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How To Get Rid Of Maskne If You Wear A Mask At Work All Day

How To Get Rid Of Maskne If You Wear A Mask At Work All Day

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. 

Obagi Clenziderm Foaming Cleanser
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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. 

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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!

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What’s The Difference Between UVA & UVB Rays?

What’s The Difference Between UVA & UVB Rays?

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.

obagi sun shield mate broad spectrum spf 50
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Are There Side Effects To Vitamin C Serums?

Obagi Professional-C® Serums

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! 

Defend all day with Professional-C Serums

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. 

Obagi Professional-C® Serum 10% – Before & After

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.

Professional-C Serums
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Last Minute Skincare Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

mother's day

Mothers! They’re notoriously difficult people to buy for when it comes to presents. They either tell you not to waste your money or, they already have everything they need. So, what exactly do you get them? Flowers, chocolates, or perfume? All three might be classic gifts but sometimes it’s nice to give something that’s a bit more original.

If you’re looking for inspiration this Mother’s Day, why not consider giving them the gift of luxury skincare? With over 30 years of clinically proven formulations, Obagi® skin care products offer the perfect solution for your gifting dilemmas. 

Let Obagi take the stress out of your shopping. With our help, a transformational skincare product could soon be winging its way over to your beautiful mamma. So, whether she’s concerned about anti-ageing, dry skin, rosacea, hyperpigmentation or dullness, there’s sure to be a perfect Obagi product for her. Read on for our top recommendations and enjoy the look of delight on her face this Mother’s Day.

Obagi Hydrate Luxe®

The night-time version of best-selling Obagi Hydrate Luxe®, this extra-strength moisturiser will add a touch of luxury to your mother’s day gifting. 

Gloriously rich, Obagi Hydrate Luxe® uses advanced technology to sync with the nightly skin functions of repair and renewal. Not only that, but this formulation contains a powerful combination of hero ingredients. Intense nourishment is provided by Shea Butter, Mango Butter and Avocado Oil whilst key biomimetic peptides have powerful anti-ageing properties. Throughout the night, Obagi Hydrate Luxe® also naturally exfoliates without loss of hydration, leaving skin exceptionally radiant and replenished. 

mother's day gift guide
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Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops™

For those fans of cutting-edge skincare products, this is the one to add to your shopping basket. Vitamin B3, Abyssinian Oil and Hibiscus Oil are suspended using Isoplentix™ technology, removing the need for emulsifiers that can irritate sensitive skin. 

Massage the silky Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops™ into the skin and the potent ingredients will soon transform its appearance, leaving it thoroughly hydrated and feeling wonderfully soft. A luxurious product that delivers on phenomenal radiance.

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Obagi® Professional-C Serum 15%

Say goodbye to dull, tired skin with this remarkable multi-purpose Vitamin C serum. The extra-strength Obagi® Professional-C 15% formulation tackles a multitude of concerns including skin inflammation, irregular pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and dullness with exceptional results.

Why is it so effective? It’s because Obagi Professional-C® Serum uses L-ascorbic acid, the most potent form of well-known skin brightener, Vitamin C. It shouldn’t come as any surprise, therefore, that clinical studies demonstrated that Obagi Professional-C® serums penetrate the epidermis and dermis significantly better than most other Vitamin C serums. 

This gorgeous serum protects against free radical damage from daily stressors, including sun-damage and chemicals that contribute towards the signs of ageing. Vitamin C also promotes healthy collagen production too, maintaining the skin’s suppleness and elasticity. 

With regular use, you can expect a reduction in skin inflammation, irregular pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and lighter, brighter, firmer skin.  

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Obagi ELASTIderm® Facial Serum

Mums will simply love Obagi’s most clinically studied product in 10 years, Obagi ELASTIderm® Facial Serum. There’s not many products where 100% of participants in a 12-week clinical trial said that their skin looked firmer after use. This is one of them!

This is a unique skincare product, formulated to improve skin elasticity and target signs of ageing, like fine lines, wrinkles, crepiness, ageing and sagging skin. It’s all down to  some cutting-edge ingredient technology, called Bi-mineral Contour Complex™. 

Fancy titles are one thing, but how does it help our skin? The secret is that it not only creates new elastin in the skin, but that it also converts and organises it for optimum results. 

Transforming the skin at a deep, cellular level means that it visibly improves the appearance of skin, leaving it radiant, revitalised, and more elastic. Achieving a noticeable reduction in fine lines and wrinkles can also be achieved by using this serum regularly in a targeted way. 

