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kirara
New Member
Joined: 18 Nov 2009
Posts: 5
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Wed Nov 18, 2009 6:57 pm |
I've been using Retin-A 0.05% every 2nd or so night for nearly one year. My acne has improved overall but I still get some small red spots + it hasn't helped with evening out my skin tone.
From the other posts on here, I realised using Retin-A with Obagi Blender will be more effective but I don't know if everyone is using the other products in the regimen.
I'm thinking of also purchasing Obagi Clear as I'd like a more even and lighter skin tone, plus the Vit C Serum.
Is this too much for my first time on the system? I'm happy to stick with my cetaphil/warm water and no toner.
I'm only 20 y.o and my skin is quite sensitive.
TIA! |
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Wed Nov 18, 2009 7:03 pm |
Sorry Im not going to be alot of help as I have had no personal experience with obagi. However regardless of what you incorporate I would definitely add vitamin c and ofcourse it goes without saying sunscreen. You havent mentioned if you are using a spf or not but this is one product that should not be left out of anyones routine and even more important when using actives like retin a.
There are heaps of people here that use obagi so Im sure you will get some great feedback.
HTHS:) |
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Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:31 pm |
kirara wrote: |
I've been using Retin-A 0.05% every 2nd or so night for nearly one year. My acne has improved overall but I still get some small red spots + it hasn't helped with evening out my skin tone.
From the other posts on here, I realised using Retin-A with Obagi Blender will be more effective but I don't know if everyone is using the other products in the regimen.
I'm thinking of also purchasing Obagi Clear as I'd like a more even and lighter skin tone, plus the Vit C Serum.
Is this too much for my first time on the system? I'm happy to stick with my cetaphil/warm water and no toner.
I'm only 20 y.o and my skin is quite sensitive.
TIA! |
Hi, Karara, I'm using Obagi (the nu-derm set) and indeed it helps to even the tone, i should say i have never had better skin tone since my teenage though you have to expect driness redness flakies etc.I am just in my forth week, so all the problems are still there, but my skin is much much lighter. however, there are some debating about using HQ, you may like to search some threads here. And, I dont use vit-C serum now, i guess we are not suggested to use other stuffs while in Obagi regimen? I am sure we have lots of gilrs here can help you more. |
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Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:03 pm |
kirara Obagi Nu-Derm is designed for exactly the issues you are having. I used Obagi for 3+ years which really isn't ideal.
You are young so wrinkles are not an issue but long term Obagi use is an issue. Here is my recommendation to you. I would find an good OTC Vitamin c serum or try one of the DIY formulas here for morning use. The Obagi product to go with would be the #3 Clear. This can be used morning and night but I think if you use this at night only with your retin-a you will see a huge difference in 12 weeks. I think the whole Obagi Nu-Derm line would be overkill for you.
You can look into the Obagi C line but I don't think retin-a is incorporated into that regime.
HTH |
_________________ mid 40's, blonde, blue eyes, normal skin, DIY skin regime, AALS - biggest problem undereye - getting much better with AALS & DIY serums. |
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Thu Nov 19, 2009 4:21 pm |
kirara wrote: |
I've been using Retin-A 0.05% every 2nd or so night for nearly one year. My acne has improved overall but I still get some small red spots + it hasn't helped with evening out my skin tone.
From the other posts on here, I realised using Retin-A with Obagi Blender will be more effective but I don't know if everyone is using the other products in the regimen.
I'm thinking of also purchasing Obagi Clear as I'd like a more even and lighter skin tone, plus the Vit C Serum.
Is this too much for my first time on the system? I'm happy to stick with my cetaphil/warm water and no toner.
I'm only 20 y.o and my skin is quite sensitive.
TIA! |
I think seeing how you are young, if you are at all interested in Obagi, you really need to go and see a derm/esty/nurse personally. It is a really harsh program and one that you really should be under the care of someone for.
What are the red spots, kirara? Are you meaning spots from breakouts, or something else?
