In City Slickers, Mitch (Billy Crystal) thought about his 39th birthday, and told his boss—”did you ever reach a point in your life when you say to yourself, this is the best I’m ever going to look; this is the best that I’m ever going to feel, this is the best that I’m ever going to do, and it ain’t that great?” Mid-life crisis happens to the best of us. I see many people who confront the same realities. But while they may be looking in the mirror, they’re not looking hard enough. So let’s face the facts.
Wrinkles happen. Gray hair happens. Age spots happen. It’s all treatable. My wife is 46; she has never looked more beautiful. Now that our three kids are teenagers, she has more time to care of herself. Her inner beauty comes through.
Look in the mirror. You already know that what’s really important and vital isn’t visible on the surface. Your mother already told you that. But here’s something that maybe you don’t know.
The same is true with your skin. The cells that are visible on the surface of your skin are all dead—they’re has been’s. Yesterday’s news. They’ve served their purpose; they’re useless now. The cells that are really important reside deep in the epidermis and the dermis, way beneath the surface. It’s there that the skin cells renew themselves and produce collagen and elastin, which give your skin its elasticity, firmness and vitality. Keep those skin cells active, and functioning, and your wrinkles will diminish. But if you use products that treat only the surface of the skin, your skin cells will go dormant, and fail to produce the youth-sustaining proteins that it needs to restore a smooth, firm, even-toned complexion. That’s why I’m an advocate of high concentrations of active Vitamin A, also known as retinol and retinoic acid. It works beneath the surface of the skin to activate and stimulate your skin cells. With ZO Skin Health, the best way to stimulate your skin cells is with products like Ossential™ Growth Factor Serum and Ossential™ Daily Power Defense.
Just remember, with your emotional health, and with your skin health, treat what is on the inside, and the outside will take care of itself.
I used to have acne when i was a medical student, it resolved after i started working. For the past 4 months or so i have started to acne break outs on and off, mainly affecting the jaw line & chin. My skin is getting quite greasy but not as bad as when i was a student. Now that i am in my surgical training, i supposed the stress is causing me to break out again. I find my current beauty products are not helping much, it used to make my skin glow but not anymore. I wonder your product can help me or not…
Hello Norfarizan,
The first step in resolving your acne breakouts is to stop any more breakouts from occurring and reducing your current breakouts. This can be achieved by having you use an effective cleanser twice a day (to thoroughly cleanse skin without over-stripping it), anti-bacterial swipes (to remove bacteria, reduce pore size, and control your oil glands) and an exfoliating polish (to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause acne.
The Exfoliating Polish should be used once daily in the shower prior to washing your face. Apply to wet skin and gently massage for 1-2 minutes. Then follow by washing your skin with Exfoliating Cleanser. The Exfoliating Cleanser should be used twice a day to cleanse your skin for a minimum of 1 minute. The salicylic acid gently cleanses skin and helps to reduce acne breakouts. The blue beads dissolve and infuse Vitamin-E into your skin. The white beads are round and smooth, and do not dissolve, but provide deeper cleaning and surface exfoliation of dead skin cells. After cleansing your face, use the Tepads on your skin. Remove one pad and swipe over your entire face until dry.
The products recommended above are effective regardless of the additional topical, oral, or acne protocol you follow. You may need a stronger medical program such as, the Obagi Nu-Derm system (Tretinoin Cream 0.1%) depending on how severe your breakouts are. If they are still on the mild side, Retinol based creams found in the Daily Power Defense (for morning application after Tepads) and Ossential Growth Factor Serum (for evening application after Tepads) are sufficient to treat mild acne and prevent further breakouts. If your breakouts are more severe, you should consider seeing a Dermatologist.
Best,
Sandra Obagi
Medical Esthetician
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for replying. I’ve started using exfoliating cleanser with daily renewal cream (daytime ) and overnight recovering cream + radical night repair (at night) for last 2 weeks. I’m still having my breakouts (mild ones) along jawline and side of cheeks and i almost give up on the ZO product. But…i noticed, despite the breakouts, my skin has even tone compared to before, therefore i’m still sticking to the ZO system. Today i just purchased the exfoliating polish and Tepads and i’ll follow your recommendations.
I am only using Nu Derm Foaming cleanser, then T pad, then ZO growth factor. But my OB doctor told me not to use lotions with salicylic acid and retinol due to pregnancy precaution, so, can someone tell me what to use in place of both the T pad and the Growth Factor??
Can I use Nuderm toner and Exfoderm(no salicylic acid, nor retinol)?
