually opens up to be exposed to the air; if they do, it becomes dark thus forming a blackhead, and if it does not, it remains white and is more related to breakouts. However, clogged hair follicles may not be the only thing causing them. Below are some external factors that could be contributing to blackheads and breakouts:

• Certain cosmetic products, as some ingredients may react to your skin causing clogged pores 
• Smoking can, among other health issues, be a possible cause 
• A buildup of the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria
• Producing too much body oil

How to get rid of Blackheads/Breakouts?

Now that we understand why they appear and what they are, we can treat them accordingly.  

Manual extraction 

Often our initial instinct is to use our fingers, all be it satisfying to remove them, but this could be doing more damage than good. Although it is safe to remove a blackhead once stopped manually at home, some dermatologists recommend using a round loop extractor. This will remove the plug causing the blackhead by applying pressure to the area and swiping, removing the blackhead from the skin. It’s important to note here that this is only advised for blackheads rather than  breakouts. 

Prescription medication 

If the problem of blackheads and breakouts becomes too much, sometimes medical assistance is needed. We highly suggest that you talk with your dermatologist or medical professional if this is the case, to make sure that this is the right step for you. 

Targeted skincare

Many skincare options help reduce and prevent blackheads and breakouts from arising. One of which is the top-rated Obagi Spot Relief Kit which is packed with all your skin essentials to combat the appearance of blemishes, including blackheads and breakouts. This kit includes the Obagi CLENZIderm M.D.® Daily Care Foaming Cleanser which contains Salicylic Acid as a type of BHA, the SUZANOBAGIMD™ Balancing Toner and the SUZANOBAGIMD™ Retivance® Skin Rejuvenating Complex combines Retinaldehyde. 

These are just a few of the ideas to help treat breakouts and blackheads, if the problems persist please always consult your dermatologist.

What a year it’s been! With the sun setting on another year, we are starting to think about what 2022 could bring our way. With all the New Year celebrations soon underway, it’s time to begin listing what our resolutions are going to be. If, like us, one of your goals is to have forever radiant skin, then we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will be talking about our top tips for getting that youthful glow that we are all after. 

Why is Skin Care Important?

Our skin can often be the cause of us feeling self conscious. If you are having a good skin day, where your face is clear and the rest of your body feels smooth to the touch, it can really impact how we feel about ourselves. The concept of looking after our skin is different for every person. People have differing needs, a variety of skin types and their preferred methods of handling their own routine. 

A good skincare routine is all about what makes you feel the best you can possibly feel. As well as preventing any acne or breakouts, treating wrinkles, reducing fine lines and helping your skin maintain that healthy glow that we are all after. With that being said, we have some top products which will aid you in achieving this goal.

Introducing the Pure Obagi Antioxidant Kit 

It can be difficult to find a routine which fits your skin needs whilst almost complimenting your skin type. The Pure Obagi Antioxidant kit can help you when it comes to boosting your skin’s radiance. Rich with Vitamin C, this kit will help you protect your face against any free radicals or environmental aggressors that you come into contact with on a daily basis. 

Obagi-C® C-Cleansing Gel

The first step is the Obagi-C® C-Cleansing Gel. Apply this product by placing a  small amount to the face and neck with moistened fingertips then proceed to rub in circular motions and rinse with lukewarm water. Gently pat dry with a clean cloth or towel.

Obagi-C® C-Balancing Toner

Tone the skin morning and night after cleansing with the Obagi-C® C-Balancing Toner, the second step in your pursuit for glowing skin. Simply, place a cotton pad over the pump and apply 3-4 pumps to saturate. Then, apply to the entire face and neck, allowing the product to dry naturally on the skin.

Obagi Professional-C® Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask

Apply the Obagi Professional-C® Microdermabrasion Polish and Mask to a fully cleansed and damp face. Warm a teaspoon amount in your hands before sweeping gently across the skin to create a thin and even layer. Then, sit back and relax for up to 15 minutes while Vitamin C infuses into your skin.

