Beauty Boss: Justin Giouzepis, Chief Marketing Officer of Obagi Medical
Justin Giouzepis.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Justin Giouzepis, Chief Marketing Officer of Obagi Medical—a renowned global skincare company that is a pioneer in scientifically backed, clinical-quality products. With more than three decades of clinical experience, Obagi designs transformational products that build on its legacy of science and innovation.
The company’s growing portfolio includes Obagi Clinical, which offers skincare products that help to prevent early signs of aging; and Obagi Medical, which provides skincare products that minimize signs of skin aging, address dark spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles; and to protect and enhance skin tone and texture.
Loved by many celebrities, Obagi has more than 100 skincare products and offers solutions for every skin type and tone. It is available primarily through dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medical spas and other skin care professionals, in addition to select retailers.
We chatted with Giouzepis who shared her favorite beauty and wellness tips, secrets for success, best advice, and much more.
When was Obagi founded?
Obagi was founded in 1988, and we’re incredibly proud of the brand we have built over the last 35 years. We launched to meet the needs of physicians and their patients as their preferred skincare partner by providing transformational skincare solutions. We remain committed to providing medical-grade skincare products that are scientifically backed and formulated to address a variety of needs for every skin type and tone.
How long have you been with the company? Tell us more about your journey in the industry.
I began my journey with Obagi in July of this year, and it has been magical! My journey in the beauty industry began many years ago at the L’Oreal group, where I worked across two divisions (professional, consumer), three brands (L’Oreal Professionnel, Matrix, and L’Oreal Paris), and two countries (U.S. and France). But really— my love of beauty began with me playing in my grandmother’s vanity at age 6. I have always had a passion for beauty products.
What inspired you to join Obagi?
I have always been passionate about skin care and I loved the idea of a brand that supported professionals first and foremost. Then I met the people at Obagi, and I was immediately in love. Everyone was so positive and passionate about the brand, as well as the industry, so I was immediately convinced to join.
Where are Obagi products sold?
We develop, market, and sell innovative skin health products in more than 60 countries around the world. Our portfolio of Rx and non-Rx products are sold within physician offices (e.g., dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and med spas) and our non-RX products are also available on our website. Additionally, we partner with select authorized retail partners.
Future plans for the brand?
For 35 years, we’ve proudly pioneered transformational skincare by setting the gold standard for medical-grade skincare for all types and tones. As we look ahead, we will continue to deliver innovative targeted skincare solutions that take skincare excellence to new heights by reimagining the future of skincare for generations to come. Something that will not change for the brand is our commitment to testing our products across all Fitzpatrick skin types. That’s super important for the brand and an aspect of creating medical-grade skincare products that a lot of consumers don’t know about Obagi.
Obagi Nu-Derm® System is a complete skincare routine system to help transform the look of skin by noticeably evening out and brightening complexions.
Does Obagi have a hero product?
Obagi has many innovative products that are effective for every skin type and need, while also delivering clinically proven results. Across our portfolio, we have many best-sellers including our ELASTIderm Facial Serum and Eye Cream and our Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum. In terms of hero products, those would be our Obagi Nu-Derm® Systems and Professional-C 20% Serum.
We launched the Obagi Nu-Derm® System around the same time as the brand. It revolutionized the skincare industry. To this day, Obagi Nu-Derm® is still one of our hero franchises and the industry gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation. Originally created as a physician-dispensed, prescription system, the system has prescription-strength hydroquinone to transform skin and treat melasma, age spots and rough skin. The fact that it is still a trusted line speaks to a longevity that is unparalleled by other topical cosmetic approaches. We have tailored versions of our System for Normal to Dry and Normal to Oily skin types.
Our Professional-C Serum 20% Vitamin C Serum is formulated with the purest and most potent version of vitamin C: L-Ascorbic Acid. This serum enhances skin’s radiance by brightening skin while also providing antioxidant defense to reduce the signs of skin aging (dull, lackluster skin and uneven skin tone). Everyone can benefit from using a vitamin C serum daily.
Additionally, our recently launched Obagi Rebalance Skin Barrier Recovery Cream has quickly become a physician and consumer favorite. It is a multi-tasking moisturizer that supports the skin barrier by providing comfort and hydration to irritated skin. Physicians and their patients love to use it for post-in-office treatments like peels or lasers because it helps instantly soothe the skin and reduce visible redness. Our consumers love it because it helps restore the skin’s barrier when using retinoids and acids.
Obagi Medical Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum ($120) targets the anagen phase of the lash cycle to support overall lash improvement for thicker and more defined-looking lashes.
What are your favorite Obagi products?
Obagi Professional C-Serum 20%, Elastiderm (all products), and Obagi Rebalance. I’m at the stage in life where anti-aging is starting to be important and nothing works better than Professional C-Serum and Elastiderm combo. It’s incredible the number of comments I get on how good my skin is, and my routine is relatively simple. In regards to Rebalance, I am naturally very “pink” and I have rosacea, so this was a natural fit for me to keep my skin calm and in check.
Who inspires you?
Moms everywhere. How on earth do we do it all?
Secret to success?
Have courage, be tenacious, and laugh.
Beauty secrets?
Tretinoin and sunscreen daily! Don’t forget sunscreen on your neck and hands.
Wellness tips?
Find a hobby you love and do it! Having passions outside of work and family just for yourself is what will keep you going and inspired.
Best advice?
From my mom: take a deep breath and do one thing at a time.
Favorite way to relax?
I love to ride horses with my daughter.
For more information about Obagi Medical, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @obagimedical
[Images courtesy of Obagi Medical]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk