Dr. Obagi is making 'mouse calls' & we've got an exclusive interview!

Top dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi has revolutionized a typical trip to the derm's office by offering 'Mouse calls', a virtual consultation with Dr. Obagi himself! Lose the $300 price tag & trip to Beverly Hills - just turn on your laptop. For $75, he will refine & tweak your skin care program for optimal results... And for a short while, this service is FREE!

We jumped at the chance to interview Dr. Obagi & get his advice on skincare... enjoy!

What are the most common problems you see in patients who chose their own skin care products?

People are understandably confused, because they like to shop, try new products, experiment with the latest and greatest. But sometimes that causes people to double up on some active ingredients, while completely missing out on others. That’s when they come to me and complain about skin sensitivity, dullness, irritation and disappointing results.

How do you feel about the media's influence on people's desire for the "of the moment" skin care product or procedure (rather than consulting with their derm)?

Some of those ads make false and misleading claims and report on bogus studies. They appeal to emotional thinking and not rational thinking. I wish that more skincare companies would encourage consumers to see a skincare professional, to address skin weakness and advise people how to stimulate your skin cells and restore skin health.

What are the skin care basics every woman should know, regardless of skin type or issue?

• Pick a cleanser that is right for your skin type, and use it twice a day. That’s about as basic as it gets, but too many people don’t practice that simple rule.
• Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate—with ZO Skin Health’s Exfoliating Polish. You have to get rid of dull, dry, superficial skin cells to not only make your skin radiant, but to increase the penetration of active ingredients.
• Use a functioning moisturizer—one that activates and stimulates your skin’s cells—like Ommerse Daily Renewal Crème. It improves cellular function.
• Wear sunscreen every day—like ZO Skin Health Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30.

What are the anti-aging basics every woman should know?
The best way to fight aging is to constantly stimulate skin cells to produce collagen and elastin. Vitamin A (as either retinoic acid or retinol) will wake up the cells; vitamin A also make other molecules, peptides and growth factors more effective.

What are your tips for skincare while traveling/flying?

• Flying can be very dehydrating for skin. Skip the foundation, and wear only a tinted sunscreen (like Oclipse).
• Bring a spray bottle that you can spritz on your face (3 oz. or less!)
• Drink plenty of water, and avoid dehydrating beverages like alcohol, cola and coffee.
• Traveling can be very tiring. If you can’t sleep on a plane, put a cool washcloth over your face to rest your eyes for a few minutes.