After, wipe away the mask with a soft, damp cloth or towel to reveal more radiant skin. Our Skin Experts recommend using this product 2-3 times a week.

Obagi Professional-C® Serum 15%

The fourth step focuses on the Obagi Professional-C® Serum 15%, which our Skin experts recommend applying each morning to thoroughly cleansed and toned skin. Use 5-7 drops to the fingertips and massage into the entire face and neck, absorbing quickly into the skin. Remember to follow with your usual moisturiser and SPF sun protection.

Obagi Hydrate®

Next up is the Obagi Hydrate®, which should be used on thoroughly cleansed and toned skin. Massage 1-2 pumps to the entire face as needed, each morning and night. Again, remember to follow up with SPF in your morning regime.

Obagi Sun Shield™ Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Finally, is the much needed SPF! Apply the Obagi Sun Shield™ Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50 thoroughly cleansed and toned skin as the last step in your skin care routine. Massage into the skin to cover the entire face and neck evenly. We suggest reapplying every 2 hours when in the sun to protect your skin from harmful UV rays or environmental aggressors. 

Will This Routine Suit My Skin Type?

Understanding what your skin needs is very important, especially when you are considering a new routine. Our Skin Experts always recommend trying products out in small amounts before diving in head first. This can save sensitive skin from being disrupted or if you have skin which is more on the oily side, it can prevent new products causing future breakouts. If you want to learn more about yourself, take our Skin Quiz, which is on our website so you can get on the same page with your skin. 

Many people think that sunscreen is only important during summer, when the sun is shining and we are at risk of getting sunburn. We often forget that the harmful rays that we are so diligently protecting ourselves from the sun, are also still around in the winter. It’s important that we don’t forget about our skin’s health and beauty during the colder months as well as maintaining our skincare routine – including the SPF step! In this article, we will be looking at a multitude of reasons as to why you should still be layering on that sun cream when it’s cold outside. 

UV Rays Still Exist in Winter

Wearing sunscreen is always a good option when it comes to staying away from those harmful UV rays, however our sun exposure is severely limited during the winter, so why do we have to still lather on our protection? 

Even if the sky is thick with clouds, it doesn’t mean that the sun’s rays can’t penetrate through them. There are two types of UV rays that we have to be aware of, especially during the winter months. UVA rays are always present and they can penetrate many things including clouds, glass and of course, our skin. 

Whilst UVA rays are always present, UVB rays can vary depending on the weather and season. UVA rays can penetrate clouds and even get to us through our windows, which means they have the capability of affecting our deeper skin layers. Whereas UVB rays are greater on summer days, where the sun is at its most powerful, these are the rays which can give us sunburn and even cancer. 

In short, even though there may be no ‘sun’ in the winter, the UVA rays are potent all year round, meaning that we must protect our skin at all times. Putting on a coat of sun cream as a finishing step to your makeup routine will help you achieve this. 

The Obagi Sun Shield Matte™  Broad Spectrum SPF 50 offers you protection from both UVA and UVB rays. With a sheer, matte finish, you won’t have that shiny appearance that you get with most sunscreens once you’ve applied it.  As well as sun protection factor 50, it uses further chemical and physical ingredients which look after your skin. For example, Zinc Oxide deflects the UV rays, while Homosalate and Octisalate absorb and release radiation.

Skin Cancer and Other Skin Conditions

Skin cancer and other scary skin conditions can be a real possibility for many of us if we are spending too much time in the sun. Sun exposure can lead to sunburn, which then increases the damaged skin’s chances of developing one of these problems. With so many people skipping the sunscreen in the winter time, it means that we are putting ourselves at danger in these colder months.

Reapply, Reapply, Reapply

In the summer, we are usually on the move a lot more. This could be to and from the office, swimming in the hot sunny weather or even enjoying some summer activities with friends. No matter what you are up to, you will find yourself sweating a lot more. This means that reapplying sunscreen becomes a regular part of our summer routine. But what about in winter?

