ZO Skin Health offers a comprehensive approach to address the challenges of oily skin and enlarged pores, focusing on reducing sebum production, decongesting pores, and promoting a balanced, refined complexion. This approach aligns with Dr. Zein Obagi’s philosophy that “Reduce the sebum, acne disappears. Reduce the sebum, rosacea disappears. Reduce the sebum, melasma disappears!”.
ZO’s strategy involves a combination of their 3-Step Approach, key principles of skin health restoration, and targeted products and protocols designed specifically for these concerns.
The ZO 3-Step Approach for Oily Skin and Enlarged Pores:
Step 1: Getting Skin Ready® (GSR®): This foundational step is crucial for preparing the skin to effectively respond to treatments. For oily skin and enlarged pores, GSR aims to remove excess oil, debris, and dead skin cells that can clog pores and exacerbate these issues.
Cleansers: ZO offers cleansers specifically suited for oily skin, such as the Exfoliating Cleanser which contains jojoba esters and salicylic acid to target surface oil and exfoliate dead skin cells. The Gentle Cleanser can also be used to remove impurities without stripping the skin. The Balancing Cleansing Emulsion is a gel-to-milk formula suitable for a range of skin types and helps preserve a healthy skin barrier while lifting oil.
Exfoliators: Exfoliating Polish, with its ultra-fine magnesium oxide crystals, provides physical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and refine skin texture, helping to minimise the appearance of pores. The Dual Action Scrub offers both physical and chemical exfoliation, targeting oil and bacteria, making it beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin. Complexion Renewal Pads, containing salicylic and glycolic acids, help minimise surface oil and exfoliate pore-clogging dead skin cells. Oil Control Pads Acne Treatment, with 2% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid, provide maximum-strength acne prevention by exfoliating skin-clogging cells and minimising oil and pore size.
Toners: Complexion Renewal Pads and Oil Control Pads Acne Treatment also function as toners by further exfoliating and controlling oil.
Step 2: Prevent + Correct: This step involves targeted treatments to minimise excess sebum, decongest pores, reduce shine, and refine the appearance of enlarged pores.
Complexion Clarifying Serum: This water-based serum is specifically engineered with ZO® sebum-targeting science and is clinically proven to reduce surface oil, congestion, and visible redness. It is formulated for a range of skin types, especially combination, oily, and blemish-prone skin. The serum contains a Sebum-Targeting Complex (ZSEB3™) composed of Eugenia Uniflora leaf, Syringa Vulgaris, and Rosa Canina extracts. This complex:
Reduces unwanted shine throughout the day.
Promotes a healthy microbiome by minimising excess sebum, the food source for micro-organisms that contribute to blemishes and redness.
Delivers astringent, antioxidant, and soothing benefits.
Rosa Canina (dog rose) fruit extract slows the rate of sebum secretion, reduces the surface of pores, and limits skin shininess.
Eugenia Uniflora (Surinam cherry) leaf extract modulates toll-like receptors to promote balanced sebum production, reduces sebum secretion, balances the skin microbiome, and minimises the visualisation of pores.
Syringa Vulgaris (lilac) extract reduces sebum production by acting directly on sebocyte cells and reduces unwanted shine.
The Complexion Clarifying Serum also contains water-soluble salicylic acid, an innovative technology that powerfully decongests skin without the drying or irritating solvents (like alcohol) traditionally used with salicylic acid. This helps to refine the look of pores in a gentle manner.
Clinical studies have shown that Complexion Clarifying Serum resulted in a 21% reduction in oil and shine and a 12% reduction in visible pore size and number after 6 weeks of use. Subjects also reported decongesting benefits without irritation (98%).
Instant Pore Refiner: This lightweight serum is designed to minimise the appearance of pores and eliminate surface shine for an instantly matte finish. It contains salicyloyl phytosphingosine for pore minimisation and skin barrier repair, and Rosa Canina (dog rose) fruit extract for sebum control and pore minimisation.
Complexion Clearing Masque: This natural, clay-based mask purifies pores and absorbs excess surface oil to minimise future breakouts. It contains 10% sulfur, kaolin, and bentonite.
Step 3: Protect: Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with Triple-Spectrum Protection® is essential to prevent sun damage, which can exacerbate enlarged pores and oiliness. ZO offers various sunscreens suitable for oily skin, such as Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 which has a sheer matte finish and Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 which has oil-absorbing properties.
ZO Principles for Oily Skin and Enlarged Pores:
Sebum Control: Minimising excessive sebum production is a core principle in treating and maintaining sebum-related skin disorders like acne and preventing chronic inflammation and pigmentation problems. The Complexion Clarifying Serum directly addresses this principle through its Sebum-Targeting Complex.
Skin Barrier Function: While it might seem counterintuitive for oily skin, maintaining a healthy skin barrier is still important to prevent dehydration and potential compensatory overproduction of sebum. ZO’s cleansers aim to cleanse without stripping, and certain serums and hydrators support barrier function.
Chronic Inflammation Elimination: Excess sebum can contribute to inflammation, leading to conditions like acne. ZO aims to reduce chronic inflammation through specific ingredients and protocols.
Stabilization: Normalising epidermal and dermal cellular functions helps to maintain a balanced complexion and prevent the cycle of excess oil production and pore congestion.
ZO Oil + Pore Control Protocol:
ZO offers a specific Oil + Pore Control Protocol designed for individuals with excessive oiliness and enlarged pores. This protocol typically includes:
GSR® as the foundation.
Complexion Clarifying Serum AM and PM.
Daily Power Defense AM.
Instant Pore Refiner AM and PM.
Exfoliation Accelerator PM (for increased exfoliation) or Enzymatic Peel.
Complexion Clearing Masque 2-3 times per week.
For severe oiliness and enlarged pores, the protocol may include Complex A+ or Wrinkle + Texture Repair PM for more intensive oil control and epidermal renewal. By following these guidelines and utilising ZO’s targeted products and protocols, individuals with oily skin and enlarged pores can work towards achieving a more balanced, refined, and healthy-looking complexion. The emphasis on sebum control, gentle exfoliation, and maintaining a healthy skin environment are key to ZO’s approach.