I think if you don't want to go and see someone, I would just start with a topical C. I am partial to Skinceuticals C, E, Ferulic, but there are others out there, too. |
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Thu Nov 19, 2009 4:23 pm |
janegd wrote: |
And, I dont use vit-C serum now, i guess we are not suggested to use other stuffs while in Obagi regimen? I am sure we have lots of gilrs here can help you more. |
You can and probably should add in a topical C to the Nu Derm. I used the Skinceuticals while I was on Nu Derm, but others have used the Obagi topical C with good results. |
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Thu Nov 19, 2009 5:24 pm |
Hi, Kirara. I used Obagi Nu-Derm for two years, and I was red-faced and peeling the entire time. However, I was much older than you and my skin was quite delicate at the time. I used Tretinoin + Blender at night and Obagi's Vitamin C in the morning followed by Obagi's C Sunscreen. I think any excellent Vitamin C serum would be fine. If I were ever to use Obagi Nu-Derm again, I would apply hempseed oil over the retin-a mixture at night, 30-45 minutes after applying the Tretinoin/Blender. The hempseed oil, I am told, alleviates lots of the redness and flaking, but by waiting 30-45 minutes, you allow the acid to penetrate at the correct pH. Alley's right - retin-a is not incorporated into the Obagi C line. |
_________________ Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away ~ Author Unknown |
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Fri Nov 20, 2009 1:41 am |
rileygirl wrote: |
janegd wrote: |
And, I dont use vit-C serum now, i guess we are not suggested to use other stuffs while in Obagi regimen? I am sure we have lots of gilrs here can help you more. |
You can and probably should add in a topical C to the Nu Derm. I used the Skinceuticals while I was on Nu Derm, but others have used the Obagi topical C with good results. |
Thanks , Rileygirl, I have just ordered the Skinceuticals C serum,but what is the sequence? I guess I should apply it after Obagi clear but before Obagi sunfader and sunscreen, am I right? thanks a lot |
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kirara
New Member
Joined: 18 Nov 2009
Posts: 5
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Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:26 am |
Thank you for all the replies girls.
The red spots are small pimples, I used to have many larger ones that would easily leave hyperpigmentation on the face (hence wanting something to fade+lighten my skin tone). Retin-A has generally cleared the large pimples.
I don't intend on using the whole Nu-Derm line, I'd like to stick to cleansing with Cetaphil/warm water and using SPF 50 in the day (Don't usually have makeup on, so its been okay so far).
May I ask, Alley, why is it that you recommend Clear over Blender? I still want to continue Retin-A use, thought that Blender would be more beneficial for it?
I assume the conclusion is that using all four products would be overkill? So its a toss between Clear and Blender, unless anyone has other suggestions.
Should I choose 10 or 15% Vit C serum from Obagi (not the one with hydroquinone)? Or are there other serum recc's for my age (if it matters)?
Thanks Again
E.T.A: Actually I may definitely purchase Clear for my mother as she has excess hyperpigmentation on her cheeks, she has had this for 15-20 years and they're not just a a few freckle like spots, but very dark patches. So an added question, is the Clear sufficient for her or should she try the whole regime? (55 y.o, cetaphil only routine, concerned about wrinkles, oily skin)
Thanks! |
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Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:03 am |
janegd wrote: |
Thanks , Rileygirl, I have just ordered the Skinceuticals C serum,but what is the sequence? I guess I should apply it after Obagi clear but before Obagi sunfader and sunscreen, am I right? thanks a lot |
You apply the Skinceuticals after the toner, before the Clear. Wait until the Skinceuticals is "dry", maybe 3-10 minutes, and then apply the rest of your products. |
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Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:05 am |
Kirara, the Clear is a stand alone product, meaning you can use this morning and/or night. The Blender should be mixed with Retin A and applied at night. The Blender contains the Hydroquinone, but it will also push the Retin A deeper into your skin and you may not need that at your age. |
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Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:59 am |
Hi, I think you're too young for such an intensive regimen. Using all of these products may increase sensitivity and some products in the Obagi line may end up aging your skin. Also, it would be better to slowly introduce new additions to your skin care routine so that you can tell which product is having what effect. I recommend retin-a at night and a vitamin C serum in the morning, a gentle peel or exfoliating product once a week, and of course a nice SPF. |
_________________ Best, Jeannine (40s, fair skin, hazel eyes, sensitive skin). To fight the dread lemming sickness, I promise not to rave about a product until I have used it for a long while. |
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Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:51 am |
