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. 

Garder votre peau hydratée et fraîche peut être un défi difficile pendant l’hiver. Veiller à ce que votre peau ne soit pas trop irritée est un tout autre problème. À l’approche des intempéries et de Noël, il est temps de commencer à prendre soin de ceux que vous aimez et de prendre soin de soi.

Chez Pure Obagi France, nous vous proposons des formules de soins de la peau les plus avancées pour aider votre peau à rester fraîche, hydratée et jeune. C’est l’idée derrière l’un de nos produits les plus récents, le sérum Obagi Vitamin-C 10%. Imprégné de vitamine C, ce sérum offre une protection antioxydante douce et un éclat instantané pour les peaux douces ou irritées. Le produit est actuellement disponible chez Obagi en France.F

Tout cela est formidable pour les personnes qui connaissent les meilleurs produits chimiques et les détails des produits de soin de la peau, mais la plupart des gens veulent savoir ce que c’est que de les utiliser réellement. C’est pourquoi nous avons recueilli les commentaires de certaines personnalités qui ont réellement utilisé le produit pour entendre leurs réflexions.

Nathalie de La Mariée en Colère

Nathalie de Lamarieeencolere.com a une peau claire, à tendance acnéique à l’approche des règles. Elle pense qu’en vieillissant cela s’arrangerait mais ce n’est pas le cas.

Nathalie a testé le OBAGI PROFESSIONAL-C SERUM 10 %. Elle aime la texture de cette huile qu’elle met tous les matins après avoir nettoyé la peau. Nathalie l’applique partout sur le visage, le cou avant de mettre ma crème de jour.

Son expérience avec Obagi était très bonne. Il était indiqué sur la notice qu’elle pourrait avoir quelques picotements, elle a donc tout d’abord essayé le sérum dans le creux de son coude pour vérifier qu’elle ne faisait pas d’allergies comme j’ai la peau très sensible. Comme tout allait bien, elle a appliqué dès le lendemain matin.

Selon Nathalie, il faut vraiment utiliser des produits adaptés à noter style de peau, et surtout quand vous êtes une femme à la période du mois.

Elle ne fait rien de plus, elle continue à bien hydrater sa peau, surtout ses lèvres qui sont plus sèches que d’habitude. De plus, Nathalie aimerait dire que mettre de l’autobronzant mal étalé, c’est le drame !

Camille de Camille et Les Garçons 

Camille est une blogueuse de mode et lifestyle qui publie ses tendances préférées, les dernières nouvelles de l’industrie et ses propres voyages. Elle veut partager des choses qu’elle aime, des choses qu’elle a découvertes et elle veut essayer d’inspirer les gens autour de moi.

Camille a la peau claire et elle vient de commencer à utiliser certains produits Obagi. Elle a testé deux produits qui se sont tout de suite plu. Ils sont très efficaces et agréables à utiliser. Selon Camille, le sérum pour le visage Obagi Hydro-Drops était super léger et très hydratant. Il a laissé ma peau douce et fraîche. C’était super pour les peaux sensibles et irritées.

Son autre produit préféré de la marque Obagi qu’elle a testée était le gel nettoyant pour le visage Obagi C-CLEANSING GEL. Enrichi en vitamine C, il défend la peau contre les radicaux libres et stimule la production de collagène.

Heureusement, les produits Obagi sont très efficaces, et vous pouvez les utiliser en toute sécurité car chaque produit doit subir toute une série de tests avant d’être commercialisé.

Héloïse de Beauté Chérie

Quelques conseils, pour prendre au mieux soin de votre peau, vous devez adopter une routine de beauté soigneusement équilibrée et vous y engager pour qu’elle fonctionne. Récemment, Héloïse de Beautecherie.com a essayé de lutter contre l’apparition des rides et elle a utilisé des produits spécifiquement sélectionnés dans sa routine. Celui-ci se compose d’un sérum, d’une crème de jour et d’une crème de nuit.

La marque Pure Obagi propose des soins aux ingrédients actifs pour réduire l’impact du stress oxydatif et chouchouter votre peau jour après jour. Après avoir essayé de perfectionner sa routine, elle peut vous recommander d’essayer le Professional C 30% d’acide ascorbique. Vous pouvez également envisager d’ajouter un masque à votre routine hebdomadaire, le Obagi Professional-C Polish + Mask. Cela accélère le renouvellement cellulaire et lisse votre peau.

Héloïse a dit de ne pas oublier que la progression de votre routine peut être affectée négativement si vous ne vous démaquillez pas de manière appropriée. Un autre conseil à garder à l’esprit pendant l’hiver est de vous assurer de réduire les aliments qui augmenteront les radicaux libres. Encore une fois, avoir une bonne routine ne consiste pas seulement à utiliser les bons produits, mais aussi à s’assurer que votre mode de vie est bien équilibré.

Obtenez ces Produits

Vous pouvez acheter des produits Obagi en France et les recevoir à temps pour Noël. Vous pouvez acheter le sérum Obagi Vitamin-C 10 maintenant.