Acne can result from a number of factors, including: fluctuating hormone levels and stress. Also, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmented “acne scars” can be a result of the acne. If this is a medical skin condition I would suggest you consult your physician.

Using an acne regimen such as Clenziderm may also be used in conjunction with a regimen that targets hyperpigmentation. You have a few options- You may choose to start with the Clenziderm to help reduce the acne that you are experiencing; then, follow up with the Nu-Derm to treat any hyperpigmentation (once, your skin has cleared). Or you may use the Clenziderm with the Blender and Tretinoin from the Nu-Derm System, use as directed by your physician.

Also, it is important to regularly exfoliate your skin (with an exfoliating polish) and to use products with 2% salicylic acid for your skin type, which are available to you in the ZO line. When you exfoliate, the dead cells will be sloughed off as new cells begin to grow underneath and push their way towards the surface of the skin. Your acne and hyperpigmentation may be reduced and will leave your skin looking more even and will keep your pores clear of dirt, sweat and excess oils. The TE pads (from ZO) are great to use at the end of the day or after working out at the gym because it will help sweep away the dirt, sweat, and oil that normally build up after physical activity.

Last but not least, it is important to use a sulfur clay based mask (once a week) to help absorb the excess oil and dry out the blemishes that may be due to whiteheads and blackheads. In addition, proper sun protection will help reduce your hyperpigmentation. So, try to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30.

Best wishes for much happiness on your big day!

I hope this helps!

I found out about the nu-derm system from a friend whose face looked flawless a few months after using the system. I decided togive it a try and this is my fourth day on it so far. I don’t know how, but my friends are already telling my how light my skin colour has become. I am african-american with a dark to deep dark complexion. I am getting a bit worried because I do not want people thinking I am bleaching my skin intentionally.
My main reason for trying the nu-derm system is because I started breaking out two years ago after 22years of perfect skin. Hyperpigmentation as well as mild-moderate acne caused me to try the nu-derm system. My wedding is coming up in december and I am desperate for my previous face for the day and the days after. Because of this, I have purchased the clenziderm system too, even though I havent touched that yet.
What I want is a clear skin and even skin tone with no hyperpigmentation. Do you think I should follow through with the nu-derm or just start with the clenziderm to clear up the acne? I am so confused and very very desperate….
Thank you so much for your time and wonderful products

Thank you for your feedback. No, you do not need to stop 3-weeks in advance of your speaking engagement. That is too soon. If you stop the Tretinoin Cream/Blender combo., and the Exfoderm 4-5 days prior to your event, that is more than sufficient. The skin around the mouth is thinner than that on the rest of the face. Further, the muscle movement from talking, eating, facial expressions, etc., induces more peeling than you would get on other parts of your face, such as the forehead.

I am quite fond of the ZO Skin Health Ommerse Daily Renewal Crème and the Ommerse Overnight Recovery Creme, as these are “functional” moisturizers – providing stimulative benefits to the skin, while hydrating skin. These can be incorporated into your current program, without any reservations.

Both of these soothe, calm, and nourish skin. There is Retinol in both of these products. Retinol allows skin to stimulate healthy skin cells, such as collagen, without making skin sensitive to the sun.

The soothing Oat and Canadian Willowherb complex reduce inflammation and redness – making either one of these an excellent choice to apply on top of Tretinoin/Blender (to reduce the reaction – but enhance results) OR for use with any prescription oral or topical medication your doctor may have you on to treat your skin.

The Daily Renewal Crème is lighter than the Recovery Night Crème. You can use the Ommerse Daily Renewal in the morning before applying sunscreen and as your last step at night. You will continue to have great results, without as much dryness or irritation as if you excluded the Ommerse from your program. Use Ommerse instead of Exfoderm and the Tretinoin/Blender combo, for the 4 days prior to your event.

Don’t worry; you’ll look great!

Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician

Thanks for your products and taking the time to respond to users’ questions! I’m on day five of the Nu-Derm system and am beginning to experience peeling/redness around my mouth and on my chin — as I expected. The problem is I’m a guest speaker at a conference in three weeks. I really need to look good for this event, not red and blotchy. Would you recommend that I stop the program, then resume it AFTER the big conference? Or is there anything I can do to limit the side effects? Thanks for the program. I’m looking forward to completing the program and enjoying better skin!

Gina

In order to give you a good explanation, I would need a better understanding of what products you are using. Typically it is the “T-zone” that gets oily, but it sounds like your oiliness is extending far beyond that? What climate are you in? Skin does become more oily during hot, humid weather.

I recommend Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch in my practice; but generally with a lower SPF. Has there been any other changes like pregnancy or birth control pills?

Because your condition sounds extreme, you may want to see a physician. Oily skin can sometimes be a symptom of something that is unrelated to the skin or skincare products. While I would like to help, I’d feel better if you saw someone who could give you a medical opinion.

Zein Obagi, MD

I am so thankful for discovering your ZO Skin Health skin care line and having incorporated it as part of my Obagi NuDerm Maintenance regimen how well everything is working AND looking! This skin system works and I just want people to know that.

I began Obagi NuDerm and ZO Skin Health Maintenance 2 months ago and I just turned 58 on July 29th. I can honestly say that when I now look in the mirror I see such a marvelous improvement from where I was 6 months ago when I began Obagi NuDerm Protocol.

Now I look and see no need concerns over “naso-labial folds”, my face looks as good as some of the “after” photos we have all seen in some brochures and I am not kidding! By the way, I rarely like the way I look, even when I wear makeup although I do wear Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer everyday. Love the fact that it’s tinted!

All I can say is before you contemplate anything, confer with Dr. Obagi if needs be but consider using Zo Skin Health. I have tried many, many things however I say with all honesty, my skin has not been in this good a health in a very, very long time.

Thank you Dr. Obagi,

Anne

The Vitamin C may be the problem. Do you have problems with pigmentation? Vitamin C is great to lighten and brighten the skin, but if you’re just looking for a product that is high in anti-oxidants, you may do better with ZO’s Daily Power Defense.

If you look 20 years younger–I wouldn’t change much! You’re doing something right!

Zein Obagi, MD

Gretchen V