rileygirl wrote: |
Kirara, the Clear is a stand alone product, meaning you can use this morning and/or night. The Blender should be mixed with Retin A and applied at night. The Blender contains the Hydroquinone, but it will also push the Retin A deeper into your skin and you may not need that at your age. |
Exactly my train of thought |
_________________ mid 40's, blonde, blue eyes, normal skin, DIY skin regime, AALS - biggest problem undereye - getting much better with AALS & DIY serums. |
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Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:02 am |
Jeannine wrote: |
Hi, I think you're too young for such an intensive regimen. Using all of these products may increase sensitivity and some products in the Obagi line may end up aging your skin. Also, it would be better to slowly introduce new additions to your skin care routine so that you can tell which product is having what effect. I recommend retin-a at night and a vitamin C serum in the morning, a gentle peel or exfoliating product once a week, and of course a nice SPF. |
I agree this is an excellent routine for young skin. You may want to use retin-a every other night until your skin is used to it, or even twice weekly. I believe it's always better to go slowly with certain skincare regimens. We're always in a hurry to have perfect skin, and sometimes that backfires. Take it slowly and carefully, and try hard to be patient. Hard to do, I know! Also, you may want to search for the hempseed oil thread here on the forum. Many retin-a users have found this oil pressed into the skin 30-45 minutes after applying topical retin-a relieves redness and lots of the peeling/flakiness that seems to accompany retin-a. You are probably aghast at the thought of using an oil, but this one is perfectly balanced and will leave your skin moisturized no matter what you use. |
_________________ Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away ~ Author Unknown |
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Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:42 pm |
rileygirl wrote: |
janegd wrote: |
Thanks , Rileygirl, I have just ordered the Skinceuticals C serum,but what is the sequence? I guess I should apply it after Obagi clear but before Obagi sunfader and sunscreen, am I right? thanks a lot |
You apply the Skinceuticals after the toner, before the Clear. Wait until the Skinceuticals is "dry", maybe 3-10 minutes, and then apply the rest of your products. |
Thank you Rileygirl! |
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Sun Nov 22, 2009 6:09 pm |
Hi ladies, I'm new to the forums so I'm not sure if I'm doing this right or posting in the right place so please let me know
Anyway, my concern is the opposite of Kirara's in that I think I may using too few products. I've started using Retin-A for my melasma the last 3-4 weeks and Clear on the nights I don't use Retin-A, but have noticed little improvement (I don't like to use hydroquinone during the day in case I accidentally darken my skin even though I use a zinc sunscreen).
To push things along, I'm thinking of combining hydroquinone and Retin A, but I already have the Clear and don't really want to fork out extra money for the Blender. Can anyone tell me if it's OK to blend Clear with Retin-A instead??
Also, I've noticed since using Retin-A, my skin seems thinner and easily crinkles and wrinkles when I push it around with my finger - is this normal? |
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Mon Nov 23, 2009 6:14 am |
gb00 wrote: |
To push things along, I'm thinking of combining hydroquinone and Retin A, but I already have the Clear and don't really want to fork out extra money for the Blender. Can anyone tell me if it's OK to blend Clear with Retin-A instead??
Also, I've noticed since using Retin-A, my skin seems thinner and easily crinkles and wrinkles when I push it around with my finger - is this normal? |
No, the Clear will not work mixed with the Retin A. Only the Blender is formulated for that. I think if you have melasma, you won't see great results with just 1 or 2 of the Obagi products. You will most likely need the entire regimen. All the products are designed to work together and build off one another. Not saying you won't have results with just Retin A and Clear, but it may take a very long time, and, again, best results are had with the entire regimen.
The top layer of your skin will thin using Retin A, but keep at it, as eventually the skin thickens, which is what you want to help your skin be healthy. |
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Mon Nov 23, 2009 5:34 pm |
Thanks for the quick reply Rileygirl. Well, there goes my resolution to not use my credit card again
Oh well, no pain, no gain... |
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Mon Nov 23, 2009 5:55 pm |
gb00 wrote: |
Thanks for the quick reply Rileygirl. Well, there goes my resolution to not use my credit card again
Oh well, no pain, no gain... |
You're welcome! And, I feel your pain! |
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 12:58 am |
Talk about (happy) co-incidence. I'm 23 and as usual concerned with my skin. I have developed a few brown spots (one right in the middle of my chin urrg) and I have some textural roughness. I'm going to try Obagi Nu-Derm with C..
there was another young woman on the forum who used Obagi and her after pic was stunning. her skin looked fabulous!
