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Obagi NuDerm Skincare System
What
Is Obagi Nu-Derm System?
The Obagi Skin Health Restoration System
and the Blue Peel were designed and formulated by dermatologist, Dr. Zein
Elabdine Obagi. The Obagi Skin Health Restoration System is a
synergistic system which improves the health and appearance of your skin
using products you can apply yourself, in the privacy of your own
home. Products include Hydroquinone and is normally used in
conjunction with Retin A products to lighten, resurface and enhances the
overall quality of the skin.
What
Products Are Included In The Obagi Nu-Derm System?
The Obagi Nu-Derm system includes several
products, used together, to help surface the skin and lighten hyperpigmentations.
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Obagi Gentle Cleanser:
This is the cleanser I used. It is formulated for normal,
to dry, sensitive skin. I do not have sensitive or dry skin
normally, but this was in my kit. I had to use a separate
foaming cleanser to remove my make-up and then use the Gentle
Cleanser. I am trying the Foaming Gel Cleanser next.
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Ingredients:
Purified Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino
Acids, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Gel,
Glycereth-7, Apricot Kernel Oil (prunus armeniaca), Panthenol,
Carbomer, Oleyl Lactate, Ethoxydiglycol, Triethanolamine, Sage
Extract (salvia officinalis), Borage Extract (borago officinalis),
Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben,
Saponins, Fragrance, FD&C Yellow No. 5
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Obagi Foaming Gel Cleanser:
I would like to try this cleanser next. This one is formulated
more for oily to normal skin, which is what I have. It cleans deeply
and removes oil without stripping your skin.
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Ingredients:
Purified Water, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Cocamidopropyl
Betaine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice,
Medicago Sative (Alfalfa) Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract,
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan
Gum, Saponins, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben,
Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Fragrance, D&C Red No. 33,
FD&C Yellow No. 5.
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Obagi Toner: I used
this toner and although it was refreshing and helped with the
flakiness, I didn't think it was necessary. It claims to restore
the pH level to your skin and prep it for your hydroquinone products.
I tried using Witch Hazel only as a toner but somehow found the Obagi
Toner more refreshing and calming.
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Ingredients:
Purified
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch
Hazel) Distillate, Potassium Alum, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, DMDM
Hydantoin, Polysorbate 80, Allantoin, Salvia, Officianalix (Sage)
Leaf Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Calendula Officinalis
Flower Extract, Saponins, Fragrance, FD&C Blue No. 1.
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Obagi Clear: This
product's active ingredient is 4% hydroquinone which is a prescription
strength. This is one of the main products that I recommend and
use frequently. It works by blocking the over production of
melanin. Many people consider it a bleaching agent but it is
actually a melanin blocker.
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Obagi Exfoderm: This
product's active ingredient is phytic acid. Phytic acid is more gentle
than alpha hydroxy and stimulates exfoliation even more. I never
used this product and peeled a lot without it.
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Ingredients:
Purified Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Phytic Acid, Glycerin, Glyceryl
Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Laurate
Canola, Isohexadecane, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cetyl Alcohol,
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Polydimethylsiloxane,
Polysorbate 60, Steareth-20, PEG-150 Stearate, Glycereth-7,
Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Saponins, Phenoxyethanol,
Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben.
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Obagi Exfoderm Forte: This
also stimulates exfoliation but contains both glycolic and lactic
acids, which are AHAs. It is especially helpful in patients who
have thick, stubborn and oily skin. For those of you who are not
peeling with your tretinoin and standard Obagi Nu-Derm products,
supplement your regimen with Exfoderm Forte. You will definitely
peel! (note: I didn't have to use this)
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Ingredients:
Purified Water, Glycolic Acid, Emulsifying Wax, Triethanolamine,
Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride, Kalaya Oil,
Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Methylparaben,
Propylparaben, Saponins
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Obagi Blender:
I used this with my Retin A (tretinoin). The active ingredient
is also 4% hydroquinone and is also formulated to work with the
tretinoin to stimulate exfoliation. Although I noticed I peeled
just as much not using it. Some people mix the Blender and
tretinoin together before applying it to their face, I however applied
the Blender first, then applied my Retin A Micro.
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Obagi Sunfader: I
really liked the Sunfader. Granted I didn't need it because I
use a Sunblock 45 by Neova anyway, it is only 15 SPF so I don't think
it gives you the protection you need. Think of it as a
hydroquinone product with a little oomph and also a SPF 15 thrown in.
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Obagi Action: This
product is a moisturizer especially formulated to be used with the
Obagi system. It can also be used to cut the strength in Clear,
Exoderm and other products. Although the idea is for the skin to
be dry and exfoliate, if you have any discomfort this can be used in
conjunction with your NuDerm products. Do not use Action too
often or you will lessen the system's effects.
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Ingredients:
Purified
Water, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid,
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA,
Sorbitol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Proline, PPG-2 Myristyl Ether
Propionate, Phenoxyethanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Lauryl
Sulfate, Triethanolamine, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Potassium
Sorbate, Saponins.
