Tag: Anti-ageing, fine lines and wrinkles

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Our How-To Guide On Avoiding Crepe Skin On Your Décolletage

avoiding crepe skin

As we age, our skin naturally loses its elasticity and we start to notice signs of ageing such as a wrinkled neck or sagging of the skin.

Most of the time, the focus is on the skin on your face. However, your décolletage is an extension of your face, often forgotten but in need of the same attention and TLC! So when it comes to crepey skin around your decolletage, how can we avoid it? If we do get it, are there natural solutions to reduce it? Our team have you covered, with expert innovation in the skincare world backed by over 30 years of science and research, delivering real and noticeable results. We’ve launched the holy grail guide to understanding crepe skin and how to avoid and fix it! 

What Is Crepe Skin?

Crepe skin is age-related skin thinning and loosening where one starts to notice fine lines, wrinkles, and skin that loses its shape. 

Being the leading cause of skin ageing, it should come as no surprise that UV damage is the primary cause of crepey skin. The skin’s elastin and collagen fibres are damaged by excessive UV exposure which over time causes them to enlarge and become harmed. The skin’s protective structure is gradually being eroded by excessive sun exposure emphasising the importance of your daily SPF to prevent long-term sun damage.

Additionally, as we get older, our collagen and elastin gradually have a harder time healing and protecting themselves, so our bodies have to work harder to make the necessary repairs. Due to UV radiation, pollution, poor nutrition, stress, and other things having a negative impact on collagen and elastin fibres, as we age, our bodies become less able to repair itself and eventually lose the battle against environmental aggressors over time. Whilst our youthful skin can repair damages when we’re young, as we age, the process tragically gets more challenging, which causes our skin to sag and droop.

How To Avoid Crepe Skin

If you’re just noticing the first signs of ageing or are worried about them forming, don’t worry – we’re here to help! There are necessary steps you can take to help limit or avoid the process. 

1. Protect Your Skin From The Sun

When it comes to the skin, the sun is your worst enemy. It has the same effect on crepe skin and speeds up the development of wrinkles. Shielding your skin from UV rays is among the best things you can do.

Remember that you need more than just sunscreen in this situation. One of the best defences against UV rays is clothing and shade just like taking a bolt or an uber just like taking a bolt or an uber just like taking a bolt or an uber just like taking a bolt or an uber just like taking a bolt or an uber just like taking a bolt or an uber just like taking a bolt or an uber just like taking a bolt or an uber. When the sun is at its strongest, which is between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., avoid being outside and wear your SPF! 

2. Moisturise Regularly

Hydrated skin can significantly reduce any crepiness you may already have in addition to preventing the crepe appearance Opt for moisturisers with natural oils and antioxidants that absorb deeply into the skin.

Remember to apply it to your chest and neck in addition to your face. This is because the skin on your face extends down to your neck and chest and is delicate compared to other parts of your body. Therefore using your skincare products from your forehead to your neck will ensure that you are nourishing and hydrating your skin, helping to reduce signs of ageing and crepe skin.

3. Use an anti-ageing serum

A lot of the time the rest of your body gets forgotten about when it comes to using anti-ageing products. However, you shouldn’t neglect your chest (aka your decolletage). Make it a habit to apply your serums to this area before applying your moisturiser.

A key ingredient to look out for is a high potency vitamin C, a saviour when it comes to protecting against skin damage, helping to remove unwanted dead skin cells to reveal radiant, youthful skin.  Also, consider using a high-quality retinol: an amazing ingredient that’s ideal for helping restore your skin’s elasticity and collagen. 

BUY SUZANOBAGIMD RETIVANCE® SKIN REJUVENATING COMPLEX

4. Water Is Your Best Friend

The solution to good skin is keeping hydrated, and with good reason! Skin also requires internal hydration. Your skin will show a lack of moisture if you don’t drink enough water each day. Crepe skin can look worse if you are slightly dehydrated, so don’t forget your water bottle!

5. Make Exfoliating A Weekly Routine

When you exfoliate your skin, you take off old skin cells and make room for fresher skin cells to emerge. By exfoliating weekly, you can help promote circulation and encourage your skin’s healing powers.  

