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pattycake
New Member
 
Joined: 05 Jun 2010
Posts: 2
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Sat Jun 05, 2010 1:07 pm  |
Hello ladies! I am new to this forum... I was hoping I can get some help from of you who are Obagi experts 
So, I have been using the Obagi Clear #3 and Blender #5 + Tretinoin 0.025% for three weeks now and I have not been experiencing any peeling or redness. I noticed my skin texture is a lot smoother and the pores are not as prominent but I am more concern about the hyperpigmentation. Am I doing something wrong? Ok, a little back story...before Obagi I have been using a formulated cream from a dermatologist. It contains hydroquinone 4%, kojic acid and tretinoin 0.050%. I have been using it for almost a year without any improvement, so after reading and researching about Obagi I decided to try it. I am only concern about the hyperpigmentation spots on my face that were the result of using antibiotics for acne for many years and post-laser treatments. I am still angry about that...they never warn me about any post-laser hyperpigmentation.
Do you think I need to increase the tretinoin to 0.050% or higher? Or purchase the Exfoderm? This might sound weird but I want my face to peel or experience some sort of reaction because I feel like it is not working. Or do I need to be patient since it has only been 3 weeks? I am not under any doctor's care but am doing this on my own term. I feel like this is my last resort to getting rid of the hyperpigmentation. I am weary of lasers now and chemical peels is too scary. It's so frustrating...
My daily regimen:
AM - Clear
Obagi Sunscreen
PM - Clear
Blender mixed with Tretinoin 0.025%
Thank you in advance for ANY advice or input. |
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Sat Jun 05, 2010 1:21 pm |
You might not be using enough of each product...you actually have to use way more that you think!
It's been a while since I had to measure it out myself, so hopefully Rileygirl will pop in and tell you how to measure it using the Obagi letters on the front of the bottles. |
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No longer answering PM's due to numerous weird messages. |
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Sat Jun 05, 2010 2:45 pm |
The Obagi system works best when all products in the system are used, not just some of them as you are doing. The Nuderm protocol utilizes hydroquinone (HQ) to lighten and suppress melanin production of those damaged cells, the Exforderm is a glycolic acid for exfoliation to increase product penetration, Blender also has the HQ in it and enhances tretinoin penetration, and the tretinoin encourages collagen production and growth of younger acting skin cells. At a minimum, you should be using the aforementioned products, and ideally the rest of the products or equivalent in the system. The protocol calls for 18 weeks of continuous use so to say you haven't had any reduction in hyperpigmentation after 3 weeks is premature.
I would suggest you purchase the Exfoderm, and try that until your .025% runs out. Once it does, move up to .05%, assuming you don't have any adverse reaction with the .025%.
1 gram of Clear should be used twice a day. 1/2 gram to 1 gram of the tretinoin should be used at night only. 1/2 gram of the Exforderm should be used in the morning. 1/2 gram can be measured using the Obagi bottle and is equal to product the length between the left side of the O and the right side of the A in the Obagi logo.
The protocol s/b
AM
Cleanser
Toner
Vitamin C (optional)
Clear (1 gram)
Exfoderm (1/2 gram)
Sunfader (1/2 gram--many people opt out of this due to adverse reactions. This does, however, have HQ in it so if you can tolerate, use it.)
Sunscreen minimum 30
PM
Cleanser
Toner
Clear (1 gram)
1/2 gram Blender mixed w 1/2 gram to 1 gram tretinoin |
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40, Asian, Fitpatrick III with mostly moderate hyperpigmentation and isolated severe. Currently on Obagi Nu-Derm. |
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Sat Jun 05, 2010 2:46 pm |
You do need to be patient at only the 3 week mark. I think you need to get the other products in the system. The Nu Derm works as a complete system with 1 product building on the other. If you don't want to purchase the cleanser and toner at least get the Exfoderm and like Bethany said the most important thing in the entire system is the amount you use. It is a lot of product, and you will need to rub and rub to get the products into your skin (which is also part of the process).
You should be using 1/2 gram of Exfoderm in the morning, 1 gram of Clear in the morning, and at night 1 gram of Clear, then 1/2 gram of Blender mixed with 1/2-1 gram of Retin A. You can stay at the lower dose of RA for now and see how you do.
To measure, you can use the letters on the bottle with O-I being 1 gram and O-A 1/2 gram, or you can use your pinky finger. Starting from the tip of your finger down to the 1st joint is 1/2 gram, down to the 2nd joint is 1 gram. Also, when you are measuring out the product, these are not thin little lines, think more along the lines of a toothpaste line.
If you are using the correct amount of the products, then just give it some more time. Hope that helps. |
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pattycake
New Member
Joined: 05 Jun 2010
Posts: 2
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Mon Jun 14, 2010 4:36 pm |
Sorry it took me so long to reply back...just got back from my vacation. Thank you again Bethany, its_kristy and Rileygirl for your advice. I went to the doctor's today and upgraded the Tretinoin to 0.05% and I bought the Exfoderm Forte so we will see. Hopefully I will be peeling like a snake in a couple of days 
I will keep you posted |
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Mon Jun 14, 2010 5:13 pm |
| pattycake wrote: |
Hopefully I will be peeling like a snake in a couple of days
I will keep you posted |
Be careful what you wish for! |
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40, Asian, Fitpatrick III with mostly moderate hyperpigmentation and isolated severe. Currently on Obagi Nu-Derm. |
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way2muchmakeup
New Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2013
Posts: 1
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Fri Mar 22, 2013 11:59 am |
| Forgot to ask in my prior post if I could add a bit of Tolereen to ease the redness and peeling. I'd love to add Action but read that will slow the process-don't want to do THAT!! I want to get out of this phase ASAP! Any responses would sooooo helpful! |
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