In winter, you are just as likely to get your protective layer of sun cream removed. Unlike in summer, this is usually down to environmental aggressors. In the colder months, the weather can be a lot more aggressive and radical. One minute you’ve been caught in a rainstorm, the next it’s snowing and having us all wishing for a white Christmas. 

This unpredictable weather can mean that our sun cream gets washed away without us noticing. Remember to keep applying your sunscreen throughout the day, even in the winter.

Anti-aging Properties

With many of us having a regular skin care routine, you may find yours is geared towards anti-ageing. Applying sunscreen protects us against signs of photoaging, which can be described as wrinkling, loss of elasticity and fine lines. The change in weather should not affect our skincare routine and our battle to prevent premature ageing signs. 

Other Ways UV Gets Us!

Many people only wear sunscreen when they ‘go outside’, however it’s important to note that indoor lights also emit an unexpected amount of UV light as well. Whilst this can be very minimal, it can be vital if you are someone who is easily affected by UV rays, have sensitive skin or are suffering from a skin condition such as skin cancer. It’s vital to think about wearing a layer of screen cream both inside and outside the house. 

In addition, the sun isn’t always left outside. If, like most of us, you have your curtains open during the day, to let some natural light in, those pesky UV rays can also penetrate glass. No one wants to constantly have their curtains closed to protect themselves, so why not try adding a layer of sun cream to your makeup routine to protect yourself? 

Finally, if you have been blessed with snow already this year or are even experiencing ice on the ground then you may need to also up your protection against UV rays. UV rays become doubly as powerful as they bounce off and reflect using the snow. With the crisp whiteness of the snow, it means that none of the UV is absorbed and is therefore reflected back. 

The cause of rosacea is unfortunately still unknown but what we do know is that it is one of the most annoying and sometimes even painful skin conditions. Rosacea is a skin condition that is very common and can be identified by redness in the face, most often on the cheeks, nose and chin. Whilst genetics can play a role in rosacea, your immediate environment can also influence rosacea flare ups. 

If you struggle with this skin condition, you may know that it’s common for rosacea to flare up during the colder winter months. But also stress, alcohol, spicy foods or some medicine can trigger rosacea. It’s important to know what your skin needs and more specifically, what you should stay away from. If alcohol is a huge trigger for you, you may want to reconsider that fourth glass of wine on a Saturday night, knowing that your rosacea will be at a peak on Sunday as a result. 

What triggers rosacea flare ups?

Rosacea can be triggered by many factors and both the triggers and severity of them can differ per person. The biggest factors that can set off a rosacea flare up are:

• Foods, such as yogurt, cheese, chocolate, eggplant, avocado, spinach and spicy foods;
• Beverages that either contain alcohol or are hot, including coffee, tea and hot chocolate;
• Emotional triggers such as stress and anxiety;
• Weather influences, such as the sun, but also the cold and strong winds;
• Hot baths and saunas;
• Medical conditions such as menopause, chronic cough or caffeine withdrawal syndrome;
• Skincare products that contain alcohol, witch hazel or fragrances;

Whilst it can be easy to stay away from certain foods and avoid hot baths and saunas as much as you can, we cannot simply run away from seasonal changes. Now that the winter is approaching quickly or settled, rosacea sufferers are likely already scared of the cold and strong winds ruining their skin again. Skincare products have been noted down as one of the triggers for rosacea flare ups, but did you know that there are rosacea skincare products that will actually help to soothe your skin?

Best products to soothe rosacea flare ups

If you find your skin being extra red and sensitive due to a flare up, it can help to use the right skincare products for your skin. Rosacea skincare is gentle and doesn’t contain alcohol or any other harmful ingredients to your sensitive skin. Pure Obagi offer a rosacea skincare range that include moisturisers, gentle cleansers and sun protection. With sensitive skin, it’s important to use gentle products that soothe, heal and protect your skin from further damage caused by external factors such as the sun. 

