Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to interview Dr. Zein Obagi, M.D. , a dermatologist, educator and innovator.  Dr. Obagi currently practices at the Obagi Dermatology, Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Beverly Hills and the Obagi Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Centers in various countries around the world. A true expert in skin care, Dr. Zein Obagi is a Board-Certified Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us and answer our questions, Dr. Obagi!
1. What is your favorite part of being a dermatologist?
Being able to educate my patients about their skin problems; being able to resolve patient skin problems, allowing them to enjoy their life without being self-conscious about their skin; teaching patients how to stay looking their best indefinitely. I like to perform procedures in an artistic way to achieve the best outcome and keep the patient looking natural.
2. What is the Obagi product of which you are most proud?
I am proud of the science of healthy skin that I created in 1982, and that the medical products I formulated have become the gold standard of dermatologists and plastic surgeons around the world. I am most proud of the introduction of my new line – ZO Skin Health by Zein Obagi. Now the circle of healthy skin is complete.
3. What has been the greatest difficulty you have encountered in starting and maintaining your own successful dermatology practice? In the skin care business?
The greatest difficulty was convincing dermatologists and plastic surgeons of the importance of going to the cellular level in skin treatment. As a physician, we were taught to treat only the surface of the skin and because of that our results were limited. Introducing skin health science altered all of that and created the concept of skin conditioning (preparing the skin). I also encountered a lot of resistance from physicians who didn’t want to treat different skin types and ethnicities. Sometimes it’s difficult to change old attitudes and opinions.
4. What do you feel is the key to your success?
My passion, understanding and appreciation for skin – and for skin health.
5. Who are your role models?
My mother. She taught me the importance of never giving up and of working and studying hard.
6. What skin care products do you feel that all patients should be using?
1. Effective cleansers based upon skin type: oily, dry etc.
2. Daily use of antioxidants that are effective and stable.
3. Sun protection (like ZO Skin Health Oclipse SPF 30 ($65.00, ZOSkinHealth.com) —it seems to be everyone’s favorite)
7. What are your greatest beauty secrets?
Eat a well balanced, low fat diet; ingest lots of protein and antioxidants; and limit your sugar intake. Drink plenty of water!
Sleep 7-8 hours a night.
Keep skin clean and protected.
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Thank you very much, Dr. Zein E. Obagi, for giving this interview!  For more on Dr. Zein Obagi, you can check out the
March 20, 2009 issue of OK! Magazine in which he was featured, shown below, or you can visit ZOSkinHealth by clicking here.