Crepe skin is a surface concern, thus exfoliating the top layer of skin can be beneficial to clear the skin. Therefore, an important weekly routine to try! Our beauty experts recommend 2-4 times a week of light exfoliation, as being a good option to help fade crepe skin, but start small and then act on what works best for you! 

The Go-To Product For Reducing Crepe Skin

We’re all sourcing that ideal product to live up to that anti-ageing promise. Introducing the Obagi ELASTIderm® Facial Serum, a fast-acting serum formulated to deliver firmer-looking skin, getting to work in just 24 hours to leave your skin looking firmer and aid in improving the appearance of crepey skin on your face, neck and décolletage.

Using the serum regularly helps to build elasticity and laxity, providing long-lasting improvement in firmness. The best part is, you’ll start to see improvements after your first application, with the firmness of your skin and overall skin texture.

The Obagi ELASTIderm® Facial Serum has been designed using specific ingredients to support your skin’s healthy elastin production, which is the protein responsible for youthful, healthy-looking skin. A saviour product when it comes to sourcing for a quick and effective solution to crepey skin! 

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Cream vs Serum: Which Is Best For Sensitive Eyes?

Eyes have exceptionally thin, delicate skin making them prone to sensitivity, dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. So, the product you apply around the eye area is important because the last thing you want to do is worsen these issues. 

Finding a product to address sensitivity, promote collagen and elastin as well as strengthening and increasing resilience is the way forward to future-proof the skin in this tricky area. But with so many formulations on the market, it can understandably be difficult to discern which product works best.

Why Do You Need an Eye Product?

Before you splash the cash, let’s consider why you need an eye product in the first place.

The focal feature of the face, eyes are often called the window to our soul and for good reason. We use them to express ourselves, gauge other people’s emotions, make friendships and attract partners. 

The downside is that they’re one of the first things to age. That’s why so many of us are on the lookout for an effective eye product, hoping it will keep the eyes looking youthful for longer.

So why do our eyes age so badly? Well, the main reason for lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet developing is that collagen and elastin production decreases over time. This leaves the skin thinner and less resilient, resulting in the visible signs of ageing and, as other cell processes become less effective, dehydration, irritation and sensitivity can set in too.

What’s better? Eye Cream or Eye Serum?

Eye cream can often feel heavier and richer, so might be preferred by those with dry or dehydrated skin because it feels really nourishing. On the flipside, eye serum usually feels lighter and more easily absorbed so others prefer it for this reason. Can they both include active ingredients? Yes! Can they both be highly effective? Of course. So, it really comes down to personal preference and which texture you like.

What you don’t want is a topical eye product though, because these only work on a superficial basis. Whilst it might supply immediate moisture, don’t expect any dramatic or long-term improvement because the effects of topical eye products are rapidly lost.

So, once you’ve chosen whether to go with an eye cream or eye serum, make sure that you choose a product that includes active ingredients since these will work at a much deeper, cellular level to effect change and bring about a longer-term transformation.

To visibly alter the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, elastin needs to be created, converted, and organised within the skin cells. This increases skin resilience and elasticity, which minimises the appearance of wrinkles. Add continuous hydration into the equation to support all of the skin’s processes and cell renewal and it will ensure that cells are able to work optimally.

Cream Vs Serum: Which is Best for Sensitive Eyes?

Thank goodness that the uber on trend skincare brand, Obagi® has developed the ELASTIderm® collection, formulated for exceptional results and dermatologically assessed to ensure it’s suitable for sensitive skin too.

And you don’t need to waste your energy fretting about making a wrong choice between eye cream or eye serum. That’s because Obagi ELASTIderm® Eye Cream and Obagi ELASTIderm® Eye Serum are both suitable for sensitivity and each product will restore that unmistakable snap and much-needed bounce to the eye area.

Obagi ELASTIderm® Eye Cream
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Obagi ELASTIderm® Eye Complete Complex Serum
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Why Is the ELASTIderm® Collection so Effective?

The clinically proven ELASTIderm® Collection works by increasing moisture content, improving radiance and promoting the production of elastin.