With the code on right now I don't feel like I have too much to lose. If I don't like it I'll give it to one of my aunts. |
_________________ 23, fair, EDS newbie, taking Diane 35. |
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 2:41 am |
I should clarify what I meant by "Nu-derm with C" I meant the Obagi 20% C-Serum.
As for the suggestion to use hemp-oil do you think it will negate the effects of the retin-a/obagi system. If flaking is a part of the system, don't we want it?? Maybe someone can enlighten me. It sounds great but I like to research the h*ll out of products I use, especially a big investment like Obagi. |
_________________ 23, fair, EDS newbie, taking Diane 35. |
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 5:36 am |
callalily wrote: |
I should clarify what I meant by "Nu-derm with C" I meant the Obagi 20% C-Serum.
As for the suggestion to use hemp-oil do you think it will negate the effects of the retin-a/obagi system. If flaking is a part of the system, don't we want it?? Maybe someone can enlighten me. It sounds great but I like to research the h*ll out of products I use, especially a big investment like Obagi. |
With the Nu Derm, you do not use moisturizer. I know there are people on Nu Derm who will tell you that it is ok, but it is not. The whole purpose of Nu Derm is to get your skin to a healthier state and that includes getting your skin back to where you don't need moisturizer (only on very rare occasions). You are right, callalily, you do want the flakes! Please research a ton, and if possible go to a derm, esty, etc. before you start Nu Derm. It really is the best to be under someones watch when you are on Nu Derm, at least for the first 6 weeks as they can monitor your skin and tell you if what you are going through is normal or not, etc. Good luck if you do it. It is a harsh system, but still to this date it is the only thing that has worked for me. |
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:33 am |
Hi Callalily,
I have to second what Rileygirl said about the Nuderm system. I'm now on maintenance, but it was rough going for several weeks. Since you're only in your 20's, the Nuderm system seems like a really aggressive approach. However, since you are younger, your skin might respond fabulously! I would encourage you to read some of the Obagi threads here at EDS. There's a ton of information and real life experiences to help you know what you're getting yourself into! Good Luck! |
_________________ 50 Is definitely NOT nifty!! |
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 5:44 pm |
Thank you so much kims and rileygirl!
I really appreciate the advice. I went ahead and ordered. There was a free gentle cleanser gift and with the XMAS special on I couldn't resist. It worked out to be much more economical this way. I'm a die hard researcher, probably like you guys. I want to know everything before I try something. I've scoured the net for hours on Obagi over the past few years and now I need to conquer the EDS threads. I have plenty of reading ahead of me but it's a fun distraction during breaks from studying
I discovered that a medical clinic near my house (walk in and with regular patients) is also a laser clinic. They sell Obagi so I plan on going to one of the two doctors and asking for a Retin-A script.
I'm thinking 0.025 cream! They must be knowledgeable about the system so I will ask them for any advice.
If they refuse to give me advice I will be really turned off as I would expect them to understand that a college student can't really afford the $100 or so mark up you get when you purchase from physicians.
I feel like the fact that the practice also functions as a regular doctors office is a good sign! Some "skin specialist" md's are out for a money grab in my town. It makes sense, I do live in a generally very affluent city... I've heard some very negative things about certain reputable derms.
Anyways.. thank you again for your advice. I hope you don't mind me popping in once and awhile and asking questions.
One thing that popped into my mind was the fact that I swim quite a bit. I wonder if the chlorine would affect my skin for the worse while my skin is in a sensitive state. I'm off in December but back at it in January for nationals. |
_________________ 23, fair, EDS newbie, taking Diane 35. |
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 6:12 pm |
callalily wrote: |
One thing that popped into my mind was the fact that I swim quite a bit. I wonder if the chlorine would affect my skin for the worse while my skin is in a sensitive state. I'm off in December but back at it in January for nationals. |
I think you will be fine. You might find your skin a little drier due to the chlorine and the Obagi, but see how you do. Good luck. Hope you love it! |
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