Zein Obagi, MD – Founder & Dermatologist

Meet Dr. Zein Obagi

Internationally known for more than 30 years as a leading expert in skin health solutions, our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Zein Obagi, is an innovator and visionary in the skin health industry. Dr. Obagi has continually refined his methods and protocols to provide his patients with cutting-edge treatments and exceptional skin health solutions. Dr. Obagi is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dermatology. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the International Society of Dermatology, the Society of Investigative Dermatology, and the American Academy of Aesthetic and Restorative Surgery.

In 2007, Dr. Obagi founded ZO® Skin Health, Inc. to provide physicians and patients with innovative and effective skin health solutions. As medical director of ZO® Skin Health, Inc., Dr. Obagi's skin care divisions are ZO® Skin Health, Inc. and ZO® Medical. ZO® Skin Health, Inc. continually manufactures skin care products to preserve the outcomes of therapeutic facial treatments, effective daily skin care, and to protect skin from the sun and environment. ZO® Medical products have been enhanced to treat a variety of acute skin disorders and chronic skin conditions. Dr. Obagi pioneered the philosophy and science of skin health, which is presently represented best by the ZO® Skin Health Circle™.

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Specialties and skills

Dr. Obagi continues to contribute to the development of new ZO® Skin Health, Inc. products, and he approves every product before it is available to his patients. In addition, all of Dr. Obagi’s associates and ZO Skin Centre® practitioners are trained in a philosophy and view of skin health science that encompasses:

  • Therapeutic solutions to correct medical skin conditions
  • Maintenance programs to prevent recurrence of medical skin conditions
  • Daily skin care options to keep skin healthy and prevent premature aging while avoiding future skin damage 
  • Preventative programs that improve overall skin health by minimizing UV damage and protecting against environmental aggressors

His award-winning, signature medical treatment is the ZO® Controlled Depth Peel™ for all skin types. This is an advanced facelift peel performed alone or in combination with laser skin resurfacing treatments. His ZO® Controlled Depth Peel™ is used to treat various skin conditions such as acne, wrinkles, fine lines, rough texture, pigmentation disorders, and sun damage. All practitioners who practice at a ZO Skin Centre® are trained to perform the ZO® Controlled Depth Peel™.

Education and Training

Dr. Obagi is an alumnus of Damascus Medical School where he earned his medical degree. He held his first internship at Deaconess Hospital in Detroit, MI. Afterward, he completed a residency in pathologies at the Williams Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oaks.  Following his medical education, Dr. Obagi served as a Naval medical officer in Honolulu, HI, a resident in dermatology at the Naval Hospital of San Diego, CA and a staff dermatologist at the Naval Hospital in Long Beach, CA.

Awards and Honors

As a world-renowned dermatologist and skin care innovator, Dr. Zein Obagi has trained thousands of physicians on dermatological care, and has lectured at medical seminars and academic workshops both nationally and internationally. He has lectured at the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, the FACE Conference, and professional conferences and symposia in 28 different countries. Dr. Obagi has authored several best-selling books on the subject of skin health including Obagi Skin Health Restoration & Rejuvenation (1999) and The Art of Skin Health Restoration & Rejuvenation: The Science of Clinical Practice (2015). With his professional experience and wealth of knowledge, it's no surprise that he is continually sought after for TV interviews and speaking engagements. He has appeared on Colorado's Best, The Morning Blend, Good Day L.A., and more.

Reviews

"Claudia is a great aesthetician. I just had the brightening facial and honestly, my skin looks amazing...super happy...Im grateful! Awesome service....love this place...a real treat!! The products they use are super advanced in terms of technology and with the lasers and creams by Obagi are all very top notch in terms of making this something that can truly make a difference in making skin rejuvenated and young...Actually reversing all the damage. Claudia did this yesterday and I am very happy....!"

A.S.

Yelp

"I have been coming to this clinic for years and they never disappoint. I highly recommend ZO Pasadena for a lot of good reasons--from their practitioners down to the cleanliness of the place. To start, Zein Obagi is a very reputable clinician and his products really work! Anita who is one of their NPs is very hands-on and will really look into helping you achieve your skin goals. Claudia is a gem. She’s very good skills, has gentle hands and has very calm energy that makes your skincare experience worth the $$$. Shelly is my angel and my to-go person just about anything ZO. She is very knowledgeable and accommodating, embodies what a great customer service should be. Yes they’re a bit on the expensive side, but their products work! I cut back on my facial appointments to at least 50% all because of their exemplary service."

K.T.

Yelp

"Really loved the ZO Obagi Skin care! Thanks guys specially Ms Anita for helping my skin clearer than it’s ever been!"

C.Q.

Yelp

"Serene Obagi has been my nurse and skin guru for the past few months.  I can also say she’s been my angel because she has transformed my skin and has made me feel and look my best! She makes sure to customize my skincare regimen and follows up every 4-6 weeks to check on my progress. She is caring, professional and so knowledgeable! Just look at my before and after picture (i had really bad hyperpigmentation and she was able to help me get rid of every single and dark spot!!)  I always hated everything about my skin and was so embarrassed by it since a teenager :( thanks to Serene and the Zo products, i now have healthy, clear and vibrant skin- i have never received so many compliments on how good my skin looks- it’s amazing how these products work like magic. Just be patient and trust the process!! I go to the clinic in Pasadena and all the staff there are always so very friendly and welcoming!"

T.H.

Yelp

"Serene Obagi is a miracle worker! She has completely transformed my skin and facial asymmetry, which I have suffered from for years. She is kind, patient, hilarious and seriously amazing. Serene was able to restore balance and harmony to my face after some various filler mishaps and has left me looking clear, bright and feeling beautiful. I recommend her to every person I ever talk to! I go to the ZO clinic in Pasadena, and their staff is always welcoming and willing to accommodate my busy work schedule. I recommended Serene to my mom who goes to her in Newport and Laguna as well, Serene actually makes the effort to get to know her clients and hops around to all of the clinics to deliver the best possible services for whatever your concerns are, from acne to liquid facelifts to skin brightening. You also can’t beat Obagi’s ZO skincare which is the best medical grade skincare I have ever used.  Thank you SO much Serene and ZO Pasadena!!! :)"

L.R.

Yelp

*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.