Its unrivalled efficacy can be attributed to a unique Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™ combining Copper and Zinc with Malonate. Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™ has been specifically designed to support the three necessary stages of developing healthy elastin: create, convert, and organise. The healthier the elastin, the more resilient and tighter the skin becomes, and that’s what gives your eyes its renewed youthfulness and vitality.

This ground-breaking complex is so effective that it can reveal more resilient looking skin in as little as two weeks. And with regular use, you’ll see a significant improvement in the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (proved by the outstanding clinical results). 

What’s the Difference Between ELASTIderm® Eye Cream and ELASTIderm® Eye Serum?

ELASTIderm® Eye Cream

No wonder this one’s been featured in Elle Magazine! This eye cream is a gentle, soothing, and unbelievably light eye cream that restores ageing eyes, tightens sagging skin, and offers intensive nourishment for eye contours.

Easily absorbed, it can be used morning and evening and perfectly primes the skin around the eye for make-up.

Obagi ELASTIderm® Eye Cream
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ELASTIderm® Eye Complete Complex Serum

A uniquely weightless, smooth, and silky serum, this incorporates the signature Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™, with caffeine. The incredibly clever combination means puffiness and darkness under the eyes can be targeted ensuring visible improvement. Rollerball technology makes it quick and convenient to use as part of your daily routine.

Obagi ELASTIderm® Eye Complete Complex Serum
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Can You Remove Dark Circles Permanently?

can you remove dark circles

Periorbital dark circles normally present as dark blemishes underneath the eyes. We tend to think of them as a sign that someone’s tired or unhealthy but that’s often not the case. There are, in fact, many reasons for dark circles to occur, genes included, and the cause isn’t always that clear cut. No doubt you’ve also heard old wife’s tales about how to cure this frustrating skin condition, like teabags and cold compresses.

If you’ve got dark circles, you may have tried treating the condition with varying effect. Maybe the product or treatment has given you some relief for a while, maybe it’s not worked at all, but like an uninvited guest, those dark circles keep coming back, right? So, the question remains, what’s the best way to get rid of dark circles permanently?

What Causes Dark Circles?

The first part of the story is to understand what’s going on at a cellular level. Skin underneath the eyes is extremely thin and delicate, meaning the blood vessels are more visible compared to other body parts. When vessels become damaged, they can leak blood causing a blueish tinge. Whilst some of us may be more genetically predisposed to having dark circles, there are other contributory factors.

Lack of ‘beauty’ sleep can be a reason because it makes our body release more of the stress hormone cortisol. When this happens, blood vessels expand to accommodate the increased blood flow, and this makes them more noticeable.   

Smoking is another no-no. It’s highly damaging to our skin cells which exacerbates dark circles. Alcohol is yet another skin care nuisance because it causes the blood vessels to dilate, resulting in damage and blood pooling beneath the eyes.

There are also certain medications that have the undesirable side effect of dark circles, and another culprit is thought to be salty food because it causes the body to retain fluid which can collect under the eyes, leading to puffiness and dark circles.

Therefore, it’s clear that by making some changes to your lifestyle, you can improve your overall health and the appearance of your skin to some effect but there’s one thing that none of us can avoid and that’s ageing.

How Does Ageing Cause Dark Circles?

As we grow older, our skin loses elasticity, becomes thinner and cell renewal slows down. It’s the reduction in collagen and elastin that makes it more susceptible to laxity. Around the eye area, this can result in fine lines and wrinkles where the skin becomes loose and thin, dark circles becoming more visible, and a puffier appearance.

Moisturising the eye area might prevent dryness and increase hydration, but it won’t get rid of dark circles. But it’s not all doom and gloom, hurrah for science because there are some highly effective active ingredients out there that counteract the ageing process, correct damage, and prevent it from happening in future.

To do this, an eye product must work at a deep cellular level, transforming skin from within. To have any benefit, there are three essential steps relating to elastin that must be followed to reverse the signs of ageing. It must be created, converted, and organised within the skin. 

Obagi has created a clinically proven range of eye products that work to restore skin health and youthful radiance. The ELASTIderm® range of products offers incredible efficacy and visible results within 2 weeks. It’s down to an innovative, ground-breaking ingredient named Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™ which combines Copper and Zinc with Malonate.