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Obagi Eye Cream:
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Ingredients: Purified
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glycerin,
Petrolatum, Stearic Acid, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed
Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitol, PEG-40
Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Stearate, Sodium PCA, Beeswax,
Lanolin Alcohol, Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans,
Collagen, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Fruit Extract, Methylparaben,
Propylparaben, Propylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl
Acetate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Butylparaben, and Saponins.
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Obagi Tolereen:
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Active Ingredients: Hydrocortisone
0.5%, Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water (aqua), Cetyl
Alcohol, Glycerin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Lactic
Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben,
Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Complex 272 (Saponins)
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Obagi Sunblock
24:
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Active Ingredients: Octyl
Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 9.0%; Inactive
Ingredients: Beta Carotene, Butylparaben, Caprylic/Capric
Triglyceride, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Ethylparaben,
Guarana (Paulinia Cupana) Extract, Hexyl Laurate, Isohexadecane,
Kola (Kola Nitida) Extract, mate (Ilex Paraguariensis) Extract,
Methylparaben, Octyl Palmitate, Octyl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol,
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Propylparaben, Purified Water,
Saponins, Sodium Chloride, Vegetable Oil.
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Obagi
Healthy Skin Protection SPF35: This ultra-smooth Z-Cote® formula
helps prevent sunburn from UVB radiation and protects against long-UVA
rays linked to deep premature skin-aging.
Apply every morning as part of the Nu-Derm Skin
Health Restoration System. I used the Obagi Sunfader and a
Sunblock 45 by Neova.
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Active Ingredients: Octyl
Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 9.0%; Inactive Ingredients: Butylparaben,
Cetearyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Diethanolamine
Cetyl Phosphate, Disodium Edetate, Ethylparaben, Isopropyl
Palmitate, Laureth-7, Methylparaben, Octyl Stearate,
Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Polyether-1, Polysorbate 60,
Propylparaben, Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide
Kit contains
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1 - 6.7 oz bottle of Gentle Cleanser
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1 - 6.7 oz bottle of Toner
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1 - 2 oz bottle of Clear
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1 - 2 oz bottle of Blender
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1 - 2 oz bottle of Sunfader
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1 - blue Obagi Travel Bag
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1 - Obagi Instruction Booklet
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1 - tube of Retin A Micro Gel
(separate prescription, not manufactured by Obagi)
Kits run anywhere from $300.
USD and up and can be ordered online without a prescription as long as you
fill out their skin questionnaire which is supposedly evaluated by a
physician.
How
The Obagi Nu-Derm System Works
The Hydroquinone is the chief ingredient
in many of the products. Hydroquinone is used to block an over
production of melanin and at 4%, this product is prescription. Other
products include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic and glycolic
acid, and still another product contains phytic acid. which is often made
from barley.
With use of
hydroquinone and tretinoin products such as Retin A, Renova or Retin A
Micro, your skin's natural exfoliation process is sped up extremely fast, often peeling several times a day. The hydroquinone keeps you
from forming hyperpigmentations and the tretinoin resurfaces the
skin. A 6-week regimen can drastically improve your skin, however
some patients may need the full 3 cycles.
Are
You A Candidate For The Obagi Nu-Derm System?
If you have uneven, hyperpigmented, photo
damaged skin and wish to rid yourself of these complaints you may be a
good candidate for Obagi Nu-Derm. Oftentimes, freckles, melasma/cholasma,
lentigines (liver spots) and other coloring problems can been effectively corrected with a full
course of Obagi. The system can also improve acne, remove acne spots
and red marks and improve the overall texture of the skin, all the while
removing superficial wrinkles. Another plus is that a moderate to aggressive
regimen can remove pre-cancerous lesions Only a qualified skin
technician or physician can determine if you are a good candidate.
How
To Order The Obagi Nu-Derm System
You may order Obagi Nu-Derm through your
surgeon or dermatologist or even through your clinical aesthetician.
Many people even buy their products through the Internet. Please be careful
when doing this. These products are prescription strength and
without supervision, this can prove disastrous. Please be
careful. Although, I initially went through a surgeon's office, and
later ordered products through the Internet, I knew what to expect and
have quick access to a surgeon's office if the need arises.
What
To Expect During Your Treatment
The first few weeks
are the absolute worst. In fact, many "Obagians" often
quit, which is a shame. It IS worth it, I promise you, But it
is not for the weak. You will peel, you will be red, you will have
intense dryness and discomfort at times. Good skin does not come
easy (or cheap) so this needs to be expected.
You will shed
great sheets of skin, do not be alarmed this is part of the whole process
and is encouraged. I especially peeled around the chin, mouth and
nasolabial areas. This skin is thicker and will peel more often that
your forehead. Although the skin around the eyes is thin, you peel a
lot here as well. Be careful not to over-exfoliate or rub the skin
off with your hands or a washcloth. The more you do this, and the
more you add your products the deeper it will penetrate and while this may
be a good thing, you WILL burn, you will possible make red marks and you
may even bleed.