Mums will be celebrating all over the world with a happy dance if they unwrap this on Mother’s Day!

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Obagi ELASTIderm® Complete Complex Eye Serum

At some stage, we all need to combat the loss of elastin which leads to weak, sagging, ageing skin. When that happens, reach for Obagi ELASTIderm® Complete Complex Eye Serum. 

This is a potent formula that combines powerful zinc and copper – with malonate within its powerful Bi-mineral Contour Complex™ technology.  A potent pairing, they support the three essential stages that are needed to develop healthy elastin: create, convert and organise. Used regularly, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area becomes visibly diminished, even in as little as two weeks. A must-have product for any mum who’s concerned about the signs of ageing. 

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Summer Skincare Trends You Need To Get Started On Now

Summer Skin

If you’re new to the wonderful world of skincare, you might get lost between all the brands, ingredients and skincare products that are on the market. And honestly, we don’t blame you. The amount of available products out there can be overwhelming and truthfully, when you’re not a skincare expert it might be even more difficult to make the right decision. As summer is approaching rapidly, now more than ever is the time to fully prepare your skin for the warmer months ahead. To help you out on this, we have gathered the top five summer skincare trends that you definitely cannot miss out on this summer 2022. 

1. Tech & beauty

To start our top five off, let’s talk about the rise of technology within the beauty industry. As we are all aware of, technology is increasing in arguably most areas in life. But in the past few years, many technological beauty products were introduced into the market. Have you seen the facial cleanser devices that every influencer seems to be using these days? They are small, oval-shaped devices with silicone brush nubs that are designed to thoroughly cleanse your face. You simply apply a bit of facial cleanser onto the device, switch it on and it will massage the cleansing gel or foam into your skin. Not only a great feeling, but also a great way to get all of the build-up dirt off your skin!

2. Full skincare systems

Whereas before, you might have whipped on a moisturiser and be done for the day, we are now upping our skincare game. A seven-step skincare routine is no exceptionality these days as people are starting to use full skincare systems. If you’re keen on targeting a specific skincare concern, such as hyperpigmentation or acne, you will find that the most results are achieved when using a full Obagi skincare kit. The products in these kits are formulated to work synergistically, meaning each product is carefully created to work with the products used before and after it.

Pure Obagi Vitamin C Starter Kit
EXPLORE PURE OBAGI‘S KITS

3. Retinol

If you don’t have a retinol product in your bathroom cabinet yet, it’s time to get this silver bullet. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is widely used in skincare products. Retinol belongs to a group of Vitamin A derivatives, known as retinoids. The benefits of retinol products are outstanding, as they have proven to improve your complexion, diminish fine lines and wrinkles and fade acne spots on your skin. As we said, a miracle worker. SUZANOBAGIMD Retivance® Skin Rejuvenating Complex is a retinol cream that has been formulated to minimise the signs of ageing whilst also improving your skin’s overall texture and tone. A must-have for summer 2022, if you ask us. 

SUZANOBAGIMD Retivance® Skin Rejuvenating Complex
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4. Superfoods for your skin

Wait, this isn’t skincare, it’s about food… Well, technically yes, but a couple of superfoods have actually proven to be effective in treating skincare problems. Our favourite superfood for the skin has to be Vitamin C. Whereas we often see Vitamin C in skincare products, it can also be consumed as food or drinks to improve your skin. Skinade offers collagen drinks that contain Vitamin C to boost your skin’s natural collagen production to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. As you get older, your skin’s collagen production will slow down, which will in time result in signs of ageing. To prevent this from happening or slow down the process, collagen drinks can be consumed. How cool is that?

5. Maskne treatments

Maskne, a word that was born last year, when the pandemic first started to flare up. We have been wearing face masks for over a year now and that has clearly impacted some people’s skin. If you’re struggling with acne breakouts and irritations around your chin from wearing a face mask, we call this Maskne. In 2022, a lot more skincare products are focused on treating Maskne and this will continue to be a trend in summer 2022. Hopefully, Maskne will soon be a skin concern of the past!

Maskne
VIEW OUR MASKNE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

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What Is Rosacea And How To Treat It

Rosacea Skin

Rosacea is more common than you’d think. It’s thanks to advances in make-up, that we often remain unaware when someone is suffering from this skin condition. It’s only when we see their bare skin that we notice. Even then, it can often be mistaken for other skin problems, including acne. 