Anything else that is better to replace the regimen i am using now?
Thank you.
Hello Ingrid,
It is best to consult with your doctor about the regimen of creams he or she will allow you to use. I recommend brining in the Toner, Foaming Gel, and Exfoderm, or printing information about these products from the obagi.com website. The ZO Skin Health products are OTC (over-the-counter) as are the Toner, Foaming Gel, and Exfoderm (although these 3 are only distributed by physicians). However, given that your doctor has reservations about the active ingredients, it is best to discuss with him or her. I can tell you that Dr. Obagi, has no reservations about any of the above-mentioned products for use during pregnancy. He would only eliminate the Tretinoin Cream (Retin-A®) and hydroquinone based products such as, the Obagi Nu-Derm Clear and Blender, but nothing else you mentioned.
Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician
Hi Dr. Obagi, I am Asian and suffer from hypothyrodisism. I have dry skin, and living in phoenix compounds the problem. I clean with eucerin cleanser and apply the zo health renewal cream in morning and overnight recovery in night. I just switched to ZO from dermalogica and love the difference just these two ZO creams have made to my skin. But with the drier months approaching, I still feel my skin to be a bit dry and tight especially after the morning cream. Do you have any suggestions?
Vinita
Hello Vinita,
It may seem counterintuitive to exfoliate, but that is exactly what you have to do to promote the production of health skin cells. Environment and your anatomy have contributed to your dry skin. The presence of Retinol in the Ommerse Crèmes will definitely help to promote cellular turnover, however, not in high enough concentrations to repair your dry skin from the source. It appears you are hydrating your skin currently and not doing much to activate the growth of new cells.
Once you stimulate the growth of healthy skin cells, you will eventually obtain naturally hydrated skin as new/healthy skin cells are generated and old damaged skin cells are shed away. We can begin to do this very gently, and at a later point gradually increase the aggressiveness of your program. Although, you may perceive your skin to feel “more dry” the first week of following this regimen, within 3 weeks your skin will feel far more hydrated and you will have a marked improvement in the appearance of your skin.
Begin by adding in the Exfoliating Polish to your program 3 days a week. Use the polish in the shower prior to washing your skin. Spend 1-2 minutes gently massaging the polish with your finger-tips only (no pressure). The round and smooth magnesium crystals will warm-up and compensate for not needing any pressure. There are additional vitamins and active ingredients that are delivered to your skin, in addition to removing dead skin cells. Rinse thoroughly, then proceed to wash your face.
In the evening prior to applying the Ommerse Over-night Recovery Crème, apply 1-2 pumps of the Ossential Growth Factor Serum (GFS). This is an epidermal growth factor that promotes the formation of a thicker and healthier epidermis. The concentration of Retinol and important active ingredients is higher than what is in the Ommerse Crèmes. The GFS stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin, reduces pore size, and helps to promote an even color tone.
After 1-2 months, we can increase your usage of Exfoliating Polish to daily and add in the Daily Power Defense in the morning prior to using the Ommerse Crème. This is in addition to the GFS in the evening.
Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician
I have been using Nu Derm for 19 weeks. The peeling still occurs very slightly and thinly but is much diminished and is not flaking so much as a very thin peel.
My issue is the skin area around my eyes. It is very crepey/papery/old looking and it feels very dry and thin. I apply a weaker tretinoin and blender mix than on the rest of my face. Will this improve? Is this normal after 19 weeks?
Also, if the tretinoin regenerates the skin faster than normal, why would the flaking ever cease completely. Surely if the skin is being forced to regenerate fast, there will always be some level of flaking/peeling. COuld you please explain the mechanics behind it so i can have faith that ALL peeling will stop.
Hi Lorna,
The skin around your eyes is dry, which causes fine lines and wrinkles to appear worse (Only Appear worse). I do need a little bit more information with respect to your usage of Tretinoin & Blender to address the continuous peeling you are describing. I need to know the concentration of Tretinoin and form (cream, micro, etc) that you are using, how frequently you are applying these to your skin, and the amount of Tretinoin you are using with the Blender. Feel free to email me to my personal email address sandrao@obagiskin.com with respect to this issue.
