I’m on my 7th wk of the Obagi Nu-Derm system. I was wondering if I could have facials or diamond peel at this time. Thank you.

I’m currently on the NuDerm system & I’d like to know if I can use Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer. This sunscreen hydrates & moisturizes your skin which I know you’re not supposed to use moisturizer while on the system. Please advise.

Thank you

The most effective way to obtain adequate levels of vitamin-D is a source of debate, as to whether one should obtain it through supplements or the sun. A very basic science lesson is in order, which will allow you to make the best determination based on your lifestyle and state of health.

Vitamin-D is a fat soluble vitamin necessary for normal and healthy bone growth and prevention of conditions such as, osteoporosis (for adults) along with calcium. It is an absolutely essential vitamin for normal bone development in infants and children. Vitamin-D deficiencies can cause bones to become thin and brittle – and in extreme cases rickets in children. Other proponents cite Vitamin D’s immune boosting abilities, prevention of certain cancers, etc., although these are not well documented yet.

Vitamin-D is NOT naturally present in very many foods. Foods that contain vitamin-D are usually fortified such as, milk, breakfast cereal, infant formulas, some orange juice brands (w/calcium), and others. The Recommended Dietary Allowance is about 400 IU a day. If a food item has been fortified with vitamin-D, the label must list the amount of vitamin-D present. A good habit is to read the nutritional labels on the food products you consume… Most of us focus on the fat and calorie content, but skip other important information such as, vitamin-D.

As a result, to prevent vitamin-D deficiencies there is a debate between advocates of taking it in supplement form, and those that believe exposure to UVB rays (Ultraviolet B radiation) is the most effective method to obtain vitamin-D.

With respect to obtaining vitamin-D levels from UVB exposure, geography, pollution levels, climate/weather, and SKIN TYPE are important factors that affect vitamin-D synthesis – less possible synthesis during winter months, cloudy days, darker skin types, etc. For people in colder climates, or areas with ongoing cloud cover during certain months of the year, a supplement is a better choice. Still apply your sunscreen!!! Those more damaging UVA rays are longer and present even on a cloudy day.

Obviously, a sunscreen that blocks UVB rays is going to prevent vitamin-D synthesis. However, most of the time people don’t even apply enough sunscreen on their body to protect against UVB rays, nor do they reapply sunscreen every 2 hours as recommended.

If you’re in So. California or areas where it is possible to have enough UVB rays throughout the whole year, do NOT rely on your facial skin for vitamin-D absorption from the sun. Your vitamin-D intake from the sun does NOT have to occur from your facial skin. Skin on your face only represents between 5 to 9% of your total body surface area, a very small proportion of your total overall body. You are better off exposing your back, legs or stomach to the sun for about 10 minutes a day INSTEAD of your face – larger surface area, faster absorption. Facial skin tends to be the most heavily sun damaged area. Remember UV radiation is a carcinogen and the greatest source of photo-damage, premature aging, and other negative skin conditions. Skin cancer is highly prominent on the face. Do yourself a favor, and get your 10- minutes in the sun while still protecting your face. A physical block with an SPF of 30 at a minimum is my recommendation.

Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetics

You ask a good and intelligent question; so here’s an intelligent answer (hopefully, not too technical).
The melanin in Oclipse is entrapped in a polymeric system so it sits on top of the skin and helps to protect from damage. It doesn’t penetrate the skin so it can’t reach the melanocytes.

Melanin is the most potent and effective antioxidant as it dissipates 99.9% of the free radicals it comes in contact with. Not only does Oclipse not have an adverse effect when used in combination with the NuDerm system, it is an excellent complement to NuDerm because it blocks the UVA/UVB rays and free radicals which stimulate melanin production.

Zein Obagi, MD

Freckles are a result of over-production of melanin—your skin’s natural response to protect you from the sun’s rays. So if you wore sunscreen in your 20’s, possibly it provided insufficient protection, you didn’t apply it enough, or you didn’t reapply it as necessary. So you have asked a good question.

Besides the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the Oclipse sunscreen has another feature—it contains melanin—which is nature’s best photo-protectant. So it too helps to absorb and deflect the UV rays.

As for amount—2-3 pumps for your face and neck should be sufficient. If you’re outdoors, it should be reapplied every 2-3 hours. Indoors, just one application in the morning is sufficient.

If you’re headed to the beach, try to use 1 oz.–imagine a shot glass full–all over your body. I like Neutrogena sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher.

San Diego has a lot of sun–enjoy!