Comments on: When Looking in the Mirror “ain’t that great”. http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/2009/10/when-looking-in-the-mirror-aint-that-great/ Dr. Obagi Skin Health, Dr. Obagi Skin Care, Dr. Obagi Skin Care Products Wed, 20 Apr 2011 22:28:18 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: sandra obagi http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/2009/10/when-looking-in-the-mirror-aint-that-great/#comment-1007 sandra obagi Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:36:54 +0000 http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/?p=222#comment-1007 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 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

]]> By: sandra obagi http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/2009/10/when-looking-in-the-mirror-aint-that-great/#comment-1006 sandra obagi Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:14:28 +0000 http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/?p=222#comment-1006 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 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

]]> By: sandra obagi http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/2009/10/when-looking-in-the-mirror-aint-that-great/#comment-1005 sandra obagi Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:03:22 +0000 http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/?p=222#comment-1005 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 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

]]> By: Sandra Obagi http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/2009/10/when-looking-in-the-mirror-aint-that-great/#comment-1004 Sandra Obagi Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:19:42 +0000 http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/?p=222#comment-1004 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 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

]]> By: Whitney http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/2009/10/when-looking-in-the-mirror-aint-that-great/#comment-996 Whitney Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:51:03 +0000 http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/?p=222#comment-996 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 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

]]> By: Tanya http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/2009/10/when-looking-in-the-mirror-aint-that-great/#comment-995 Tanya Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:50:46 +0000 http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/?p=222#comment-995 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. 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.

]]> By: Andrey http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/2009/10/when-looking-in-the-mirror-aint-that-great/#comment-994 Andrey Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:46:49 +0000 http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/?p=222#comment-994 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 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.

]]> By: Claudia Y http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/2009/10/when-looking-in-the-mirror-aint-that-great/#comment-993 Claudia Y Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:42:49 +0000 http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/?p=222#comment-993 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! 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!

]]> By: Sandra Obagi http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/2009/10/when-looking-in-the-mirror-aint-that-great/#comment-982 Sandra Obagi Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:03:31 +0000 http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/?p=222#comment-982 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 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

]]> By: Sallye http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/2009/10/when-looking-in-the-mirror-aint-that-great/#comment-973 Sallye Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:53:06 +0000 http://www.zoskinhealth.com/blog/?p=222#comment-973 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. 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.

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