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is typically characterised by redness (blushing) or red patches across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. The redness can be caused by tiny, visible, broken or swollen blood vessels on the skin, or it can take the form of smallish, red or pink pus-filled bumps. There can also be a stinging or burning sensation when using water or skincare products. Skin might also feel hot to the touch or tender and symptoms can flare up periodically or remain on a permanent basis.

Rosacea can sometimes affect the eye area too, leading to Ocular Rosacea. This can be quite uncomfortable as it can make the eyes dry, irritated and swollen. Over time, rosacea can also thicken the skin on the nose, with the result that it can look quite bulbous. This symptom tends to occur more in men than women.

Oxidative Stress
What does the skin barrier do

What Causes Rosacea?

Rosacea can affect anyone, but strangely in this day and age, the exact root cause isn’t known. It’s likely to be a combination of hereditary and environmental factors though. Another interesting observation is that it’s more prevalent in middle-aged women with light skin. It’s thought that there are some risk factors like smoking and sun damaged skin that increase the likelihood of suffering from rosacea too.

There are also certain triggers that can make rosacea worse, which include:

  • Alcohol
  • Spicy Foods
  • Cheese
  • Caffeine
  • Hot Drinks
  • Aerobic exercise
Compromised skin barrier
Save our skin barrier

How to Treat Rosacea

The Obagi Repair Foundation Kit is a good and affordable option to tackle redness and inflammation as a result of Rosacea. The Obagi Nu-Derm® Gentle Cleanser is suitable for sensitive skin, and helps clear impurities; it is gentle on skin and its formula includes components derived from natural ingredients. The Obagi Hydrate® is the perfect moisturising product for those who suffer from Rosacea flare-ups, as it provides instant hydration that lasts up to 8h, thanks to Hydromanil™ technology. Those who experience Rosacea-related symptoms will appreciate the UVA and UVB protection that the Obagi Sun Shield Matte™ Broad Spectrum SPF 50 provides.

Pure Obagi Repair Foundation Kit
Obagi Repair Foundation Kit

Obagi Nu-Derm Fx® System is a highly effective, comprehensive skincare system, available in Normal-Dry and Normal-Oily that helps with acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation, rosacea and minimise tell-tale signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. Hero ingredient, 7% Arbutin, is a natural and effective skin-brightening agent included in both Obagi Nu-Derm Fx® Systems. Packed with antioxidants and exfoliants, this comprehensive skin system has everything you need to target your skin concerns and unleash your skin’s full potential.  For optimal results, try the Obagi Nu-Derm Fx® Kit – Normal-Dry. 

Obagi Nu Derm Kit Normal Dry
Obagi Nu-Derm Fx® Kit – Normal-Dry

Alternatively, here are our top recommendations for Obagi® rosacea-targeted products.

Obagi Professional-C®Serum 10%

This is the perfect serum for rosacea sufferers as it has been formulated for sensitive, dry or irritated skin. It’s a gentle yet rich concentration containing 10% L-ascorbic Acid. This formula immediately penetrates the skin, providing antioxidant protection and instant radiance.

Obagi Professional-C® Serum 10%
Obagi Professional-C® Serum 10%

Obagi Hydrate®

Rosacea can make skin dry in some instances so it’s vital to keep skin well-nourished and hydrated.

Hydromanil™, an advanced ingredient used within Obagi Hydrate® is the key to this hydrator’s longer-lasting hydration. Derived from the Tara Seed, which retains water, Hydromanil™, molecules form a matrix on the skin’s surface. The benefit of this is that they remain on the cells for longer than normal. So not only do they instantly nourish skin, but they also prevent further water loss and gradually deliver even more nourishment from active compounds over the course of the day.

Other enriching natural ingredients within this formulation include Shea Butter, Mango Butter and Avocado Oil. It’s hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and suitable for all skin types making it the ideal moisturiser for anyone suffering the effects of rosacea. 

obagi hydrate
Obagi Hydrate®

For more tailored products for rosacea, check out our skin goals page dedicated to rosacea. 

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7 Ways To Avoid Sun Damaged Skin

It’s concerning how often we’ve heard people say “but my burn will turn into a tan tomorrow” when they get sunburnt. Going into the sun unprotected can be extremely harmful to your skin. Not only can you get sunburnt, but in the long run it can cause hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sunspots or in the worst case even skin cancer. For this reason, we cannot emphasise often enough what the importance of sunscreen is and why you should wear it every single day. A common misconception is that sunscreen should only be used during the summer months, when you’re constantly exposed to direct sunlight. You might be surprised to learn that sunscreen should actually be used all year round, even in the winter months when the sun won’t even appear. We will tell you more about the seven ways you can avoid sun damaged skin.