For the skin around the eyes, stop using the Tretinoin & Blender and the Exfoderm (If you are also using Exfoderm) around the eyes. The Clear and other Obagi products can still be used. If you are using a Nu-Derm eye cream, such as the ElastiDerm, apply to your eye area twice a day. If you do not have an eye cream, then you can incorporate the ZO Skin Health Olluminate into your program. Your Obagi or ZO eye cream is used prior to sunscreen in the morning and as your last step at night. Given that after 19 weeks your eye area is still exhibiting dryness, reduce the application of the Tretinoin and Exfoderm steps to 1 day a week. Follow by applying either the Elastiderm or Olluminate. These eye creams promote the stimulation of collagen as well, and compensate for less usage of Tretinoin.
The peeling and exfoliation from the program is necessary to remove damaged layers of skin and to replace with clear and healthy layers. As long as there is extensive peeling, there is extensive correction taking place. If you are just exfoliating on and off, this is also normal. At 19 weeks, you should be able to move to a maintenance routine, where the Tretinoin & Blender step is only used 2-3 times a week. You can also incorporate the Ommerse Crème (either Day or Night) for use after the Tretinoin & Blender step, and on your off days. This is a functional hydrating cream that will hydrate your skin and still enhance results. This should reduce the occasional flaking you are having, given that you were properly using the Tretinoin and Blender. If you followed a less aggressive approach, then peeling will occur longer.
Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician
My dermatologist says i should use Clear all over my face as well as on my upper and lower eyelids, she says that i will have different color skin on those areas if i don’t.
everywhere else, though, says that the area around the eye should be avoided when using Clear.
( i am using the entire Nu derm program)
Am confused and worried.
Thank you.
Salam
Hello Salam,
There is no need to be confused or worried. I have worked with Dr. Obagi for 18-years or one part of the company or other. I can tell you your doctor is absolutely correct, the Clear should be used on the entire face including under the eyes and on the upper-lids.
The Exfoderm, Toner, and Professional-C (Vitamin-C serums) are used under the eye only, and not on the upper-lid.
The Tretinoin & Blender mixture step is used sparingly around the eyes, as the skin around the eyes is much thinner. Therefore, it takes a lot less product to induce a reaction, thus results. Unnecessary irritation will occur with over-application, but nothing that can harm you. I hope I have put your mind at ease. Please feel free to ask any additional questions you may have.
Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician
I have sensitive skin and breakouts usually burn and itch, unlike acne. I also have a tendency to fuss with skin spots which make them much worse. Botox injections around my eyes in July 08 triggered a psoriasis like dermatitis on my eye lids that is itchy, red and painful. It gets better and worse but doesn’t heal completely. These injections also caused my right eye to weep and loss of my lateral eyebrows. I am using a steroid cream (desonide). Can the scarring be repaired by laser resurfacing once healing is complete? I began using ZO in August and had bad breakouts in a few areas, which took a few weeks to clear, however, I am immensely impressed with the overall texture and appearance of my skin now.
Hello Sharon H.
I have consulted the professional service providers at the Obagi Skin Health Institute to obtain a proper response to your concerns. With respect to your Botox® issues, I need to refer you back to the physician that performed the injection on you or advise you to find a local doctor in your area that is experienced with Botox® injections. Our doctors cannot comment, unless they are seeing you in person.
Chronic steroid use causes atrophy (well documented) and will weaken skin. Your skin already appears to be weak in general and on the sensitive side. Therefore, you should limit your use. A laser treatment should be reserved after you strengthen your skin and properly condition it. You will need several months of skin conditioning prior to any treatment. Without seeing you, it is impossible to ascertain if your scarring can be improved and what method will most effectively improve your scarring. The same program utilized to condition your skin will also be effective on your acne and discoloration from picking. You can locate a doctor in your area at obagi.com. You should make a few calls to the doctors generated from the doctor locator to determine the most qualified physician that is carrying the Obagi Nu-Derm system. Not all doctors that utilize Obagi Nu-Derm also utilize lasers, vice versa.
Thank you for your kind feedback on the ZO Skin Health products. You can still continue to use these in conjunction with the Obagi Nu-Derm system, if that is what you decide to do.
Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician
Is the ZO Skincare different from Obagi? Should I change over, or stay where I am? I still use the Retin A every night. Is that Ok?
Hello Stacey G,
The ZO Skin Health product line and Obagi Nu-Derm system were both developed by Dr. Obagi. The ZO Skin health products are different than the Obagi Nu-Derm system as they are over-the-counter strength (OTC) and not as strong as the Obagi Nu-Derm system. ZO Skin Health is Dr. Obagi’s newest product line that provides individualized skin care products with a focus on prevention and maintenance.
