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More than skin deep: the rise of cult dermatologist Dr Zein Obagi
The skin doctor with a growing following sits down with Portfolio for a rare interview
Dr Zein Obagi is a Beverly Hills dermatologist with a cult following. Rarely giving interviews, Dr Obagi spoke to The Week Portfolio to discuss his burgeoning business.
Has working in dermatology and cosmetics changed the way you see yourself?
Yes, the practice of dermatology and cosmetic dermatology changed the way I see things. Because, first of all, we don’t address surface skin anymore, we actually go to the source. We work on the skin at the cellular level. If we don’t work skin at the cellular level it’s like fixing a crumbling wall with a coat of paint. So, to work at the cellular level I had to create a state-of-the-art science which I called Skin Health Restoration, Rejuvenation and Treatment.
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Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
The science consists of products that work at the cellular level and treatment protocol and standards that enable any physician around the world to achieve great results.
The way I looked at myself before I invented the science was that I was just like any other dermatologist who treats skin diseases. Now, not only can I treat skin diseases more efficiently but I can, at the same time, restore skin to appear youthful, healthy, young looking and rich with vitality.
What is the most interesting research you have conducted to date?
The discovery that our skin suffers from chronic inflammation and we if we don’t correct it we will never be able to restore that “baby skin” because the cells will not work properly. To eliminate chronic skin inflammation I utilise a selection of creams that together enable skin to renew itself and eliminate surface damage.
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How do you hope your products will change the future of skincare?
For the first time, my skincare line does not consist mainly of products, but also a system. This approach and the treatment of skin conditions based on standards of skin health will, I hope, make this line the future of skin care.
How do ZO products complement the use of Botox and fillers?
Botox is able to correct wrinkles temporarily. We didn’t need Botox when we were children because our skin was thick and muscles under the skin were usually weak. With age, skin gets thinner and the muscle gets stronger. To achieve the best results we really need to thicken the skin, and the way to thicken the skin using ZO products with the Botox will make the results of Botox much more natural and last much longer.
The same thing is true for fillers. If the skin is not making collagen elastic, there will be lines and wrinkles in certain areas of the face. If we can activate the cells using products, the filler will look more natural and also will facilitate restoration and allow the results to endure much longer and give the skin a more youthful look.