ELASTIderm® Collection Eye Products
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Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™ has been specifically developed to support the three necessary stages of developing healthy elastin. It’s this mineral packed trio that restores elastin, tightens loose skin, and increases skin resilience very rapidly, revealing healthier skin and visibly softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

For those that suffer from dark circles, we’d particularly recommend Obagi ELASTIderm® Eye Serum. This silky, weightless formulation also includes the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Caffeine which, along with Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™ tightens and brightens the skin and with regular use, you’ll see puffiness and dark circles transformed.

Obagi Elastiderm Eye Serum
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7 Mature Skin Wins For 2022

mature skin

2021 saw more of us than ever focusing on skin care amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Stuck at home, we finally had time to notice what was going on with our complexion and pay that bit more attention to our skin care routine, ingredients, and trends.

Universally, there was a lean towards ‘skinimalism’, after all we didn’t really need to plaster on the make-up just to sit on the sofa! But stripping down our make-up meant that we wanted the bare canvas to be clear, healthy, glowing and the holiest grail of all, youthful. And with greater knowledge and understanding, we also became happier to spend money on fewer, quality products rather than cramming the bathroom cupboard full of products that would never see the light of day.

So, 2022 promises to be an equally interesting year, as consumers demand more from their skincare. Hardworking ingredients that work at a deeper, more meaningful level heads straight to the top of the hit list, but for those with mature skin, what else can help you achieve your skincare goals this year?

1. Adopt an Inside-Out Approach

Adopting an ‘inside-out’ approach is the way forward when it comes to achieving visible, long-term results from skin care.

This is all about understanding your skin type, what it needs and using active ingredients that can penetrate the deeper layers to correct the damage already sustained within skin cells and prevent it from happening again.  It’s only by doing this, that transformation occurs.

SUZANOBAGIMD™ has formulated a range of products with this in mind, using clinically proven ingredients that get to the root of the problem and target common skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, rough, uneven texture, dull complexion, delicate and sensitive skin.

2. Retinaldehyde is your New Best Friend

Industry insiders are all over this alternative to Retinol and skincare websites and blogs are going into orbit over its properties. If you’ve not heard about it before, Retinaldehyde is another form of Vitamin A that’s directly converted into Retinoic Acid by the skin. Its benefits include improved skin firmness and elasticity and as you’d expect, diminished fine lines, and wrinkles. SUZANOBAGIMD Retivance® Skin Rejuvenating Complex, incorporates Retinaldehyde within a soothing formulation, that’s perfect for sensitive skin.

SUZANOBAGIMD Retivance® Skin Rejuvenating Complex
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3. A Daily Hydrator that Gives More

One of the bugbears of having mature skin is that it often looks and feels dry and dehydrated. This can lead to irritation, sensitivity, flakiness, and even chapped skin. And you’ve probably noticed that when you hydrate your skin, it drinks the moisture in like there’s no tomorrow.

So, it’s vital to supply your skin with extra-strength, longer-lasting hydration as well as attending to the signs of ageing. Not only that but cell turnover slows as we age leading to an overload of dead skin cells, oil and dirt which often translates to a dull complexion too. A moisturiser that helps with skin clarity is a must-have but is it really possible to find a daily hydrator that does all of these things? Yes, it is! SUZANOBAGIMD™ Intensive Daily Repair is a hydrating lotion that’s been cleverly formulated to improve skin clarity and texture as well as minimise fine lines and wrinkles. Its secret superpower is the inclusion of PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acid) that gently exfoliate all the cell debris, ensuring that the other active ingredients, protective peptides and antioxidants penetrate further, to work optimally. Skin is repaired daily, and the important skin barrier function is protected. A win win all round.

SUZANOBAGIMD™ Intensive Daily Repair (IDR)
SUZANOBAGIMD™ Intensive Daily Repair

4. Antioxidants for Protection

You’ve probably heard all about antioxidants, so we won’t bang on about how good they are at defending skin against free radicals, the unstable atoms that cause damage to skin. Or maybe just a little bit. Point is that this is an essential ingredient no matter your age, especially if you want to keep your complexion in prime condition and prevent the signs of ageing.

