Did you purchase a medical grade product? Find instructions on how to apply it here.
Or we offer complimentary consultations to prepare your customized skincare plan.

Retinol

Follow these instructions if you purchased one of the following:

• ZO’s Wrinkle and Texture Repair
• Retinol Skin Brightener (.25%, .05%, or 1%)
• Radical Night Repair

Please read the instructions carefully:

Retinol's main job is to increase cellular production while simultaneously exfoliating the skin on the surface. This ingredient is excellent for acne, anti-aging and pigment. In smaller doses it can also be safe for the rosacea skin type. Since this product “exfoliates” the top layer of skin, it is quite common to see some flaking and redness upon new usage.

Instruction: Please taper onto this product. Start by applying it in the evening 1-2 days per week and increase from there. Your skin will have increased photosensitivity, please wear an SPF of 30 or higher while using retinol products.

Anticipated reaction: Initial redness upon application is common and the redness and flaking may continue until your skin builds a tolerance to retinol. If you can continue through this phase your skin will eventually build a tolerance and it will get better. Please be aware that in the winter months your skin may be dryer than usual, so if skin becomes painful, please reduce the number of times you apply throughout the week. You may need to pair retinol with a heavier moisturizer or facial scrub to help remove excess dead skin.

Over time your skin will become stronger, brighter and will have a nicer texture. Vitamin A (retinol) is one of the most studied skin care ingredients, that is clinically proven to reduce signs of aging, scaring and pigment.

Hydroquinone

Follow these instructions if you purchased one of the following:

• ZO Pigment Control Crème 2%
• ZO Pigment Control + Blending Cream 2%

Please read the instructions carefully:

Hydroquinone is an ingredient that inhibits the melanocyte (pigment-causing) cells in our skin.

Instruction: Apply hydroquinone products morning and night for 3-4 months or until you run out of your product. Do not use this product for longer than 5 months without a break in between. Your skin will have increased photosensitivity, please wear an SPF of 30 or higher while using hydroquinone products as sun exposure while using hydroquinone may worsen pigmentation.

It is highly recommended to NOT use these products during summer, or when you know you will be having sun exposure to the skin, or while doing fake tanning. Please use these products during the fall/winter/spring months when you know you will have limited sun exposure.

Anticipated reaction: Redness and flaking is normal until your skin can build a tolerance, although some may not experience this. Over time your pigment will begin to lift and lighten- be patient it will happen!