My Journey with ZO Skin Health thus far
If you follow me on Twitteror Instagram, you may have gathered that I have been trying out a new skincare line – ZO® Skin Health. I have to let you know upfront that this was NOT paid for – I was merely interested in exploring a line like this and had 3 readers in particular who had asked me about it. This line is not just any ordinary skincare line, but the most potent on the market and one that has a philosophy that differs from any other line I have come across to date.
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| Skin after 8 weeks of use – clear, texture drastically improved and pigmentation has lightened |
I was quite weary about trying them out initially as ZO® Skin Health does go against quite a few ‘norms’ that exist in the skincare industry, such as exfoliating daily with a physical exfoliator (with very abrasive beads), but when I did my research and saw that this was Dr Zein Obagi’s latest venture, I knew I was in trusted hands. You may have seen that I tried out Obagi skincare a few months back. Dr Zein Obagi bought to market the original NuDerm™ system which he then went on to sell (it’s obviously still named after him, but he is not involved there at all). When he sold this line, he created ZO® Skin Health and I really like the philosophy behind the range.
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| From Left: my day serum, my night serum, my retinol, the pure Vita C concentrate, Exfoliator (pot), cleanser (above pot) and spf |
I must say, the journey I have had to go on with ZO® Skin Health has been an interesting one (which they warned me about) and it did mean a few weeks of very unsettled skin – which I didn’t enjoy, but am finally now reaping the rewards of. It does take a bit of patience and perseverance before your skin kicks into gear, but it is well worth it when you start seeing the long-term results.
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| 3 weeks into the routine – skin breaking out and texture uneven which is all a part of the process |
What is ZO® Skin Health about?
The range is essentially about cutting the clutter and getting to the skins core of making it work in the most natural, efficient way possible. The interesting part about ZO®’s theory is that there is no real excuse for having a sensitive skin or a skin with rosacea – as, if the skin is working like it should, then these concerns can be combatted. The initial 6 week programme is all about kicking the skin into gear and prepping in to start the proper ‘active’ products – so my 6 week period was to prep my skin for retinol. It’s amazing how they focus on this, as the skin is the biggest organ and needs preparation to be working efficiently and to react well to the product we apply.
My routine:
As mentioned, I only introduced retinol last week (which I have explained a number of times on my Instagram stories). This is my current routine:
Morning:
Cleanse: Exfoliating Cleanser
Exfoliate: Exfoliating Polish
Tone: TE Pads Acne Pore Treatment
Serum: C Bright 10% Vita C serum followed by Brightalive Non-Retinol Skin Brightener
SPF
Evening:
Cleanse: Exfoliating Cleanser
Tone: TE Pads Acne Pore Treatment
Serum: Daily Power Defence
Retinol: Advanced Radical Night Repair (1.7% retinol which translates to 1% on the skin). Massage into the skin.
My results:
As mentioned, my first 6 weeks were very tough on my skin. I was warned that I may want to throw in the towel (which crossed my mind a few times) but the fact that I could chat to the girls at ZO® Skin Health and be reassured that my reactions were all normal and a part of the process. I have to highlight here that I am probably exaggerating with my reaction, but my skin is very problem-free normally so I wasn’t used to having the odd (deep) breakout and seeing my texture looking out-of-sorts. I would say that this pretty much lasted from week 2 to week 6. I wish I had tweaked it earlier, but when I was advised to slow down on the exfoliating, then my skin started looking amazing (I was over-stimulating it).
Since starting the routine I have gone for a facial every few weeks at Janine’s Skin Care Clinic in Hout Bay (a stockist for those in the area). The ZO® facial is really lovely and you leave with your skin literally radiating glow. I went for a coffee with friends after my last facial and since then, two friends have gone for consultations with ZO® stockists.
It’s all been quite interesting to me as I thought my skin was pretty good. I am pedantic (as you can imagine) about my skincare routine and, having studied beauty, I know how to spot issues and combat them at home. This line, however, has encouraged my skin to start working in the most functional, efficient way possible – not just by layering product after product on top. I have also become aware of my pigmentation (not a big issue, but I guess I am 3 months away from turning 30 and everything is looking that much more accentuated). ZO® Skin health has made a noticeable difference to do with the dark spots. I am still trying to get rid of the odd red spot from my breakouts in the first few weeks, but here some pics to give you an idea. I will be doing another post to update you on my retinol reactions and how I’ve found that.
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| The retinol flaking begins… |
DM or email me with any questions and I can send you lots more info!
I've been looking into using this range, and was interested to find out that Dr Obagi advocates not using a traditional moisturiser, which is in line with the routine you listed in your post (you don't seem to be using a dedicated moisturiser). How did you find this- did your skin adjust its own moisture levels after a while?
I like your blog
I am on my 4th week and I am so breaking out. I hope this will improve soon coz i am getting frustrated about it. I have clear skin but I wanted to start early with my maintenance on my skin. Until will I have this break our? Do you have any tips on minimithing it? Thanks
Hi, I had a zo facial about 4 weeks ago.. since then I am breaking out crazy.. currently I am using zo health pore refiner and the exfoliating polish. I am very frustrated with the results.. not getting what I paid for.
I have a problem free and acne free skin. I am using it to clear my blemishes/hyperpigmentation. Gosh. I am also in unsettled period but have been using active part of programme for 2/3 weeks. I have no breakouts but my blemishes are getting darker. I am wary that the ADH in the product may be reacting with the sun to make pigmentation worse. There is warning about sun exposure during treatment. I've been careful and use the Zo suncreens. My doctor says I should be patient but I really don't want to worsen an issue that wasn't so bad before I started the products. Sigh
How are you now? Did you continue using the products or did you stop?
Thank you for this space. I'm only 1 week into my treatment and my skin feels so raw and tender and is peeling so badly. It was good reading that my symptoms are normal. Hope I can stick it thru for 6 weeks!
Thank you for the info and pictures. I'm into week one and my face feels like it's on fire! Glad I'm not the only one having to talk myself into continuing. I may be over stimulating too as I'm peeling and my face feels so dry. I can see my skin lightning up. I go in for a follow up next week.
I just have trouble figuring out what products to use and when. What is too much layering and what is too much product?
Hello I have just purchased brightalive to add to my skin care. I’m really uncertain whether to use it before or after growth factor serum in the evening. I use it after daily power defence in the morning but just think i should double check on evening application. Your skin looks wonderful!