This line bridges the gap between Dr. Obagi’s therapeutic, Nu-Derm line and daily skin care. You should not replace your Nu-Derm program for products of ZO. What you can do is incorporate the ZO Skin Health products into your Obagi Nu-Derm regimen. For example, you can incorporate the Ossential Growth Factor Serum in the evenings on top of your Retin-A® & Blender step, and alone on the nights you skip Retin-A® & Blender, once you are on maintenance. Look over the products on the website, and I can tell you how to incorporate the ones you are interested in with your Obagi Nu-Derm system….. Yes, you can still use your Retin-A® step every night.
Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician
I am doing NuDerm with .05% RA (in 2nd week) and of course it is driving me crazy with the redness and peeling. I know I need it, so I am trying to soldier through. However, I have a job where I need to interact with lots of people daily, and it’s hard to look like this. I am hoping that I can incorporate some ZO into my NuDerm routine to help look better while I go through the NuDerm process. I would rather it take a bit longer (I am planning 18 weeks) and look better during the process. Please help! I am 40 years old and concerned about pigmentation problems and lines and wrinkles.
Thanks.
Hello Therese,
I can completely understand your concerns with redness and peeling. Remember, these are temporary side-effects of using Tretinoin and Obagi Nu-Derm. The less aggressive you go, the longer it is going to take to correct your skin. Usually, a less aggressive approach requires about 24 weeks (6 more weeks of use than standard 18) of use to obtain optimal results with your skin. However, if you incorporate ZO Skin Health products into your program, then this can definitely help to reduce side effects including, redness, peeling, and irritation, while enhancing your results. With the ZO Products, I can venture to say that you will get great results at the 18-week mark, even if you go less aggressive.
Below is a standard program. This program incorporates the Nu-Derm and ZO Skin Health products to provide you with enhanced results and less irritation. Just follow/eliminate Pro-C or Exfoderm since you are probably using one or the other of these steps. It is only the Exfoderm and the Tretinoin & Blender combination that cause the reaction in the Nu-Derm program. To minimize one’s reaction, these are applied 3 days a week. All other products are used daily.
Morning:
1)Exfoliating Cleanser or Foaming Gel: Spend 1 minute thoroughly
cleansing your skin for one minute. Rinse and dry off.
2)Toner: Apply with a cotton-ball or pad to entire face (no eyelids).
3)Pro-C Vitamin-C (only if this is in your program): Apply 5-7 drops in
the palm of your hand and apply to entire face (no eyelids).
4)Clear: Apply 1 gram to entire face including eyelids. Gently massage
into skin with fingertips until evenly distributed and absorbed.
5)Exfoderm: Apply ½ gram to your skin 3 times a week (no eyelids).
6)Daily Power Defense: Apply 1-2 pumps to entire face (no eyelids). One
the day you do not use Exfoderm, apply the DPD immediately after the
CLEAR. 7)Healthy Skin Protection/Oclipse: Apply one of these great
physical blocks before going out-doors.
Evening:
1) Repeat AM Cleanser 2) Repeat AM Toner
3) Clear: Apply like AM step.
4) Tretinoin & Blender: Mix ½ g + ½ g of each product in the palm of
your hand. Apply to your entire face until evenly distributed and
absorbed. This step is used 3 times a week. Minimize use around eyes
(very thin layer) and only apply 2 days a week.
5) Growth Factor Serum: Apply 1-2 pumps to entire face. On days you are
NOT using the Tretinoin & Blender, apply after Clear.
* Eye Cream (Olluminate or ElastiDerm) and Ommerse Crème(s) are used
before your Sunblock in the AM and as your last step at night, for
additional hydration and comfort. These are optional.
**Exfoliating Polish, is excellent (optional) to enhance results. This
is used 3 times a week, in the shower prior to washing your skin.
Make sure you are using the Tretinoin “Cream” form with your program. This is a blue and white tube in the 0.5% concentration. Please email me with any additional questions, or specifics on the ZO products I have recommended.
Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician
Sandra, thanks so much for a thorough and speedy response! I have ordered the ZO kit so will start using the recommended products with nuderm as soon as they arrive. I appreciate the fantastic and responsive customer service from you and Donna. Thank you!
Give me some info, please on what to do about lines around my mouth, my hands and nails. I am 65+. thanks.
Hello Lois,
The ZO Skin Health Anti-Aging Hand Care system is a great package that combines the greatest anti-aging technology specifically tailored to repair and reverse the signs of aging on hands. The kit provides you with just over ONE month of our 3 anti-aging hand care products for you to try.