One of the best products for rosacea sensitive skin is the Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops™ Facial Serum. This serum is actually known to be suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive skins. As the serum uses gentle ingredients, it is perfect to use if you have rosacea. Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops™ is hypoallergenic, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and is excluded from emulsifiers. The hydrating serum is perfect to use during rosacea flare ups and will help your skin to soothe and feel refreshed.

Obagi Repair Foundation Kit

We have composed a skincare kit that is perfect for those struggling with rosacea: the Obagi Repair Foundation Kit. This skincare kit contains three gentle but effective products that will help to soothe, heal and protect your skin throughout the day. Cleanse your skin with the Obagi Nu-Derm Fx® Gentle Cleanser which contains naturally-derived ingredients your skin will love, including aloe, mango butter and glycerin. A cleanser helps to get rid of any built up makeup and dirt on your skin and preps your skin for your next step in your skincare routine. Next, the Obagi Hydrate® can be used to thoroughly moisturise the skin. The moisturiser is hypoallergenic and won’t block pores, which makes it rosacea proof. Finally, the kit contains Obagi Sun Shield Matte™ Broad Spectrum SPF 50, a sunscreen with a non-greasy formula that keeps your skin protected from UVA and UVB rays during the day. Protecting your skin from environmental aggressors such as sunlight is crucial during rosacea flare ups. 

To exfoliate or not to exfoliate, that is the question. Exfoliation can be a highly beneficial step in your everyday skincare routine. However, like more concerns regarding the skin, always lead with caution. Using aggressive exfoliates can lead to you having dry, red or even inflamed skin. This is because your natural oils are being stripped, which are the protective barrier against bacteria and other harmful aggressors.

In this article, we will be looking at ways that you can exfoliate regularly, without stripping those all important skin oils. 

Don’t Over Exfoliate 

Exfoliating can sometimes be a little tough on the skin. Whilst also swapping out your more aggressive exfoliating product for a softer one – it’s important not to over exfoliate. 

For normal skin types, we recommend exfoliating your skin two to three times a week, but only if you feel your skin is reacting well to it. As soon as you notice any redness appear on the face, signs of peeling or a tingling sensation, you should cut back. Again, if your skin seems dryer than normal then try only exfoliating your face twice a week.

Exfoliating the skin helps remove any dead skin cells you may have and promotes a healthy turnover of these cells. This has many positive effects on your skin, such as leaving it brighter and more radiant looking. 

When you over-exfoliate, it can lead to your skin feeling rough, dehydrated and even looking patchy in some areas. This is because your skin has lost the ability to absorb the moisture you have been putting on it, which can mean it will begin to flake as well around the nose and lips. 

Consistency is Key

Exfoliating regularly can be extremely beneficial when it comes to removing dry skin, increasing the blood circulation of the face as well as brightening the skin. In addition to this, exfoliating also stimulates collagen production. Skin will appear firmer and removing all of the dead skin cells makes way for the new, healthy and plump cells to take their place. 

Having a consistent skincare routine, including an exfoliation step, allows for you to up-keep the removal of any dead skins from your outer layers and also, can be extremely beneficial when it comes to replenishing your complexion, giving you that more radiant glow we are all after. 

If you have slightly more oily skin, it’s imperative that you find an exfoliator that matches what you need. We recommend using the Obagi Nu-Derm Fx® Exfoderm® Forte, an exfoliant that has been formulated to specifically target Normal to Oily skin.

Don’t Forget to Moisturise 

After exfoliating the skin, it’s essential to nourish your skin afterwards. Always moisturise with a product that suits your skin type after your exfoliation step to ensure that you are protecting the important oils your skin produces. 

If one of your top skin concerns is to target signs of ageing, we recommend the Obagi-C® Fx Exfoliating Day Lotion. The gentle and lightweightness of this hydrating exfoliant is perfect for people with slightly more sensitive or dryer skin. Ideal for everyday use, this skincare product will help you obtain optimum results whilst also exfoliating regularly.  

