When should I use daily power defense?

For the past 10 weeks I have been using ZO Skin Health products and it’s time for my review. I have worked with this range for the past two years and have seen great results with patients but felt I didn’t need it as I was still in my twenties and was very happy with my products at the time.

I turned the big 30 a few months ago and I needed to up my game and start on our strongest range which is ZO skin health.
The website states that: “ZO® Skin Health by Zein Obagi, MD products work from the inside out, activating and stimulating your skin’s cells to nourish, repair and maintain themselves. We use the most potent ingredients, high concentrations, pure retinol, advanced peptides, and powerful antioxidants and enzymes to make a visible difference in your skin”. I could not agree more.

There are three packs available: Level one, two and three.

I started on level two because it is for the first signs of ageing, uneven skin tone and loss of firmness. A big tick to all of these. Having sun baked for years on summer holidays with little SPF and five years of living in Australia, I have pre mature ageing and the dreaded pigmentation has started to appear. Remember, all the damage we have done in our teens and early twenties will come out at some point!

My kit contains :

Offects® Exfoliating Cleanser (1.5 oz.)
Offects® Exfoliating Polish (0.5 oz.)
Ossential® Daily Power Defense (1.0 oz.)
Ossential® Growth Factor Serum Plus (0.66 oz.)
Oclipse® Sunscreen + Primer SPF (0.5 oz.)

It’s pretty straight forward, cleanse am and pm to aid other products to penetrate in to skin and do their job. Exfoliate twice a week to remove dull, dead skin and help further absorption and apply your serums.

I use daily power defense every morning and have been using my growth factor serum at night. Instructions say to use this in the morning also but I have always liked to use growth factor at night. When you are sleeping your skin is repairing itself and this is when I use my serums and Vitamin A(Retinol). I currently am not using ZO skin healths Retinol product, Radical night repair, but it’s next on my list.

The wonderful part is that the power defense serum and other products from the range have small amounts of Retinol in them so it is being released slowly into your skin throughout the day to help with anti ageing. This is why it is vital to wear your SPF that comes in the kit. Read my previous posts on why Retinol is our hero anti ageing product and a must for everyone https://jessiekessie.wordpress.com/category/product-review/

Now for my verdict.

I think these are fantastic products if you are looking for serious skin care. If you have never used active ingredients such as Vit A or C, AHA/ BHAs in the past, start slowly and gently.

Offects® Exfoliating Cleanser (1.5 oz.):
I never worry too much about cleansers as they are only on the face for a minute or two. I have been using this the past few weeks and it’s is a nice cleanser but I don’t think I would purchase again unless it was part of a pack. It has a jelly like consistency with gentle particles to aid the exfoliation process. My skin is dry so I think I would be better with the gentle cleanser from the range.
3/5

Offects® Exfoliating Polish:
This exfoliator is beautiful. At first use I wasn’t sure, but now I am converted. A small amount goes a long way. I like the slight roughness of the texture and mix with water to spread. This is very refreshing on the skin and perfect to use 2-3 times per week.
4/5

Ossential® Daily Power Defense:
Last year I tried the power defence serum on the lead up to my sisters wedding. A week after using it I broke out all across my forehead because the product was so active and I used too much too soon. I didn’t mind as I knew it was working and it didn’t occur this time when I restarted it as my skin was better prepared. This serum leaves skin hydrated and smooth and I feel a difference in my overall texture. People have also commented on the glow of my skin. This will be a keeper for me and part of my everyday routine.
5/5

Ossential® Growth Factor Serum Plus:
This is a real luxury in my skin care. I have been alternating it with my Retinol at night time so I am using this 4 times a week. It literally feels like velvet on my skin. It has a slight perfumed scent which I don’t love, but it fades within seconds and the feel of this is so good I would use it regardless. I’m convinced that using this along with the power serum in the morning has improved my overall skin in 10 weeks.
5/5

Oclipse® Sunscreen + Primer:
This sunscreen has a very slight tint and glides on easily. I have not needed to use a primer as there is one inbuilt and it does have lasting power. This feels very smooth when applied. When I am dehydrated and dry it’s not the best one for me but generally on a day to day basis this has been fabulous.
4/5

So there you have it. You can see I have been extremely happy with my Level 2 kit and will happily re purchase every product except the cleanser. I will also be keen to add in some other products from the range in the future. I am confident these are the best cosmeceutical in my quest for anti ageing.

The range is on the expensive side but remember, a small amount goes along way when using actives. Less is more!

Check out the website for everything you need to know regarding products and skin conditions.

Have you guys tried any of the products above or have you any brands that you can’t live without?

Jessie X