SUZANOBAGIMD™ products harness the properties of antioxidants to provide this crucial protective effect. Take SUZANOBAGIMD™ Foaming Cleanser, for example, which uses a powerful trio of antioxidants, Aloe Polyphenols, Brassica Sulforaphane and Citrus Bioflavonoids. That’s only in the cleanser. Imagine how much antioxidant protection you’d receive if you use the full range of SUZANOBAGIMD™ products!

SUZANOBAGIMD™ Foaming Cleanser
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5. Sunscreen is a Must

Sunscreen is hitting the skin care radar big style for most women. It’s for good cause because some might argue it’s the number one way to prevent premature ageing. After all, sun damage is often the worst culprit and, in all honesty, most of us probably haven’t used a daily sunscreen until recently.For broad spectrum daily protection against UVA and UVB rays and a product that leaves a sheer, matte finish, it could only be Obagi Sun Shield TM Matte Broad Spectrum SPF50.

Obagi Sun Shield Matte™ Broad Spectrum SPF 50
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6. Anti-inflammatory skincare

Inflammation is the cause of a multitude of health and skincare conditions. Unfortunately, as we age, inflammation in the body increases so anything we can do to counteract that can only be a good thing. Of course, you can address diet, exercise, and stress management to help with this, but did you know that you can also incorporate this into skin care too?

There’s been a definite move away from more aggressive ingredients to those that are kinder, strengthen the skin barrier function and support the microbiome. SUZANOBAGIMD™ products firmly take this on board and carefully blend products without the use of parabens, synthetic fragrances, or dyes. All products are also dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic and non-sensitising so are suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

7. On the Move Skincare

Life is busy these days, but you don’t want to compromise your skin’s health because you didn’t have time. SUZANOBAGIMD™ Cleansing Wipes are nifty pre-moistened cleansing and protecting wipes consisting of BioDTox, Suzan’s signature trio of soothing Aloe and protective Broccoli and Citrus Extracts.

Keep a pack of these on hand to remove make-up, dirt, sweat, excess oil and deeper impurities when you’re not able to carry out your normal routine, like at the gym, spa, a hotel visit, or stayover with friends.

SUZANOBAGIMD™ Cleansing Wipes
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Has The Menopause Given You Deep Set Wrinkles?

menopause skincare

Many of us sail through our twenties, thirties and even forties, confident that we’ve nailed a great skin care routine. Then, almost overnight, deep set wrinkles have settled in around your eyes and across your forehead. Not to mention that teenage style acne seems to also be affecting your chin, nose, and cheeks. How could this have happened, you wonder.

The culprit could very well be the perimenopause and menopause. A fluctuation in hormones caused by this natural ageing process leads to changes in the body’s functions. In particular, a lack of oestrogen affects the production of collagen, leading to looser, saggy and wrinkled skin.

Skincare for the Menopause

It can be hard to get your head around menopause, but the good news is that it’s possible to maintain a youthful appearance by adjusting your daily skincare ritual. One of the best things you can do when the effects of menopause hit is switch to a glycolic acid moisturiser.

Obagi-C® Fx Exfoliating Day Lotion is an extremely gentle, weightless exfoliating hydrator that should be used as part of your morning routine. It’s perfect for anyone with normal-dry or mature skin as well as those with hyperpigmentation or visible signs of ageing. It cleverly combines an intensive moisture boost with daily exfoliation to keep the skin hydrated, healthy, and smooth.

Main ingredient, Glycolic Acid is a powerful AHA that works by chemically exfoliating the skin and increasing cell turnover. This means that dead skin cells, dirt, excess oil, and impurities are gently dissolved away, purifying the skin, and ensuring that follow-on products can penetrate more deeply to work optimally.

By increasing the rate of turnover, newer cells are produced quicker, leading to a more youthful appearance too. Hyaluronic Acid, another star ingredient, has been added to this highly effective formula because it improves the skin’s moisture content, plumps it, and minimises fine lines and wrinkles.

Image
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So that’s daytime sorted, but it’s equally important to give your complexion some help overnight. Skin-brightening cream Obagi Nu-Derm® Blend Fx is perfect to get an evening skincare routine off to a great start because it’s been designed to aid the absorption of retinoid products.