There are many certainties in life but one from which there is no escape is the ageing process. Sure, we can do things to put it off, but it always catches up with us in the end. That makes it all the more frustrating because whilst you might feel young inwardly, it doesn’t match the reflection on the outside. 

Fine lines, wrinkles, sun-damage, dark spots, and dehydrated skin are all trademark signs that give away our true age. But what if you could visibly improve their appearance and prevent the emergence of more? Meaning you stay looking younger, for longer. Well, guess what? There is a way.

Which Obagi System is Best for Wrinkles?

You can put your skincare woes to bed with the Obagi-C^® Fx System. This is a comprehensive anti-ageing skincare collection which targets fine lines and wrinkles, skin discolouration, hyperpigmentation, dullness, photoaging and sun-damage. 

Innovative products within this cutting-edge range have been cleverly formulated by combining 10% L-ascorbic Acid and 4% Arbutin to promote rejuvenation and an even skin tone for healthier, younger-looking skin.

Best Obagi^® Cleanser for Wrinkles

Begin your daily skincare ritual with Obagi-C^® Fx C-Cleansing Gel to deeply cleanse and prepare your skin for follow-on products. This highly effective, nourishing 2 in 1 formulation contains a potent infusion of L-ascorbic Acid, otherwise known as Vitamin C in its most potent form. 

This superhero of the vitamin world provides powerful antioxidant properties which protect the mature complexion against ravaging free radicals. Not to mention that L-ascorbic Acid targets fine lines and wrinkles as well as encouraging new collagen production.  

Wonderfully soothing Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also makes an appearance, hydrating and softening skin cells and preventing that skin nightmare called dryness. Feel how amazingly soft to the touch skin is and you can also guarantee that this gel-based cleanser will leave your complexion gloriously radiant too.

Many people skip a toner, but this essential step performs an important role, removing any final traces of dirt after cleansing and clarifying the skin, to prevent oil build-up without stripping it.

Obagi-C^® FX C-Balancing Toner is a non-drying formula that brightens the complexion and balances out pH levels. A gentle formulation that contains witch hazel, this calming ingredient will work to reduce pore-size and inflammation whilst Aloe soothes and hydrates the skin, banishing any thought of tightness, dryness, or irritation. 

As we grow older, many of us suffer from hyperpigmentation and dark spots, caused by the overproduction of melanin. This usually occurs where skin has sustained UV or photodamage or through genetics and hormonal changes, like pregnancy and menopause. You can apply 5-7 drops of Obagi-C^® Fx C-Clarifying Serum to cleansed and toned skin then massage it with your fingertips. It’s a clinically proven formulation that harnesses the properties of skin-brightening Arbutin (4%) and anti-aging antioxidant L-ascorbic Acid (10%) to lighten and brighten skin.

Professional-C^® Serum (20%) can also be used alongside the Obagi-C^® Fx System for even stronger, preventative antioxidant defense. 

With a hefty dose of L-ascorbic Acid, you can benefit from the ultimate in antioxidant protection and skin radiance. Apply this powerful serum after cleansing and toning and with regular use, also expect to see a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles too.

It’s imperative to use an effective moisturiser, no matter your stage of life. Obagi-C^® Fx Exfoliating Day Lotion has been formulated with mature skin in mind. Aimed at those with normal-dry skin, this lightweight hydrator combines a big boost of moisture to quench thirsty, dehydrated skin with gentle daily exfoliation. The result? An unbelievably nourished and purified complexion. The secret to this dynamic moisturiser’s supreme efficacy is the cunning use of Glycolic Acid, a well-known AHA. It’s the Glycolic Acid that deeply exfoliates skin cells, dissolving away dead ones as well as other environmental debris to clear and purify the skin and increase the rate of cell turnover. All in all, revealing healthier and more youthful looking skin.