espite the vast array of skin care products on the market, it’s relatively easy for people to take care of their skin, and seeking the advice of a professional is the first thing you should do.

“Skin care professionals understand the physiology of skin and are able to make the right recommendation for optimal skin health and appearance,” says dermatologist Dr. Shannon Humphrey, who practices in Vancouver. “Drug and department store staff are trained to be sales people and typically don’t have the scientific and medical background that skin professionals do.”

Three easy steps to better skin

According to the experts, there are three things you can do to help maintain healthy skin: use an appropriate skin cleanser, moisturize your skin, and protect yourself from the sun.

“Luckily there are many non-surgical options,” says Dr. Kristina Zakhary a Calgary facial cosmetic surgeon, who has been practicing for more than a decade. “Obagi Nu-Derm skin care system is very effective, because it contains medical grade ingredients. They also have a nice line of products, including sun protection.”

Forget that tan. It’s not good for you. Dr. Zakhary adds that you should use sun protection products of at least 30 SPF.

Skin care professionals prefer Obagi Nu-Derm because it is easy to use, people can do it at home, and it gives a healthy lustre to the skin — speeding up the turnover of skin cells. “It’s an easy treatment that can be done at least once a year as part of regular skin care maintenance,” says Dr. Humphrey. “People shouldn’t wait a long time to
improve the health of their skin.”

The performance of the Obagi line is clinically proven. Thanks to potent ingredients and unique delivery systems, it addresses a wide range of concerns including uneven skin tone, aging, and acne.

The advantage of good skin care

While good skin care is about ensuring good overall health, there are a lot of personal reasons why we should take care of our skin. “It will not only make you feel and look better, but it can also give you a competitive advantage professionally,” says Dr. Michael Weinberg, a Toronto plastic surgeon, and Division Head of Plastic Surgery at Trillium Health Centre. “I love the wide-range of Obagi products and so do my patients.”

Another non-surgical option that is backed by research and clinical studies is Clear + Brilliant, a laser treatment system that will leave your skin feeling smoother, younger, and give you that radiant glow that comes from healthy, youthful skin. “It’s gentle, and with a series of treatments you will see a nice consistent improvement,” says Dr. Humphrey. “This is great for people wanting a natural looking outcome with minimal intervention.”