If you need support,
do not hesitate to check us out on the YTF!
Beauty Board. Lots of fellow Obagians there. We've been
through all phases of Obagi Nu-Derm and even the peels so if you have any
questions, need support or simply to vent.
Risks,
Complications & Contraindications of Obagi Nu-Derm
Risks are usually attributed to the ingredients,
Hydroquinone and tretinoin - as well as your actions while on the
treatment. Hydroquinone when used in very high strengths (much
higher than is found in Obagi Nu-Derm products) has been connected with ochronosis.
Ochronosis is the condition when black specks spots form in the epidermis.
It is mostly seen in in persons of ethnicity (Africans and
Asian
have used this to lighten their skin, hence its ban in Africa and Asia).
Tretinoin
initiates exfoliation of stratum corneum, yet thickens
epidermis overtime and reportedly the upper layers of the dermis.
However, very aggressive use can temporarily thin the epidermis. Aggressive use
can also cause intense irritation, sores and blisters--especially near
the corners of the eyes and mouth and around the nostrils of the
nose. This is thought by some to be due to the reaction with moisture.
Obagi and
Tretinoin use is contraindicated in persons who are not willing to use sun
protection products, those who are pregnant or lactating and possibly
those who prone to keloids. Please discuss this lass factor with your
physician.
What
Next? Maintenance or Peel or Both?
After 1 to 3, 4 or
6-week cycles of Obagi Nu-Derm, you are then ready to start a maintenance
program. This may include sporadic use of the Obagi products and
tretinoin. Although, I did not stay on a complete maintenance
program, it took me a matter of two weeks of use to get back to how I
liked my skin and how it was after 3 cycles -- practically flawless.
The maintenance program is
definitely worth it.
Some people
choose to have the Blue Peel. In order to have the Blue Peel you
usually have to go through one cycle of Obagi Nu-Derm to prep the
skin. This will help prevent hyperpigmentations from forming from
the peel.This type of
peel is relatively new. Also developed by Dr. Zein E. Obagi, this
peel is an in-office trichloracetic acid (TCA) peel to correct fine
lines, superficial scars, minimal laxity and pigmentation problems.
It is performed in 1 to 4 steps and is very beneficial to persons of all
skin types. Usually more invasive peels are unfortunately suitable
to only those of European Caucasian descent. With the Blue peel,
persons of ethnic skin tones such Asian, African-America, Italian and
other darker skins tones can safely undergo beneficial resurfacing.
The solution is applied in 1 to
4 layers and left on the skin for 25 to 30 minutes. You may feel a
slight burning or stinging sensation as each layer is applied which may
last from 2 to 5 minutes. A fan will help you tolerate the stinging
sensation -- so request if this is used. The blue tint will darken
and advise the skin technician when the peel is complete. The blue
tinge that you get from this peel may last for up to 3 or 10 days,
depending. So prepare to take off a few days for this one as well.
This peel may be reapplied at 4 week intervals.
The
Least You Need To Know About Obagi Nu-Derm
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What:
Obagi
Nu-Derm
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Why:
to
reduce the appearance hyperpigmentation, texture problems, superficial
wrinkles, large pores and acne scars and spots.
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When:
from mid teens to mature
ages, whenever one desires.
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Who:
A clinical aesthetician,
physician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon
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Where:
Obagi Nu-Derm is a home
program, however the Blue Peel must be performed within office
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Risks:
Please
see above
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incisions/scars: n/a
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Anesthesia:
n/a
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Duration: 4 to 6 weeks
per cycle, up to 3 cycles for Obagi Nu-Derm, 25 to 30 minutes for the Blue
Peel
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Pain
Factor: more of a lingering discomfort
than anything, however peels are more intense.
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Swelling:
n/a, although some Blue
Peel patients experience slight swelling
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Bruising:
n/a
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Post-operative
instructions: see your
physician for details
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1st
Post-op visit: depending
upon physician, 3 week intervals, usually.
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2nd
Post-op visit: check
up usually at 3 weeks for exercise/activity release
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Return
to work: You
may work while on the Obagi Nu-Derm program, however you will appear
as though you are recovering from a sunburn in the first few
weeks. After the Blue, Peel you may wish to take for a week or
more.
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Activity:
no restrictions
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Sun
exposure: you MUST
protect your skin during and after Obagi Nu-Derm or the Peel. This is imperative!
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End
result: improvements
can be seen towards the end of the first cycle.
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Loss
of Sensitivity: n/a
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Other
complications: see
risks above
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Longevity:
This depends upon the care of the skin, post-treatment. You can
not expect to retain the results if you continue to over-expose your
skin to the sun or pick at your face. Take care of your skin!
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Special
Notes: You will
peel, you will have redness and dryness, this is the whole idea of the
treatment. Many people say, "I had a bad reaction to the
Retin A or Obagi." NO kidding, we ALL do. That's the whole
point. Hang in there.
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The
average prices: From $30. to $45. USD a bottle for the active
ingredients. Kits range about $300. to $350. USD The Peel,
depending, call your physician for more information.
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