1. SPF is your best friend

Let’s start off with the most important one: always wear SPF. Whether you’re using sunscreen or a moisturiser that contains SPF, as long as you make sure your skin is protected from the sun. We recommend using a product that contains at least SPF 30 to be fully protected. OBAGI360 HydraFactor® Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a 2-in-1 moisturiser and sunscreen that both hydrates and protects your skin all day long. That makes incorporating SPF into your skincare routine very easy! If you’re in need of even more protection, the Obagi Sun Shield Matte™ Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is your go to sunscreen. 

Obagi360 Hydrafactor SPF 30
OBAGI360 Hydrafactor® Broad Spectrum SPF 30

2. Find a spot in the shade

During the hottest days in summer, it’s best to find a spot in the shade, especially when the UV-rays are the strongest between 11AM and 2PM. No matter how loyal you are applying sunscreen every two hours, exposing your skin to a high UV index can still be harmful. 

3. Wear protective clothing

If you know you’re going to be exposed to sunlight for a long period of time, it’s best to wear protective clothing in areas you might get sunburnt easily. The shoulders, cleavage and forehead are spots that often get sunburnt, so it’s key to protect those most. Wear a short sleeved t-shirt to protect your shoulders and wear a sun hat or cap to avoid sun exposure on your forehead. 

4. Don’t forget about your lips

Do you own a lip balm or chapstick with SPF? It’s not only important to apply sunscreen on your face, but your lips as well. Not applying protective lip balm can cause your lips to age quicker and develop more fine lines and wrinkles. 

5. Check the UV index

Before going out into the sun for a lovely tanning session, make sure to check the UV index first. To paint a picture: with a UV index of zero to two, it takes one hour to get sunburnt without protection. With a UV index above 5, it takes only 10 minutes to sunburn your skin. We recommend not going into direct sunlight when the UV index is that high, but if you must, you should apply SPF30 at least once every two hours and seek as much shade as you can. 

6. Minimise hyperpigmentation

Once you get older, hyperpigmentation on your skin starts to occur more and more. Protecting your skin from the sun can help to lower the chance of getting hyperpigmentation, but some people might still have dark spots or sunspots on their face. Thankfully, there are skin-brightening products on the market, such as Obagi Nu-Derm® Blend Fx, that help to minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation. 

Obagi Nu-Derm Blend Fx
Obagi Nu-Derm® Blend Fx

7. Avoid reflective surfaces

As you might have experienced before, your skin burns more easily when you’re at the beach or on a boat. The reason for this is that water and sand are reflective surfaces and can reflect up to 85% of the sun’s rays. This means you’re exposed to the sun even more which increases your risk of sunburn.

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Luxury Skincare Gift Guide Mother’s Day 2022

Mother's Day 2021

For most European countries, Mother’s Day 2022 is only days or weeks away. If you haven’t found your lovely mother a present yet, now is the time to start shopping. If you really want to pamper your mother, Mother’s Day is the absolute best day to do this. Whether you’re pampering your mother by taking her out for the day, cooking her dinner or giving her luxury skincare products, she will love it for sure. You might be overwhelmed by the enormous selection of skincare products and brands to choose from. We understand that you won’t be satisfied with anything less than the absolute best for your mum so therefore, we have composed a luxury skincare gift guide for Mother’s Day 2022. 

How do you know what skincare products are best for your mum?

Buying skincare products for someone other than yourself can be extra difficult as with skincare, it’s important to know what someone’s skin type is. Skincare products are often made specifically for a certain skin type or skin concern and will be less effective when used for the wrong purpose. So, it’s time to pay a little more attention to your mother’s skin. You might be able to tell that she has oily skin when her face always has a glow over it, or if she has dry patches on her skin this will likely mean her skin type is dry skin. 

Then there’s the more difficult skin types: sensitive skin and combination skin. If your mum has an oily T-zone but dry cheeks, she likely has combination skin. If her skin is irritated quickly and she often struggles with redness, itching or breakouts, then it’s likely that she has sensitive skin. If you’re in doubt, take our skin quiz to find out more. 

Luxury skincare gift for Mother’s Day

You can never go wrong with gifting luxury skincare. A fitted, luxury skincare routine is essential to maintain healthy skin, minimise any blemishes or spots and to keep youthful-looking skin. Whether your mother spends a good hour in the bathroom getting ready for the day or she prefers a quick but effective skincare routine, you should always opt for high-quality skincare. We recommend avoiding cheap skincare products you can buy at your local supermarket as they probably contain bad ingredients or are less effective. We have listed our favourite, most effective skincare products to gift for Mother’s Day.

