New to forum and Obagi - question.
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Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:18 am

Hi all.

Today was my first day using Obagi and I am petrified and excited all at the same time.

My question is why all the red faces? All of the 'after' photos I have seen show better looking skin overall, but their face is a different color than their neck. Shock

It is hard to believe that this would be the end result of such an intense program.

Has anyone out there completed the Obagi process and have a face and neck of the same color?

Thanks,
Cheryl

free skin care · Fri Dec 21, 2007 1:01 pm

thye may not have been using the product on the neck/chest area Iam on my second week and do not go past the upper neck are but my face is always lighter then the rest of my body

Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:02 pm

I have been using Nu Derm for a little over 2 weeks and my face is pretty red. I really hope it doesn't stay this way Confused

Faline

Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:03 pm

I have been using Nu Derm for a little over 2 weeks and my face is pretty red. I really hope it doesn't stay this way Confused

Faline

free skin care · Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:07 pm

My face had gotten red a few weeks into using the system and had maybe lasted a few weeks, but then it seemed to calm down a bit towards the end.

free skin care · Sat Dec 22, 2007 2:27 am

maybe it has to take some time for skin to recovery.

Sat Dec 22, 2007 7:53 am

Moonstarr,

When you say at the end it "calmed down a bit" does that mean you still have redness in the face that does not match your neck? How long have you been on the treatment?

Cheryl

Sat Dec 22, 2007 4:49 pm

I've been using only Clear and Blender (with Retin-A) and my face gets totally beet red. So after massive peeling and the redness (I'm also experiencing hotflashes) I'm toning it down, using much less, taking small breaks, using moisturizer, etc. My skin is just too sensitive.

I don't know how horrible it is, but I've been adding a touch of gylcerin to the Clear (to make it thinner and easier to spread, plus I'm using such a small amount.) I'm only using blender every few nights, but I can handle straight Retin-A daily. It's the acids in the products. There is Lactic Acid in both, and salycilic in the Blender. I've used acids before, but they always get washed off.

I have had a sunspot raise and scab and peel off in the last 1.5 weeks, so something is working.

free skin care · Sat Dec 22, 2007 5:01 pm

If your face is still red and really peeling try using the blender/retional every 3rd day and remember to only use the 1/2 gram do not over use these products. I also think that its important to be under some kind of supervision when on this program I am on my 2nd week and say the Derm last night and will again in 2 weeks. This program is very strong and really I will only buy refill products online but stick w/a professional for the advice. Just my opinion but I tend to overdo My skin is very sensative and they have made changes I even in the 1st 2 weeks now I am using the blender/retional every other day rather than every 3 days.HTH

Sun Dec 23, 2007 6:43 am

I am aware there will be redness during treatment. My questions is for those who have completed the treatment. The end result appears that the neck and face do not match (at least on most of the before/after pictures I have seen).

We go on the program to get rid of redness and sun damage, so I naturally concluded the bleach would ultimately take the redness out. Most of the pix I have seen leave people with pink skin when it is over, rather than the natural color on their neck.

It probably is best to do the entire neck area, as some of you have mentioned.

Sun Dec 23, 2007 6:57 am

Isn't new fresh skin more pink than other skin? I had a fall this summer, and ripped off a lot of skin on my forehead and cheek, and the skin/scar lasted for many many months. It also took away some of the crowsfeet from my right eye, it was such a deep peeling of skin (I fell on concrete.)

So perhaps the redness in photos is just that the skin hasn't totally adjusted yet. The spots are gone, but not redness.

It is a good question though, and I'm curious to know which before/after photos you mean. Can you post a link.

As far as I go, I am sure I am using less than 1/2 gram of product. I'll find a conversion later and try to measure stuff out. I'm probably using the amount of a petit pea, not a regular pea.

Yesterday I used Clear in the morning (after using a scrub as I had extreme flakes,) and since it was a cloudy day I used my Vichy face cream that has sunscreen in in. In the evening after washing I used a small amount of serum with gycolic acid and stuff, then the small amount of clear, and a small amount of blender with retin-a. Around my eyes I'm using Renova 0.025% and my Retin-A is 0.1%.

This morning I have ZERO flakes. My neck was itchy last night as I did put a bit of product on my neck, but I'm not red and irritated. Perhaps it takes time to adjust, maybe I've adjusted to the lower quantity and can step it up a little bit.

I

Sun Dec 23, 2007 7:33 am

Hi Annette.

I applaud you for braving this on your own. I just started this under the care of a dermatologist who starts everyone out conservatively but still customized to each individual. This is supposed to reduce the redness and flaking and gradually get your skin used to the product. It takes longer overall to complete, but I prefer it that way. In four weeks they will add the Retin-A and blender. They started me on the C serum at 5% and will gradually work that up also, depending on how my skin is reacting.

You're right - I suppose fresher skin is pink.