The 3 products feature Retinol and other advanced active ingredients such as, glucosamine, Vitamin-C, and hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and to increase dermal thickness. With consistent use, you should begin to notice a difference within 2 weeks of use.
The hand microderm product is used 2-3 times a week. There is a Daily Hand Repair (day use) cream with SPF 20 (sun protection) that is used every morning. The Overnight Hand Recovery is used every night prior to sleeping. The combination of these 3 items provides you with a comprehensive system to repair and prevent damage.
The DNA kit (contains a Cleanser, Daily Power Defense, Growth Factor Serum, and Oclipse Sunscreen) is another comprehensive kit that addresses the most common signs of aging and sun damage including fine lines and wrinkles. This is a potent and effective Retinol based system that will stimulate the growth of your own collagen cells, so repair is done at the source. It is more difficult recommend the stronger Obagi medical program (doctor can be found at obagi.com) over the ZO without seeing you directly. However, I am certain that you will get improvement with this kit beyond anything you have used before. The morning system is quite easy to follow with the use of the Exfoliating Cleanser, Daily Power Defense (DPD), and Oclipse Sunscreen. The evening routine involves the use of the Exfoliating Cleanser again, followed by the application of the Growth Factor Serum (GFS). The DPD and GFS are in great airless pumps. You only need to use 1-2 pumps of each for the entire face. That way, your correction and stimulation of healthy skin cells occurs all over the face, and not just the mouth area.
Currently, if you do purchase the DNA Kit, you will receive the Hand Kit for free. This is an excellent way for you to treat both your hands and face. After a month of use, please email me back and we can reassess you program and determine if we will add any additional products to your program. Thank you.
Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician
My skin is toally fabulous since I’ve been using the obagi nu-derm system, going on two years now, I also had the blue peel just wonderful results
I had a lot of brown spots on my face but now they are gone. My concern now is lines on my forehead. Please help, I don’t know what to do other than having a cosmetic procedure done. thanks.
Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much for your kind feedback with respect to the Obagi Nu-Derm creams and your Blue Peel results. Your oily skin has such as easy fix! Dr. Obagi and I encounter this specific concern all of the time, especially after procedures such as Blue Peel or laser resurfacing. The first thing is to target the excess oil and enlarged oil glands topically, with a few adjustments with your program. Try this out for a month, as your skin will go through an adjustment period. At that point, I can point you in the right direction for a possible oral medication if your oil glands are that enlarged and unresponsive (highly doubt it). Procedures are NOT necessary for oily skin.
Regardless of the Obagi Cleanser that you are using, it is recommended that you switch to the Exfoliating Cleanser. Aside from the great anti-oxidants and lipopeptides, it contains salicylic acid to help reduce oil products. The smooth white beads in the cleanser assist in providing you with deeper cleansing. Make sure to wash your skin for a minimum of 1 minute.
Tepads: Begin using these pads both AM and PM after cleansing your skin (or after Toner). Remove one pad and swipe entire face, beginning where it is most oily, until the pad is dry. This is Dr. Obagi’s favorite recommendation to reduce oil, breakouts, and shrink pores.
Exfoliating Polish: Begin using this product 3-4 times a week prior to cleansing your skin (Once daily). Use the polish in the shower and apply to wet skin. Gently massage for 1 minute, and then proceed to washing your face. If you are able to tolerate the polish well then increase to daily use of the polish.
Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician
I had botox more than two months already under my eyes, the Dr.said he injected 45 units of dystort on both eyes. Two months later, and the swelling is still there. I went back 3x to this Dr. to treat the swelling but he did not do anything to help so I went to an ophthalmologist and he gave me eye drops 2x a day and advised me to apply a cold compress on both eyes 4x a day. I then went to another Dr. and I was given steroid injection and allergy pill for 7 days. That didn’t help. I then went to a 3rd doctor; he gave me a steroid injection and oral prednisone for 7 days. The swelling under my eyes is still there. Can you give me some advice? Thank you.
I have been using your NuDerm products for a number of years. But have recently noticed the area under my eyes is very dry. I do not use an under eye concealer, should I? or should I change my eye cream?
Hello Josie,
I would not recommend an eye concealer to alleviate dryness. Concealers are indicated to “hide” dark circles or discoloration under the eyes (blend with the rest of your skin tone) and do not correct dry skin or fine lines and wrinkles. The Olluminate Eye Cream is an excellent choice to address the dry skin under your eyes and to stimulate the growth of healthy skin cells. This eye cream contains peptides and retinol to stimulate collagen cells (thus new healthy cells) and will simultaneously provide you with hydration. It is an excellent choice to correct dark circles and puffiness as well, which will gradually correct what most people use a concealer for. The Olluminate is used twice a day. It is the last step in the evening and the last step BEFORE sunscreen in the morning.
