Obagi Clinical Environmental Defense Serum

In each issue, Modern Aesthetics® magazine asks top cosmetic doctors about the newest cosmeceuticals they are offering to patients. Here, Elyse Love, MD, FAAD, a New York City dermatologist, discusses Obagi Clinical Environmental Defense Serum, which helps protect skin from the ravages of air pollution, tobacco smoke, and pesticides.

What is Obagi Clinical Environmental Defense Serum?

Elyse Love, MD: Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum is a daily antioxidant serum designed to energize skin and help defend it against environmental aggressors that can lead to oxidative stress, causing early signs of skin aging such as dull and dry skin, wrinkles, and dark spots. It also features a soft, non-sticky texture, perfect for layering under makeup.

How does Obagi Clinical Environmental Defense Serum stand out from other products in this category?

Dr. Love: This new serum equips skin to fight oxidative damage in two different ways.

Neutralizing Free Radicals: The antioxidant-rich blend of cordyceps, astragalus, and wild yam root extracts supports the skin barrier by donating electrons to free radicals, stabilizing them, and stopping them from harming the skin.

Recharging Skin: ATP or adenosine triphosphate is the skin’s natural source of energy. Alas, ATP does not naturally replenish, so the skin grows tired and damaged as we age. The ATP complex in Environmental Defense restores the skin’s energy, giving it fuel to fight oxidative damage. It also provides moisture to help smooth skin texture and combat dull and dry skin. ATP also helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting a more even looking and revitalized complexion.

Who is this serum best suited for?

Dr. Love: Those between 20 and 34 years old should invest in preventative skincare products to protect their skin from environmental aggressors that can heavily affect their skin, such as air pollution, tobacco smoke, and pesticides. Environmental Defense is also a great alternative for skincare users who can’t use products formulated with L-Ascorbic Acid.

What type of results can people expect with regular use of the new serum?

Dr. Love: Obagi has conducted a hydration test, which yielded the following results:

All study participants showed an improvement in skin hydration. Environmental Defense delivered immediate hydration to the skin, but it also provided barrier support to defend against water loss.

How do you suggest that your patients use Obagi Clinical Environmental Defense Serum?

Dr. Love: I recommend incorporating Environmental Defense in your morning skincare routine. Follow it with [Obagi’s] Kinetin+ Hydrating Moisturizer and Vitamin C Suncare SPF 30.