This is only one photo, but I have seen many others in a book from the dermatologist. Because I am new I cannot post a link. Go to floridacenter 'dotcom', then click on photos, Obagi, then click on the very last girl.

free skin care · Sun Dec 23, 2007 12:05 pm

newface wrote:

Moonstarr,

When you say at the end it "calmed down a bit" does that mean you still have redness in the face that does not match your neck? How long have you been on the treatment?

Cheryl

I did 14 weeks of treatment which ended about 2 months ago (I had stopped it early because I started to job search again and didn't want a peely face in interviews!). Anyway, I never did use the Obagi on my neck as I didn't have any hyperpigmentation problems there. So there was probably about a month where I noticed my face had gotten very red (that people commented on it looking red), but then after that stage it seemed to calm down a bit and I was just left with the peelies and my face wasn't as red as it had been.

After I ended my treatment, my face was the same colour as my neck.

HTH!

Sun Dec 23, 2007 3:55 pm

Thanks, Moonstarr.

We shall see what happens!

free skin care · Sun Dec 23, 2007 4:05 pm

My face was very red for the first 18-20 weeks, but now that I am on maitenance my skin is glowing but not red. My skin looks very smooth and clear.

Mon Dec 24, 2007 2:35 am

Once you switch to the maintenance program that angry redness goes away, but until I did at 16 weeks my face was always bright red and worse on a hot day.

free skin care · Sun Dec 30, 2007 2:21 am

I have just joined this forum to find out more about obagi before i purchase.

I am going to purchase the starter kit, but want to know if I should buy 2 kits if I want to use it on my neck and chest as well?

Also do i need some sort of prescription from my doctor and if so would it be for retin-A or trenotin?

Sorry for the questions - I am slightly confused!!
Rolling Eyes

Lifecoach

Sun Dec 30, 2007 7:37 am

The retin-A/tretinoin is a prescription medication. Here is a link explaining where these products should be purchased from.

http://www.obagi.com/article/aboutobagisystem/history/history.html

Also from the Obagi web site:

Q: Why are the Obagi System products sold exclusively from physicians? Can the products be purchased on the internet?
A: Obagi System skin care products are prescription strength formulations regulated by the U.S. FDA and can only be sold with a prescription through a physician, such as a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon. Obagi System does not endorse purchasing prescription products from the internet without a written prescription. Click here for the Physician Locator.

I am really not sure how or why others are legally able to sell the products. Perhaps they are not. Obviously you can get them, but my dermatologist, as do most others, strongly advised against it. Obagi lists physicians you can purchase the products through, and for best results and safety one should be under supervision of a doctor as you go through the program.

You will see that most people here do not follow this, but that is a personal choice.

Hope that helps!

free skin care · Sun Dec 30, 2007 3:41 pm

I also follow my Derm advise and see them every 2 weeks this is going on week 4. This system can be to some people very harsh and really should not be done alone. When I need to re-stock then I will order online. My program is the NuDerm and I have had several adjustments since starting it-Great results so far but Iam happy that I have a professional to help

Sun Dec 30, 2007 6:19 pm

red head,

I so agree with you! My face is getting to be a real mess and I am not even on all of the products one would get with a starter kit! In the 2nd week I have so much peeling and this odd red/tan/pink color that I hate going out! And I do not even use the retin-a or blender yet! In fact, I can't even handle the Exfoderm on a regular schedule.

Right now I am having a real problem with wrinkling, especially under the eyes. I can't even imagine what is causing it because I am only using the cleanser, polish, vitamin C, and clear (exfoderm is on hold).

Any suggestions for wrinkles?

free skin care · Sun Dec 30, 2007 7:49 pm

I had the wrinkling also under they eyes its from the clear I have been using the eye cream in the jar not the gel day/night and its really helped. The Vit C may be to much I seem to peel not the day after I used the blender/retional but the 2nd day on the night that Iam going to use it again. Just make sure that you are only using the 1/2 gram pinky finger bend part to the middle. I over did it on the Exfoderm and my face the next day was a mess. Try a good eye cream if you can't get the Obgai its $$$ but I say results within a couple of days Let me know-Dale

free skin care · Mon Dec 31, 2007 5:28 am

Thanks newface

Unfortunately I live in England so will have to go to my doctor for the retin-A and buy the products from EDS.

Am buying in the next 2 weeks so will post update with pictures! Smile

Mon Dec 31, 2007 5:36 am

Lifecoach,

I am not sure which of the other products also require a prescription but pretty sure the Clear does. Your doctor will let you know.

Can't wait to see the pictures! Maybe I will start doing that too. Keep us posted!

free skin care · Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:28 pm

Thanks for your advice.

free skin care · Mon Feb 04, 2008 2:31 pm

I noticed that too, but it fades away. I stopped using the products because I was going on vacation. The redness went away in a few days of not using any of the products. So if you want a break you can take 2-3 days off. I agree with the comment that fresher healthier skin is more pink.

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