Make sure you are using the Clear around your eyes daily (or the schedule you apply it to your entire face). The Retin-A & Blender step should be limited to twice a week around the eyes – Apply a very thin layer around the eyes and remove excess product with a tissue. Follow-up by applying the Olluminate. Seasonal changes can cause dryness as well. If you are experiencing dryness on your entire face, consider incorporating the Ommerse Crèmes in the morning (Daily Renewal Crème) and evening (Overnight Recovery Crème). They are both compatible with your Obagi® Nu-Derm system. These “functional” hydration creams will hydrate your skin, calm any inflammation and redness, and enhance results. They both contain active ingredients such as Retinol (a derivative of Retinoic Acid) to correct and maintain healthy skin, but still provide you the comfort of “moisturizers.”
Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician
Dear Sandra,
EVERY TIME I read a reply that you have written to another client I learn
something new! I have NEVER applied Clear to my eye area, only because no one has ever told me to apply Clear in the eye area. I do not have dark undereye circles, just the misfortunate undereye bags.
Should Clear be applied in the eye area as part of the NuDerm protocol in general?
Your information is so enlightening! I ran into someone who has not seen me in close to 2 years and the first thing she said was how great my skin looked and waht was I using? Well, of course I just raved about ZO Skin Health as she was already familiar with NuDerm.
Thank you so much for all of your wonderful helpful advice and terrific skin care lines.
Anne
Hello Anna,
Thank you so much, I sincerely appreciate your email. I am happy that I am able to provide you with helpful information. YES, the Clear is always applied around the eyes. Otherwise, the HQ can cause lines of demarcation and give you a “Panda Bear” appearance, more prominent in darker skin types. In general, the Clear is applied around the eyes. Tretinoin & Blender is applied around the eyes about 2 times a week in a very thin layer. Exfoderm, Toner, Tepads, and Pro-C steps are applied UNDER the eyes (avoiding eyelids). The above is the general rule for the active products in Obagi. Let me know if I can answer anymore questions.
Best,
Sandra Obagi
I have used ZO Skin Care since May. I really like it but, was wanting to know if you were going to remake radical night repair cream? I want to use something stronger with out all the side effects. I have noticed some change in my skin already, just wanting it to look as good as can for my age which is 67. Thanks Martha
Hello Martha,
Thank you for your email. The Radical Night Repair (RNR) is Dr. Obagi’s “hero” product and due to launch again in March of 2010. The original formula was superior and the only 1% stabilized form of Retinol. The reformulated and packaged RNR is even better. To ensure maximum results and benefits on your skin, increase your Ossential Growth Factor to two times a day. Also, make sure to use the Daily Power Defense every morning. The Growth Factor Serum is used AFTER the Daily Power Defense, and right before your Oclipse Sunscreen. At night, the Growth Factor Serum is used as your last step. Including the Olluminate Eye Cream provides additional correction around your eyes. This is a perfect protocol until you can add the RNR into your program in March. I will tell you how at that time.
Best,
Sandra Obagi
I just started using the nu-derm system 2 weeks ago, for oily skin. At night I use all of the NuDerm products with .1% Retin A microgel (I’ve used this for two years now). I have some adult acne (use a little bit of Duac for this), but have very little sun damage. I have been under treatment with my dermatologist for 5+ yrs. Right now, the Nu-derm system is causing some breakout, but I have not peeled or am not experiencing any of the redness. I don’t know if there is anything I can add to this for acne. Also, it is hard to use all the products in the a.m., because it seems to make me more oily. Any suggestions? I also have some fine lines and some sagging. Thanks for your help.
Hello Sallye,
I just responded to someone having somewhat the opposite concern as you with the following intro., as it applies to you as well:
“Let’s establish some basics. You should be using the cream form of Tretinoin in the 0.1% or the 0.05% concentration. No Renova®, Triluma®, Micro-Release, gel, etc.. Alone these are great products. However, mixing with Blender (or Obagi Nu-Derm in general), is not recommended, as they will cause more irritation than the cream form of Tretinoin.
