This weeks topic is “My 5 Top Skincare Products, which really deliver”.

Clients always ask me what I use on my own skin. I used to be a “product junkie” trying a bit of this and that but never felt that my skin looked good. To this end, I have tried to compile a list of “beauty must have’s” and I kept it concise and to the point by including products which are integral to any effective anti-ageing regimen and truly work. I have to state categorically that I use these products on my own skin, as I am 100% convinced they really work. I have converted to ZO and would never change as I am so convinced by the merit of these products.

This is my list of my all time favourite’s and here they are:

1. ZO Offects Exfoliating Cleanser

This amazing skin cleanser is in fact a wash. It is extremely effective at removing makeup, including eye makeup. By removing every last trace of makeup, you can be sure your face is “squeeky clean”. In addition you are adhering to your mothers advice about not leaving your makeup on going to bed. This is how you do it. Apply the cleanser to a damp face and give your face a good massage with luke warm water for 40-60 seconds. Exfoliating cleanser also contains encapsulated vitamin E which provides antioxidant protection and hydration for healthy skin. End result, is dewy fresh skin.

2. ZO Offects Exfoliating Polish

This amazing polish is like have a “home microdermabrasion in a jar”. This exfoliating polish contains ultra-fine magnesium crystals to exfoliate dead skin cells and increase epidermal turnover for a cleaner, smoother, more even-toned complexion, as well as containing vitamins A, C, E, and C-Esters for antioxidant benefits. You use it by applying the light blue polish onto your dampened face and massage for 60 seconds. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend that you start two to three times weekly and increase frequency of use as tolerated. Oily skin types can use this fantastic scrub daily. You literally can airbrush and smooth your skin in an instant. It exfoliates dead skin cells, removes excess oil gently, revealing fresh, glowing skin underneath.

3. ZO Offects Cebatrol or TE Pads

I am a major fan of TE and Cebatrol pads. Once you get over the initial stinging of the first few applications, you will too!ZO Cebatrol contains 2% salicylic acid to remove every last trace of oil and dead skin cells from your skin. It is terrific for open pores and contains botanical extracts to calm inflammation and soothe irritation. Recommended for prevention and treatment of oily skin and breakouts. Amazing product!

4. ZO Ossential Daily Power Defense

Dr. Obagi doesn’t believe in moisturiser, as he feels that it slows down skin cell turnover, weakens the condition of the skin, resulting in dull lack lustre complexion. This works as a day cream, but lets be clear it is not just an “ordinary moisturiser”. ZO Daily Daily Power Defense is one of the jewel’s in the ZO Skincare line with 0.4% retinol, antioxidants, and specialized DNA repairing enzymes which help minimize UV oxidative damage and uneven pigmentation, while restoring skin function and elasticity. This is my “must have” product.

5. ZO Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30:

Get this! A must have.

Dr. Obagi was on the money with this fabulous product. Imagine a SPF which also works as a primer for your makeup. Even if you are not using makeup and plan on going “au naturel” your skin looks smooth just using this “must have product”. If you are like me, and always wear makeup but are busy in the morning, think of the time saved using a SPF and primer. Slap on your makeup straight afterwards and you are good to go. You look more airbrushed and have a perfect base for makeup, what’s not to love there? In addition this sunscreen is a new generation Smart sunscreen. It contains natural melanin, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and smooth and prime skin for a more even makeup application.

So, there you have it my 5 Beauty “must have’s”. Effective skincare must make the skin more tolerant and resistant to pollutants and UV rays. Furthermore skincare needs to stimulate and encourage your collagen producing cells to renew and regenerate.