I have reviewed our previous communications. You may not have understood that Obagi NuDerm is designed as a program. The number of products that you use, the amount of product that you apply, the time of day that it is applied, the sequence in which it is applied, the frequency of application, the concentration of tretinoin, the amount of UV exposure, all will influence results. While I realize that the e-commerce sites are a popular way of buying product, buying NuDerm without a physician’s recommendation is not such a good idea. Your post here is a good case in point. You may have wasted six weeks (and the products that you were applying).

If you are using only Clear and Blender, that could be an important part of the problem. There are several products that cause the peeling–tretinoin (aka Retin A) and Exfoderm. Are you using them? The Blender is so called because about 1/2 gram (about the distance between the tip of your pinky, and the first joint) is designed to be blended with the tretinoin in the evening. The two work in combination to stimulate the skin, produce collagen and elastin, and repair damage to the deeper layers of the skin (which includes freckles, age spots, hyperpigmentation).

The Exfoderm Forte is typically used after Clear in the morning. By helping to clear off the dead surface layer of the skin, it enhances the penetration of the active ingredients.

So my concern is that you were using only a partial regimen. Loretta, I appreciate your asking for my opinion, but it’s difficult for me to understand your skin needs, and recommend a specific regimen without seeing you. There is a system, and you will get the best results if you follow the complete regimen.

Zein Obagi, MD

Based on your recommendation, I have used the Obagi Clear and Bender in the evening for over 6 weeks but have not seem much improvement in my skin. My brown spot is still pretty visible and my skin is not peeling as you mentioned. Is that mean these 2 products do not work for me?

Thanks,
Loretta

Presumably now you are on a maintenance regimen, and using products like Clear and Blender only 3-4 times a week.

If so, now is the time to “shock” your skin, and revert to a treatment regimen (daily use) for several weeks. When you get the results you expect, you can then revert to the maintenance regimen that combines Obagi NuDerm and ZO Skin Health products.

Yes, we do offer free samples, contact our Customer Svc Dept at smunz@zoskinhealth.com. You may want to consider purchasing the DNA Repair kit—it combines many of the products that are included in the maintenance regimen, and represents a better value than buying the products individually.

Zein Obagi, MD

I am 49 and have been using Obagi Nuderm for over 10 years. I don’t seem to be getting the same results that I had noticed for several years. I have recently been asked if I had heard about the new ZO products. I had not, but am very interested in trying them. Do you have samples or do I have to buy the full size product? Also, what product is best for the neck area?

I agree with your physician’s recommendation. It’s OK to use the ones she has recommended while you are using the Obagi NuDerm Clear and Blender. You may also appreciate the Exfoliating Polish because it clears off the dull, dead skin cells that the Retin A is generating. Use it once a day, when you can tolerate it. You’ll love the way your skin looks… even though it’s only for a few hours… then the peeling will start all over again!

Zein Obagi, MD

Thanks for the information. Yes, I do use sunscreen daily. However, it is hard to re-apply every 2 hours (especially with makeup). I consulted with a professional regarding my sun spot and she suggested that I start of with Obagi NuDerm Clear and Blender and Tretinoin. I asked if I can continue with the ZO products but she is not sure all the ingredients in the ZO products so she said I can continue with the ZO cleanser, night cream and sunscreen but stop all other active ingredient products.

Dr. Obagi – since you know the ingredients in both products, do you think I can combine all or part of both products or I should I stop using the ZO products until I finish with the Obagi Clear and Bender?

Thanks,
Loretta

The Ommerse Daily Renewal Creme contains Oat, Oat Kernel, and Willowherb extracts which act as anti-inflammatory, anti-irritation, and redness reducing ingredients. The retinol included in the Daily Renewal Cream is in a liposomal entrapment system which protects it from photodegredation and keeps it from being overly irritating. I don’t believe you will find that the product makes you more red, though to be on the safe side you could start out using it every other day for a week or two to see if there is difference between days it is used and days it is not used.

Use of a topical antioxidant over a moisturizer can be helpful. Which antioxidant were you recommended?

I hope this helps.

Best regards,
Justin Morgan
VP – R&D
ZO Skin Health, Inc.

im 36 years and living in singapore.i have sensitive combination skin which goes red on the cheeks sometimes without any itchiness.i bought ommerse daily renewal cream yesterday….but because of it having retinol am hesitant to use it as a moisturizer….afraid it might make my cheeks go further red.also tell me iv been adviced by the lady at the counter to use a facial antioxidant on top of any moisturizer i use….will it make my skin smoother.
thaks
looking forward to hearing from you.

Were you wearing sunscreen after terminating the Tri-Luma? Wearing sunscreen is always important, but especially important to prevent pigmentation from recurring.

NuDerm is recommended to be used up to 18 (or maybe 24) weeks on a daily basis. After that, ZO Skin Health products should be introduced to the regimen.

Loretta, without seeing you, I am hesitant to give you professional advice about the use of NuDerm. I can tell you that NuDerm very effectively corrects pigmentation caused by melasma, UV damage, acne scars, etc. It works by reducing the production of new melanin, and breaking down existing excess melanin. I believe that is the most effective lightening compound available today.

I hope this helps, and while I would like to help you further, I trust that your physician can give you more information and specific product recommendations.

Zein Obagi, MD

Thanks for your quick respond. With regards to my brown spot, I was using Tri-Luma which has 4% Hydroquinone. It helped lightening my brown spot. However, when I stopped using it (my doctor said I need to take a break after 2 months), the brown spot became darker than before.

Will Obagi NuDerm help get rid of the brown spot? Which of the NuDerm products do you recomend me to try?

Thanks,
Loretta