As a beauty editor, it’s hard for me to commit to one brand in a quest to be completely transparent and honest about what I am writing. I like to test every product I am including in articles so that I can give my true opinions to readers. However, while my audience may benefit from my honest account, my skin often doesn't—overusing products or combining certain ingredients can cause skin to react due to being overloaded.
 
My skin has recently gone through a metamorphosis. Pre-40 years old it was pretty steady; a few wrinkles and a little dehydration after a late night, but other than that I was confident about my complexion and would happily go makeup free. Fast forward five years and it's a different story. Looking in the mirror, I started to notice blemishes, pigmentation, lines and slack skin that weren’t there before. My face looked a little sad.

I immediately messaged Julie Scott, EV Expert and Owner and Clinical Director of Facial Aesthetics. “Your skin has become confused due to the conflicting ingredients and the overload of stimuli,” she told me. “Each product you’ve been using may have different active ingredients with varying pH levels or mechanisms of action, which can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and lead to irritation or sensitivity. Also, overlapping or incompatible ingredients can compromise the efficacy of each product.” Scott suggested a more simplified skincare regimen that would allow my skin to adjust and balance my skin barrier. “This will lead to more consistent and harmonious results,” she revealed.

One of the things Scott hears in her clinic from women over 40 is, "I feel like I’ve aged overnight,” which resonates with me completely. Women’s oestrogen levels naturally decline as we age, meaning collagen levels also fall by up to 30 per cent over five years. “This can cause skin concerns such as dryness, dullness, increased lines and wrinkles, sagging and uneven skin tone.”

Founded by Dr. Zein Obagi, a world-famous Beverly Hills Dermatologist, ZO Skin Health offers a medical grade skincare programme that I had heard many beauty editors wax lyrical about, but I'd personally never tried before. Scott was confident that its products would help to address most of my existing skincare concerns.

“Unlike other brands who focus solely on quick fixes, ZO delves deeper, addressing the underlying causes of skin concerns rather than merely treating the surface,” she explains. “The science-driven formulations and comprehensive protocols deliver visible results and cultivate lasting skin health.” Due to my pigmentation issues and confused, unbalanced skin, Scott recommended ZO’s products as she was confident they would provide a cohesive regimen that simplified my routine, and give me a beautifully even complexion.

“ZO Skin Health utilises key ingredients like Vitamin C, kojic acid and niacinamide, which are formulated to address pigmentation and enhance skin clarity,” she says. “With ZO, I can offer my patients a regimen that enhances their appearance while nurturing their skin’s integrity from within.”

Scott stresses that commitment to a skincare regimen is vital because consistency allows the active ingredients to function at their best and give noticeable results. “Regular use is key to maintaining skin health, addressing specific concerns, and achieving lasting improvements,” she says. “Frequently changing products or skipping steps can disrupt progress and prevent the skin from reaching its full potential.”

Charley before, left and three months later, right Three months into my medical grade skincare routine, I am staggered by the results. Not only was the regime easy to stick to—I cleared my shelf of any other products so as not to tempt me to deviate!—but I started to notice a change in my skin tone and texture quicker than expected. After two weeks, my complexion was brighter and more radiant; the following month fine lines were softened, and today, my pigmentation has faded and my complexion is more even toned. My skin is happy again and I will forever be a ZO Skin Health advocate—no more straying!
 
Charley's prescription, as recommended by Julie Scott:

Morning routine
ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser (daily)
ZO Skin Health Calming Toner (daily)
ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish (1-2 times a week)
ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defence (daily)
ZO Skin Health Brightalive Skin Brightener (daily)
ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self Activating (daily)
ZO Skin Health Daily Sheer (daily)

Evening routine
ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser (daily)
ZO Skin Health Calming Toner (daily)
ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish (1-2 times a week)
ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defence (daily)
ZO Skin Health Brightalive Skin Brightener (daily)
ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum ( 3 times a week)
ZO Skin Health Recovery Creme (4 times a week)