Most physicians have patients start by using either 1/2 gram or 1 gram every single night mixed with 1/2 gram of Blender. If extremely sensitive, reduce to 2-3 times a week only at 1/2 gram + 1/2 gram mixture. Yes, we state NOT to apply a generic or conventional moisturizer that inhibits the growth of new and healthy skin cells (and slows down the removal of damaged ones). However, the Obagi Nu-Derm Action cream or the Ommerse Day or Night creams by ZO Skin Health are perfectly fine to use, especially with the reaction you are describing.”
In your case, do NOT use any of the hydration creams such as Ommerse, unless you are extremely sensitive. Make sure to wash your skin for ONE minute minimum 2 times a day to reduce oiliness and to thoroughly cleanse your skin.
The TEPADS are an excellent product for you to incorporate into your system, to help you to reduce the oiliness. After cleansing skin (or TONER- if you use it) remove ONE pad from the jar and swipe your entire face until it is empty. The Tepads are antibacterial, will reduce oil, shrink oil glands and correct/prevent breakouts.
Someone with your skin type should be using the Tretinoin CREAM and Blender step every night. Use at least 1/2 gram of each one. Minimize use around the eyes (just twice a week), and minimize use around the mouth. It is very normal for skin to have an increase in breakouts. This is one of the side effects of Tretinoin and it is completely normal. It is normal and temporary for underlying acne will surface. A flare-up is normal for about 4 weeks. Don’t give up.. Everyone has varying degrees of redness and dryness. That is NOT an indication of correction or success. As long as you are properly using the program, you will get the results that you desire.
Best,
Sandra Obagi
Medical Esthetician
I started using nu-derm and the burning and peeling is almost making me cry. i’m all dry and tight and it hurts. i realize this is ‘normal’ but i have a big party tomorrow night and i don’t want to look awful. i did the regimen this morning and my face really is stinging – i want to look ok tomorrow night – what can i do? this is brutal!
Hello Claudia,
In preparation for a party, you should stop the Tretinoin and Blender step as well as the Exfoderm at least 3-4 days prior to the function. All other creams can be used during this “off” time. You will replace the above mentioned steps with either the Obagi Nu-Derm Action or on of the ZO Ommerse Crèmes. I prefer the Ommerse, as these are functional moisturizers that hydrate your skin, without slowing down the correction process. They contain retinol and other collagen stimulating ingredients. If you are as uncomfortable as your email displays, then you should be following a less aggressive routine with your skin. This involves reducing the amount and or the frequency you apply the Tretinoin step in the evening. For example, if you are using ½ g + ½ g of the Blender and Tretinoin daily reduce to every other day until you are more comfortable – build tolerance to the program. Also, it is in your best interest to incorporate the Ommerse Crèmes into your program. Use the day on BEFORE you sunscreen every AM and the Overnight Recovery Crème as your last step on TOP of the Tretinoin & Blender step. Not only will you notice enhanced results, but less redness and irritation from the exfoliating creams in Obagi.
Best,
Sandra Obagi
Medical Esthetician
Hello dear Dr. Obagi !!! To me of 26 years. After weight loss for 3 months of 30 kg (18 lbs) my skin has strongly sagged and I have stretch marks on my stomach and hands. I heard that collagen reception, MSM, Enzymes and exercises can solve a problem. Can you help? I already do not have hope! Thank you.
Hello Andrey,
Thank you for submitting your question. It depends on how much weight you have lost and how much resulting skin laxity has occurred. If there is a excess amount of skin laxity, then surgery maybe the only option, similar to what a “tummy tuck” would do, but performed on specific areas such as, your upper arms, stomach, inner and outer thighs, etc. Yes, exercise is always a must to keep you healthier and promote faster recovery, in addition to providing muscle tightening. Exercise cannot repair or correct excess skin laxity – that requires surgery as mentioned above. Obagi Nu-Derm creams, specifically the Tretinoin & Blender step, can be used to repair any discoloration from scaring after surgery and to correct superficial stretch marks. The best thing to do is to find a Plastic Surgeon that carries the Obagi Nu-Derm system. That way the best combination of surgery (if necessary) and treatment creams can be outlined on one setting. In terms of ZO Skin Health products, I would highly recommend the Body Emulsion. Use it twice day over your entire body. When coming out of the shower, you can apply directly to wet skin in the shower then come out and towel dry (do not use after shaving though). The Body Emulsion has a very high concentration of lactic acid and retinol, so it is highly effective at repairing the quality and texture of skin, which tends to be poor when one is (or was) over-weight. You will see a difference after just a week of use. It is also great on top of the Obagi Nu-Derm Tretinoin & Blender step, if that’s what the doctor recommends. You can locate an Obagi MD at obagi.com
Congratulations on your mile stone and reaching your weight loss goals..