Formulated with 7% Arbutin, a well-known natural skin brightener, this will gently lighten the skin, reduce the appearance of age spots, sunspots, melasma, acne pigmentation and skin discolouration.

Lactic Acid, a powerful AHA deeply exfoliates, smoothing rough and uneven skin, improving adult acne, and ensuring a clearer, more radiant complexion.

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Meanwhile non-irritating OBAGI360® Retinol 0.5, suitable even for sensitive skin, is an absolute must when it comes to any anti-ageing skincare routine. That’s because our natural skin cell turnover slows down as we age, leading to dullness, roughness, dryness, blemishes, loss of elasticity and fine lines and wrinkles. And when we hit menopause and experience a noticeable on-set of wrinkles, it’s as if the foot has hit the accelerator of the natural ageing process.

Gradual releasing entrapped Retinol, otherwise known as Vitamin A, is used in this product because the slow delivery of this hero ingredient minimises irritation and sensitivity. Once absorbed by the skin, Retinol gets straight to work, boosting the cells’ natural turnover to ensure that impurities and blockages are quickly removed, as well as promoting collagen production. That way, skin is kept healthy, clear, smooth, youthful looking and uber protected from future skin damage. It’s also great as a targeted treatment for hyperpigmentation, dark spots and fine lines and wrinkles too.

The clever combination of ingredients means that nourishing Shea Butter and Chamomile Extract also feature in the OBAGI360® Retinol 0.5 formulation to soothe inflammation, redness and flaking as well as hydrating the skin.

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Sunburn Alert

A final word on menopause skincare. Since the likelihood is that you’ll be switching to highly transformative products containing powerful, active ingredients like Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid and Retinol, it’s important to be aware that these can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. So, there’s no better time to incorporate a sunscreen like Obagi Sun Shield Matte™ Broad Spectrum SPF50 as the final step of your morning skincare ritual.

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And don’t forget to wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure while using these products and for a week afterwards either!

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Who Is Suzan Obagi?

Dr Suzan Obagi

Dr Suzan Obagi is a world renowned skincare leader, and a medical consultant at Obagi. Alongside this she is also the director of the UPMC Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Health Center, President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh. Her extensive knowledge and contributions to the dermatology industry has seen her awarded with great titles such as one of New York Times Style Magazine’s Top Cosmetic Surgeons in the US.

With great experience and a thriving reputation in the skincare and cosmetic industry Dr Suzan Obagi knows a thing or two about ingredients, which is why she designed the SUZANOBAGIMD™ product line. Her line of skincare products have been expertly formulated to combat a wide range of skincare concerns, so we can all achieve, more radiant, youthful and healthier looking skin.

The SUZANOBAGIMD™ range is ideal for reducing sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, rough skin texture, lacklustre skin, breakouts, excess oil production and sensitive skin. The 4 products in the SUZANOBAGIMD™ line blend seamlessly with the Obagi Systems, allowing you to pick and choose your favourite products, all centered around powerful ingredients.

SUZANOBAGIMD™ Balancing Toner

The SUZANOBAGIMD Balancing Toner is one of a skin, it works to restore the skin’s natural pH, whilst also containing a powerful blend of antioxidants to keep your skin protected against free radical damage.

This toner has been formulated with witch hazel to minimise pores and reduce oil production, leaving you with a clear, hydrated and balanced complexion.

SUZANOBAGIMD Balancing Toner
SUZANOBAGIMD™ Balancing Toner
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SUZANOBAGIMD™ Cleansing Wipes

These super handy cleansing wipes offer an on-the-go solution to cleanse skin. Each pack contains 25 witch hazel, aloe vera and antioxidant enriched wipes which will remove impurities, excess oil, and environmental pollutants from the skin.

Aloe vera will help to moisturise the skin and reduce inflammation, witch hazel will effectively reduce excess sebum and the fusion of antioxidants will protect the skin from free radical damage. These wipes are suitable for all skin types.

SUZANOBAGIMD™ Cleansing Wipes
SUZANOBAGIMD™ Cleansing Wipes
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SUZANOBAGIMD™ Intensive Daily Repair

Reduce the visible signs of ageing and hydrate the skin with the SUZANOBAGIMD Intensive Daily Repair lotion. This medical grade skincare product contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant which will boost the skin’s moisture levels. This product will also exfoliate rough skin texture and combat signs of ageing by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and diminishing pigmentation – it’s an anti-ageing wonder product!