1. Obagi Professional-C® Serum

The absolute love of our life: Vitamin C. We swear by it! Whereas Vitamin C can be found in fruits such as oranges, it’s also a widely used and effective ingredient in skincare products. Obagi Professional-C® Serums contain Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic Acid, to help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Besides its anti-ageing properties, these facial serums also brighten the skin whilst retaining moisture, which results in a healthy glow. Another plus is that the serum is available in three types; 10%, 15% and 20% for dry, combination or oily skin.

OBAGI PROFESSIONAL C SERUM
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2. Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops™

One of our most luxurious-looking skincare products is Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops™, a lightweight facial serum which makes it look like you’re applying liquid gold onto your skin. Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops™ can be used as a moisturiser as it hydrates the skin thoroughly, leaving it feeling smooth and fresh. A wonderful, thoughtful and luxury gift for Mother’s Day 2022. 

obagi daily hydro drops
Buy Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops™

3. Obagi ELASTIderm® Eye Complete Complex Serum

Thirdly, our recommendation for a luxury skincare product would be the Obagi ELASTIderm® Eye Complete Complex Serum. As the name suggests, it’s an eye serum that can be used to minimise the appearance of under-eye wrinkles and fine lines. The serum also contains Caffeine which helps to reduce the puffiness under the eyes. The perfect gift for your mother to combat signs of ageing and look fresher!

Obagi Elastiderm Eye Serum
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Complete Your Obagi Skincare Set With OBAGI360 Retinol

obagi skincare

There are so many misconceptions about retinol. It’s only for mature skin. Those with sensitivity shouldn’t use it. Retinol is dangerous and damaging. In fact, none of these statements are accurate. Retinol can be used by those with younger skin. There are of course retinol products which are suitable for sensitive skin and when used correctly, it is neither dangerous or damaging.

This much-hailed miracle ingredient is also one of the most effective anti-ageing treatments available today. And what’s more, the younger you start using it the better. Why? Because you’ll be future-proofing your skin and defending it from the signs of premature ageing.

The Science of Retinol

Despite our innate desire to appear youthful no matter our age, the body’s skin cell turnover slows down the older we get. Collagen and Elastin deplete resulting in a loss of skin elasticity and firmness. The outcome of this natural ageing process is an increase in fine lines, wrinkles, crepiness and dullness. It’s not a great advert for growing old! Of course, on the flipside many wonderful things do happen to us as we mature. Just not to our skin.

The good news is that retinol can counteract the visible effects of ageing. It does this by boosting skin cell turnover, and the knock-on effect is an increase in collagen production within the dermis. By doing so, elasticity is improved, and skin appears more youthful, far smoother and thank the lord, fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet are visibly diminished.

When Should I Use Retinol?

If you’re in a younger age-group, you may not have considered using retinol before. For certain, wrinkles seem a universe away. But you like sunbathing right? And let’s admit it, you’re partial to the odd alcoholic drink. Oh!  And before you forget, didn’t you miss a night of sleep recently? Be honest, can you always be bothered to remove your make-up or even moisturise at night and as for your diet….when exactly was the last time you hit your five a day? Or is it seven a day now? The point is that your lifestyle choices may seem inconsequential but environmental factors add up as the years pass by. Over time, skin becomes damaged, and then one day you wake up, and there it is. Your first fine line or wrinkle. It shouldn’t come as a surprise but it always does.

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Retinol for Acne and Blemishes

Starting early with retinol minimises those frustrating signs of ageing. Not only that, but it prevents skin damage from happening, keeping your skin looking youthful for longer. The benefits of retinol’s anti-ageing properties are quite evident. But there’s another perk for the younger age-group too. Increased cell turnover also keeps pores clear and reduces acne, blemishes or enlarged pores. After continuous use, skin looks clearer and healthier.

How to Use Retinol

There’s no doubt that retinol is a powerful active ingredient. Subsequently it can take skin a little while to adjust to some retinol products on the market. You might have heard people talking about redness, dryness and some minor irritation.

Obagi® takes skin irritation extremely seriously. So much so, that they have carried out extensive research and conducted skin trials to assess irritation from their retinol products after 3 weeks. For this reason, you should be completely reassured that Obagi® retinol products are minimally irritating.