Best,
Dr. Obagi and Sandra
As I was reading some of the blogs I noticed that the Nu- Derm system has tretinoin/blender that you can use under the eyes, but with my Obagi C system they don’t reccomend using products under the eyes. My concern is that I am starting to have raccoon eyes because of the lightening and brightening effects on the rest of my skin. I initially asked my physcian for the Nu-Derm system, but gave me the C system instead, stated that the Nu-Derm was for mature skin only. I also currently use over the counter eye cream. Would a blue peel peel away the darker old skin left under my eyes? Also it’s been over two months now on the system and if I use the C serum and night every night my skin will get super tight but refuse to peel, when I got a chemical peel before the start of my regime I only peeled a little leaving a two toned effect and parched skin on some parts of my face that did not yet go away.
Hello Tanya,
There are two issues at hand here. One is your use of the Obagi-Crx system vs. the Obagi Nu-Derm system, and the other concerns application around the eyes. The Obagi C-Rx system is certainly used under the eyes. Otherwise, you will obtain the “raccoon” type effect that you described. All of the creams in the Obagi C-Rx system, Cleanser, C-Serum, C-Exfolaiting Day Lotion, and C-Therapy Night Cream are used under the eyes. All of these creams with the EXCEPTION of the C-Exfoliating Day Lotion and C-Serum (Vit-C drops) are used on the eye lids.
With the Obagi Nu-Derm system, the same goes, no Pro-C Vitamin-C serum or Exfoderm on the lids, everything else does go around the eyes including the eye lids. The Obagi-Crx system is the program for m ore sensitive or mature skin types. This system is purely a hydroquinone (skin lightening) and Vitamin-C system intended for mature or sensitive skin with brown spots, discoloration, or sallowness. The Obagi Nu-Derm system, on the other hand is tailored for a much broader spectrum of skin types and skin conditions. It is excellent for acne, oiliness, large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, scars, pores, hyperpigmentation or any combination of the above conditions. It can be tailored to your skin type/condition and the aggressiveness can be controlled (meaning how much temporary reaction, etc.)
You can always locate another doctor a obagi.com if your doctor is not providing the proper treatment for your skin. For now, begin using the above mentioned C-Rx products around your eyes. Do not mix eye creams from an off-brand as you can have a chemical reaction, especially, since you are applying hydroquinone around your eyes. To enhance and speed up the correction process around your eyes , and for an eye cream that is compatible with ALL Obagi lines, highly consider incorporating the Olluminate Eye Cream, by ZO Skin Health. It ca be purchased directly from this site. Apply it twice a day around you entire eye area. This eye cream does an excellent job at repairing darker circles around the eyes, puffiness, in addition to fine lines and wrinkles. It contains high concentration of peptides and retinol to correct skin around the eyes from the source.
Best,
Sandra Obagi
Medical Esthetician
I have been using the nu derm for about 4 years and absolutely love it. I feel like my skin is a little dry from the tretinoin but I don’t want to quit using it. I had a bit of melasma but the hydroquinone cleared it up significantly! I get an occasional breakout, usually due to hormones. I currently use foaming gel, toner, 10% c serum, clear, exfoderm and sunscreen. and blender and tretinoin in the evenings. I was hoping to add a couple products from the zo line and wanted your advice. Possibly something to add with the tretinoin in the evenings for more moisture. Anything else you think as well. Thank you so much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you
Hello Whitney,
Thank you for emailing. Although you completed treatment with the Obagi Nu-Derm system, you should be “maintaining” your results by using the Clear and the Tretinoin +Blender step at least 2-3 times a week. Think of the Obagi Nu-Derm system as an exercise program. You can’t all of a sudden stop, once you get the results you desire… You will eventually revert back to your starting point. To keep skin cells stimulated and healthy, you must use the above mentioned products 3 times a week. Your Pro-C 10% serum, sunscreen, and eye cream can be used daily. On your “off days” with the Clear, Tretinoin & Blender, and Exfoderm, you can incorporate the ZO products to keep your skin clear and healthy. All of the ones that are great for your skin are in this kit. You can also apply the Ommerse Crème “Day” one for your more oily skin type on TOP of your Tretinoin & Blender step to reduce the irritation, peeling, and redness associated with Tretinoin, without slowing down your results. The Ommerse is a functional hydration cream that will provide you with “moisturizer” type benefits, without slowing down your program, as it contains ingredients to enhance your results.
Best,
Sandra Obagi