SUZANOBAGIMD Intensive Daily Repair (IDR)
SUZANOBAGIMD™ Intensive Daily Repair
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SUZANOBAGIMD™ Revitance® Skin Rejuvenating Complex

Packed with vitamin A, this retinol derived  product is sure to make a great impact on fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing the complexion for a more youthful appearance. This product contains retinaldehyde, a derivative of retinol, meaning that it is much more gentle on the skin and gets to work refining lines and wrinkles without causing irritation – making it the perfect vitamin A product for retinol newbies.

Dr Suzan Obagi is arguably the founder of one of the most effective anti-ageing skincare brands around today. If you’ve got ageing or acne prone skin, give the SUZANOBAGIMD™ range a go, you won’t regret it!

SUZANOBAGIMD Retivance® Skin Rejuvenating Complex
SUZANOBAGIMD™ Revitance® Skin Rejuvenating Complex
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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
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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
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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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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.

obagi retinoids
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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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Why You Need A Vitamin C Serum In Your Routine For Glowing Skin

Vitamin C Serum

With summer days approaching quickly, it’s time to give your skin some extra love and make it glow. We are all longing for warmer days, tanned skin and a dewy, radiant complexion, so let’s make this happen. During the winter, your skin will likely need different things than it will in summer and therefore, we recommend updating your skincare routine for the upcoming season. Add a Vitamin C serum to your routine to achieve that glowy look and prepare your skin for summer 2022.

WHAT DOES A VITAMIN C SERUM DO?

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage, a known cause of premature ageing.

As we get older, our collagen production slows down, which will cause our skin to start sagging, lose its elasticity and reveal fine lines and wrinkles. By using a Vitamin C Serum, your skin’s natural collagen production will be stimulated, resulting in glowing, youthful-looking skin. Besides having anti-ageing properties, a Vitamin C serum will also help to give your skin a brighter, more radiant complexion.

The benefits don’t stop there, Vitamin C is very effective at giving your sunscreen an extra boost, as it helps to protect your skin from damage caused by the sun. In short, if there’s one product that should definitely be included in your summer skincare regimen, it’s a Vitamin C serum.

vitamin-c

WHAT IS THE BEST VITAMIN C SERUM?

When you start your search for a Vitamin C Serum, you will likely come across a wide range of options. So wide, that it might start to stress you out. Thankfully, we have listed the best Vitamin C Serums for your skin so your decision is narrowed down to a small list. The Obagi Professional-C® Portfolio consists of products that contain Vitamin C to boost collagen production, give your skin a glowing complexion and protect your skin from damage caused by UV rays. Obagi Professional-C® Serum is a luxurious and intense Vitamin C serum that is available in three different strengths: 10%, 15% and 20%. Depending on your skin type and your previous experience with Vitamin C products, you can decide what strength works best for you. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend going for the 10% Vitamin C serum.

OBAGI PROFESSIONAL C SERUM
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WHAT BENEFITS DOES THE OBAGI PROFESSIONAL-C® SERUM HAVE?

The Vitamin C serum by Pure Obagi is known for its effectiveness in fighting the signs of ageing. Over time, ageing skin develops fine lines, wrinkles and it will lose its elasticity and firmness, with saggy skin as a result. Obagi Professional-C® Serum contains between 10-20% L-ascorbic Acid, which helps to stimulate collagen production and makes your skin look more youthful. When the serum is used in combination with the entire Obagi Professional-C® Portfolio, your skin will rapidly show improvement.

ANOTHER FAVOURITE: OBAGI-C® FX CLARIFYING SERUM

If you’re looking for a serum that will effectively brighten your skin, the Obagi-C® Fx Clarifying Serum will meet all your desires. This serum contains both 10% L-ascorbic Acid and 7% Arbutin, a clinically proven skin-brightening and pigmentation-busting agent. Arbutin is an ingredient that helps to improve your skin’s appearance of hyperpigmentation which will create a more even complexion. The perfect serum for summertime, if you ask us!

Obagi-C Fx Clarifying Serum
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