Embarking on a ZO Skin Health regimen often involves a transformative journey for your skin. It’s important to understand that during this process, you may experience what ZO terms “anticipated reactions”. These reactions are a normal and often positive sign that your skin is responding to the active ingredients and undergoing repair and renewal.
What are Anticipated Reactions?
Anticipated reactions are short-lived skin responses that can occur when starting or increasing the strength of certain ZO products. These reactions indicate that the products are working to improve your skin health. Common anticipated reactions include:
Pinkness or redness
Dryness
Peeling or flaking
Irritation
Itching
Burning or stinging
It’s worth noting that more reaction may occur in sensitive skin areas such as the eyes, mouth, neck, and chest.
Why Do Anticipated Reactions Occur?
These reactions are a sign that the ZO products are actively working on your skin. For example, products containing retinol promote cellular turnover and epidermal renewal. This increased activity can lead to exfoliation and temporary sensitivity as the skin adjusts. Dr. Zein Obagi’s philosophy emphasises creating healthy skin rather than just treating disease, and these reactions are part of the process of restoring normal skin function.
The “Repair Phase” of restoring skin health, which can last approximately 6 weeks for aggressive programs, is when these anticipated reactions are likely to peak. This phase is crucial for inducing acute inflammation for repair and addressing chronic skin inflammation.
How Long Do Anticipated Reactions Last?
The duration of anticipated reactions varies depending on the program strength.
Aggressive programs may have a Repair Phase of around 6 weeks.
Moderate programs might see reactions lasting 8-12 weeks.
Mild programs could have reactions for 12-20 weeks.
During the “Improvement Phase”, which follows the Repair Phase and typically lasts around 6 weeks, anticipated reactions should start to subside as your skin becomes stronger and more tolerant. By the “Completion Phase”, also around 6 weeks, anticipated reactions should be minimal to none, and your skin’s appearance should be optimised.
It’s important to remember that reactions will generally disappear after tolerance is established and skin health has been restored. ZO also notes that reactions can often be reversed within 4 days by adjusting product use.
Navigating and Controlling Anticipated Reactions:
ZO Skin Health provides several strategies to help you manage and control anticipated reactions without compromising your skin’s progress:
Adjust Product Usage:
Use less product at each application.
Decrease the frequency of application, for example, starting 2-3 times per week and gradually increasing to daily use as tolerated.
Introduce Products Gradually: If you are new to ZO or introducing a stronger product, it is always advisable to do so slowly to allow your skin to acclimate. As we discussed in our previous conversation, gradual introduction is often recommended for retinol products.
Utilise Hydration + Calming Products: ZO offers specific “Hydration + Calming” products like Renewal Crème, Recovery Crème, or Hydrating Crème. These are uniquely engineered to boost natural hydration, normalise epidermal health, and restore skin’s resiliency, which can help reduce the severity of reactions and soothe irritated skin. Apply these as needed to alleviate discomfort.
Lower Program Strength: If reactions are persistent or too uncomfortable, consult with your ZO Skin Health professional about potentially adjusting the strength of your program.
Temporary Pause: If you have a special event and want to minimise reactions, you can temporarily stop using the products at least 4 days before the event.
Important Considerations:
While anticipated reactions are normal, severe, prolonged inflammatory responses should be discussed with your ZO Skin Health professional.
Application of less product will result in less anticipated skin reactions but may lead to slower repair.
Listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed, always keeping your skin health goals in mind. By understanding and proactively managing anticipated reactions, you can confidently navigate your ZO Skin Health journey and achieve the healthy, radiant skin you desire. Remember to communicate any concerns with your ZO Skin Health professional for personalised guidance and support.