If you are using the Foaming Gel (Obagi Nu-Derm) and NOT the Exfoliating Cleanser, you can use the Clarisonic Brush.

Two things… I like the concept of spending 1 minute minimum washing your face and the concept of helping to exfoliate dead skin. The Clarisonic Brush makes sure that you do that. However, I don’t like the Clarisonic Brush, because it is a safe harbor for bacteria. No matter how much you wash the brush head prior to using it, it is always going to retain a certain amount of moisture, which is a refuge for bacteria.

The better way to obtain “exfoliation” of dead skin cells and assurance of the 1-minute rule is the Exfoliating Polish. This is used either daily or 3-times a week (one time a day) depending on your tolerance. You spend 1-minute gently exfoliating your skin in the shower prior to washing your face. It is far more effective at removing dead skin cells and ensuring proper cleansing of your skin. It will NOT harbor bacteria either.

The polish as SMOOTH magnesium crystals, a KEY element especially for stimulating healthy skin cells. If polishing agents (as in most scrubs) are NOT smooth, then you will overly irritate the skin and get microscopic nicks all over your face. The polish features ingredients including Vitamin-A, C, C-Esthers and E to provide antioxidant protection and boost collagen.

It will enhance the penetration of your Obagi Nu-Derm system as well.

Follow, by washing your face for ONE minute with your Obagi Nu-Derm or ZO Skin Health Cleanser.

Remember, this is solely my opinion with respect to your question regarding the Clarisonic Brush… Thanks

Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
Medical Esthetician

Thanks for your interest!

Donna Queen

It’s perfectly OK to use the products in the order that you have listed. Some people prefer applying the Growth Factor Serum before the Daily Power Defense, but that is a matter of personal preference.

As for whether you need Growth FActor Serum both AM and PM, that’s optional. If you want to apply it just in the PM, that’s OK.

Tazorac is a retinoid treatment product, so we would not recommend the use of Radical Night Repair together with it. You’re already stimulating and exfoliating your skin–Radical Night Repair should not be used in combination with prescription retinoids.

Thanks!

Donna Queen

I am using the following in this order in the AM:
Daily Power Defense
Growth Factor Serum
Ommerse
Sunscreen

PM:
Ommerse
.1% Tazorac
Growth Factor Serum

…should I be using the Growth Factor Serum both AM and PM and in the order I have been?
…how to incorporate the new Nightime Repair ( if at all) since my doctor has me using the Tazorac every night (which I have been handling well)?

Thank you..

Thank you for emailing. Provided that you are using the system correctly, it is NOT always necessary to undergo redness, peeling, sensitivity etc. Your skin may just be able to tolerate the system well.

It appears you are using the correct products for your skin type. However, Dr. Obagi does prefer the stronger 0.1% cream form of Tretinoin. The 0.5% is fine to use until you finish the tube and can increase your dose.

Also, a “Standard” approach is 1/2 gram of Tretinoin mixed with 1/2 gram of Blender EVERY night. The stronger “Moderately Aggressive” program is 1 gram of Tretinoin mixed with 1/2 gram of Blender every night.

One gram is the amount of toothpaste you would put on a toothbrush in Thickness and Length. It is a one inch line with that thickness.

You should be cleansing for one minute AM and PM, Applying the Toner AM and PM, Applying about 8 drops of the Pro-C 20% in the AM only.

AM: 1 gram of Clear, 1/2 gram of Exfoderm-forte, followed by ElastiDerm and Sunscreen

PM: After Toner apply ONE gram of Clear, then the Tretinoin and Blender….

You are able to incorporate aspects of the ZO Skin Health system into your program.

If you are using the Obagi Nu-Derm creams you can incorporate the ZO products to enhance results OR to maintain skin. You can use the Obagi Nu-Derm system and the ZO products together for a perfect Maintenance Program.

The DNA kit has all of the products I would recommend for you to try in a one month supply at a great price. The Growth Factor Serum is the most effective advanced lipopeptide serum I’ve experienced in 16 years as an esthetician. You apply this product as your LAST step at night (nothing else on top of it). You use about 1 pump every night after your Tretinoin & Blender step, and on your off days, as your last step.

The Daily Power Defense is an anti-oxidant and retinol based cream that hydrates, repairs damaged DNA and stimulates collagen. Apply this product in the MORNING only right before your sunscreen. So on some days, it will be after your Obagi Nu-Derm cream application (BEFORE SUNSCREEN), on others it will be applied right before Sunscreen (during Maintenance).

The Oclipse totally hides redness, reduces oil and by far one of my patient’s favorite items. It is a physical block that will NOT leave the white film conventional sunscreens leave behind AND is the best primer to even your tone. You can interchange this with the current Obagi Sunscreen you have.

The Exfoliating Cleanser (great for normal to oily skin) can also be interchanged with your Nu-Derm cleanser.

The Olluminate and Obagi Eye Cream, such as the ElastiDerm are interchangeable as well. The Olluminate provides the additional benefit of treating dark circles and puffiness. It is a matter of personal preference. They are both great Eye Creams and it is up to you to see which one you prefer for your skin type.

Best,
Sandra Obagi

One more question, on the evening regimen, I have been blending the tretinoin with the Blender. Is that the correct thing to do? It is how I was instructed.

ny suggestions? HELP