OBAGI360® System

A comprehensive skincare system will help you to achieve optimal results from your skincare products. That’s because products within a skincare system, have been created to work synergistically and complement one another.

The OBAGI360® system has been specifically formulated for those within the 20-30 age-group, to preserve youthful looking skin. Enlarged pores, acne and blemishes are also common concerns amongst this age-group. Obagi360® tackles all of these common concerns, leaving skin fresh, purified and all importantly, clearer.

OBAGI360
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If you’re already using the OBAGI360® system, it’s definitely time to consider adding retinol to your repertoire. Our advice is to begin with a low strength product and gradually build up. This allows your skin time to get used to it. OBAGI360® Retinol 0.5 is the perfect complement to anyone using the OBAGI360® system and it can also be used as a starter product if you’ve never used retinol before.

This low-level retinol cream helps improve complexion and smooths uneven texture. With consistent use, skin looks clearer, with less blemishes and of course, as with all retinol products, more youthful. Set a foundation in place now for a lifetime of beautiful skin and reap the benefits of retinol now, tomorrow and in the future.

OBAGI360® Retinol 0.5
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Discover Your One Way Ticket To Radiant Skin For Summer 2022

Radiant summer skin

Only a few weeks left until we can officially say it’s summer. A season most people longed for all year but once it suddenly arrives, we find ourselves unprepared. Our wardrobe needs an update, our hair might need a refresher and our skin could use a little pick-me-up. But fear not, it’s not too late to achieve radiant skin before summertime. By updating your daily skincare routine with a couple of summer skincare essentials, you will have brighter-looking, glowing skin by the time summer makes its appearance. In this blog, we will help you to discover your one way ticket to radiant skin so you can glow all summer long.

SKIN-BRIGHTENING PRODUCTS

Your skin might appear a bit dull after a long winter so it’s time to get your skin looking brighter and more radiant just before summer starts. The Obagi Nu-Derm Fx® System is perfect for this as the products contain skin-brightening properties that help your skin to look more radiant. Most products in the Obagi-Nu Derm® range contain 7% Arbutin, which is a potent key ingredient that is both natural and effective at reducing pigmentation and boosting radiance. As Obagi’s products are formulated synergistically, the most results will be achieved when using the entire system on a daily basis.

obag nu derm fx
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THE FUNCTION OF VITAMIN C IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS

You will probably know that Vitamin C is found in many foods such as oranges, raspberries, broccoli and potatoes but did you also know that you can find Vitamin C in skincare products? Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that we need to repair tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. For that reason, Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, can be found in many serums, gels and other skincare products as it has many healing properties. Not only does Vitamin C help to brighten the skin and reveal more radiant-looking skin, but it also diminishes the appearance of ageing. Once you get older, you will likely notice that your skin starts to become more saggy, lose its elasticity and start to show more fine lines and wrinkles. This is the natural process of ageing, but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing you can do to slow it down. By applying skincare products with Vitamin C or other anti-ageing ingredients, collagen production will be stimulated and your skin’s elasticity and firmness will improve.

OUR FAVOURITE SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR RADIANT SKIN

By simply updating the products you’re currently using in your everyday skincare routine, you can improve the look and feel of your skin to get ready for summer 2022. As we understand that there are many products to choose from, we have listed our three favourite products for radiant skin below.

1. OBAGI PROFESSIONAL-C® SERUM

The first product, which might also be our favourite, is the Obagi Professional-C® Serum. This serum can be bought in three different strengths: 10%, 15% or 20%. This allows you to adapt the serum to your skin which will ensure the best results. Obagi Professional-C® Serum contains Vitamin C to brighten the skin and minimise the appearance of ageing. 

OBAGI PROFESSIONAL C SERUM
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2. OBAGI NU-DERM® BLEND FX

Obagi Nu-Derm® Blend Fx is a skin-brightening cream that uses 7% Arbutin and Lactic Acid to reveal brighter skin. Arbutin is a naturally occurring plant extract that treats the signs of hyperpigmentation and will therefore help to achieve radiant-looking skin.

OBAGI BLEND FX
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3. OBAGI-C® FX CLARIFYING SERUM

Last, but definitely not least we recommend adding the Obagi-C® Fx Clarifying Serum to your daily skincare routine. This facial serum contains 7% Arbutin and 10% L-ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). This combination of active ingredients makes the product highly effective in treating hyperpigmentation which will result in brighter-looking, more radiant skin. Exactly what you need before summer 2022!

Obagi-C Fx Clarifying Serum
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