Thank you for your reply and you are absolutely correct about the pesky residual magnesium crystals. You have to be totally sure that you have thoroughly rinsed your face, in particular your eye/eyelash erea of any exfoliating polish before you proceed. That happened to me ONCE and you know it right away though…

Thank you for clarifying the order for me, since I can not use the exfoliating cleanser and yet in the literature it’s written use the cleanser first, then the exfoliating polish. If you use the exfoliating cleanser, following with the exfoliating polish would be the logical next step.

Last year when you “opened my eyes” to learn that some of the NuDerm products, including 0.1% Tretinoin could be used in the eye area,what a revelation!!! I use Elastiderm creme and had been incorporating the ZO Skin Health Olluminate eye creme (NOT when I was using Clear or Tre/Blender, then I lighly applied some Elastiderm)until I ran out of the Olluminate which I did not replenish. It is not because i did not but just decided to stick with one at that time.

I too, as one of your other clients have undereye bags which have been there for decades, okay I am 58… That is the FIRST thing I see when I look in the mirror and I loathe them. Plastic surgery is not an option so I was wondering, is there anything else in addition to what you have already recommended minimize their appearance?

I am open to suggestions and I will follow directions! Always great chatting with you!

Truly,
Anne

In my opinion, you want to utilize the Exfoliating Polish first, prior to the Hydrating Cleanser. Two of the ingredients in the Hydrating Cleanser, panthenol and allantoin are designed to seal in moisture and keep skin hydrated all day. I think the polish is strong enough to completely negate its benefits. Second, as you probably noticed it is a little difficult to completely rinse off the magnesium crystals in the polish.. Having one more chance at completely rinsing them off with the additional cleansing step completely removes them from skin. Finally, when you removed dead skin cells (exfoliate) what goes on after works so much better. Cleansing is enhanced if used after polish. That is the way I have all my patients use those 2 steps. Have a great weekend!
Best,
Sandra Obagi

Hi! It has been awhile since I’ve written to you and amazingly enough, I am still learning things that I did not know when I first started using NuDerm back in Oct/2009! That’s good though, keeps cell renewal up!!!

Question:
What do you use first? In my case, Hydrating Cleanser or the exfoliating Polish?

Hope all is well with you! I love the Growth Factor Serum on top of my Tretinoin/Blender recommendation and now I am comtemplating incorporating the RNR-Plus in my NuDerm Maintenance Regimen as well. It will be one year in June I kicked it up to 0.1% Tretinoin! As always, thank you for the exceptional advise.

Sincerely,
Anne

Thank you for submitting your mousecall questionnaire. I am responding on behalf of Dr. Obagi, who dictated this response:

Fillers are not usually recommended for under eye bags. Fillers are indicated to fill volume loss or to correct fine lines and wrinkles (thus the name fillers). There are certain things you can do to reduce the water retention that can accumulate underneath eyes, including minimizing your intake of salt in your diet, drinking plenty of water, and sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your stomach or side can cause fluid to accumulate and cause dark circles or eye-bags. Hopefully, you are using the Elastiderm on both eyes, and not just the one you felt required correction. I prefer the ElastiDerm eye cream (not gel form) as it is less irritating, hydrating, and more compatible with the Obagi Nu-Derm system or ZO Skin Health product line. Try sleeping on your back, slightly elevated with pillows, reduce your intake of sodium, drink more water (less alcohol) and apply the eye cream on BOTH eyes and wait about 2-3 weeks to notice a transformation. At this point, based on your age and issues described, I don’t think you’re a candidate for fillers yet.

If you are still having a problem, then you may want to consider seeking advice from a Plastic Surgeon. Without knowing the true extent of your condition, or seeing you in person, it is difficult to provide you with a proper diagnosis. The recommendations above will make a significant improvement. I appreciate all of your compliments and feedback.
Best,
Sandra Obagi, MBA
For Dr. Obagi

1) No, your Growth Factor Serum is not ruined with one encounter or opening. You would have to leave the cap off on a daily basis to inactivate the retinol and peptides. Even if you have to quickly open daily to obtain product for application, you are going to be fine.

2) Hand Eczema is another term for contact dermatitis – it is basically extreme sensitivity to certain fragrances, emollients, harsh chemicals, etc., as a result of having “true sensitivity” vs. “acquired” from overuse of moisturizers. Obviously, you cannot avoid washing your hands – so do so without perfumed soap or one that is too harsh. Use fingertips to wash your hair, not your entire hands. Always rinse off any product or exposure to products. If you do wash your body, hair, etc., thoroughly rinse and dry hands and apply a fragrance free lotion such as Curel.

Just don’t let your hands get too dry. Remember, the Oraser Hand Cream is just used in the evening. With eczema, you don’t want to overly apply it, because with too-frequent use, the retinol in it will cause your hands to become too dry.

I like Dove Body Wash for “Sensitive Skin.” It is liquid and very soft in comparison to other cleansers. Washing your hands and body with this should keep contact dermatitis under control.

2) I had the pleasure of having a consultation with Dr. Obagi at a recent Nordstrom event and he told me I have eczema on my hands. I have been using the overnight hand renewal daily but should I stay away from certain ingredients in other products (particularly in hand soap and shampoo)?

Thanks.