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luckycloverr
New Member
 
Joined: 07 Dec 2010
Posts: 6
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Sat Jun 11, 2011 11:34 pm  |
Hi everyone!
I'm 18 and I'm thinking of treating my horrible skin with Obagi Nu-Derm. I've done hours of research and I really want to do this!
I don't want to buy the whole system because it's way beyond my budget. I'm thinking of getting just the Clear, Blender, and the Sunfader. (perhaps the Exfoderm Forte as well) Also, I'm planning to use Tretinoin (not yet sure about the concentration though..) together with the Blender.
I do know that Obagi Nu-Derm is an intense system and I'm not sure if using these would be an overkill? and what concentration of Tretinoin should i start with? I don't actually have visible signs of aging, but my main concern is my acne and red marks left behind by acne. and also tons of other skin problems you can imagine (I have every single skin problem under the sun) I'd love for anyone to give me some advice..
Thank you so much
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Sun Jun 12, 2011 6:25 am |
What skin care are you using now? What other skin problems do you have besides acne?
I wouldn't recommend using Clear, Blender, and the Sunfader all at the same time. They all contain 4% HQ, it would be over kill. 4% HQ is by rx only so you may have a hard time obtaining Obagi HQ products.
I also don't think its a great plan of action to use to treat post-inflammatory pigmentation from your acne. HQ is great for treatment of hyperpigmentaion caused by melanin (think brown spots). Post inflammatory pigmentation (red/purple/blue spots) is different.
What have you already tried? Can you go to a dermatologist? |
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Sun Jun 12, 2011 2:21 pm |
Hi Luckycloverr, I would suggest you go and see a derm/aesthetician if you can, I don't know if they give free consultations where you live but you can try and find one that does, try and find one that promotes obagi, then you don't need to worry about them suggesting something else just because they don't stock it.
Secondly, you mentioned you have many other skin conditions but didn't specify what they are so this makes it more difficult to advise you as you haven't put the full extent of your skin condition forward and I think anyone would be wary of suggesting anything in case it would cause you further problems. If you can elaborate a little you may get some more responses.
Lastly I would say if a derm/aesthetian confirms that obagi is safe for you to proceed with, I would not bother with the sunfader as it really stings and most people don't bother with it either but still get the results. I have stopped using this product myself as I don't think it's necessary as the clear and blender with tretinoin/retin are the main products of the system. I would opt to include the exforderm instead, if you have sensitive skin I would not bother with the exfoderm forte as this is the stronger of the two. I would also start on the 0.025% tretinoin cream to mix with the blender just to see how your skin responds to the retin a, you can always increase this later if you really feel you need to. I started on 0.05% and although I felt I should increase the strength, it wasn't really necessary and I was advised against this by members who have used the system for longer than I have, I've learned that many people have had success using the 0.05% retin a.
In the morning after cleansing and toning the clear is used follwed by the clear, exfoderm and then a good physical sunscreen, making sure all the products are rubbed in properly.
In the PM after cleansing and toning, you would use the clear followed with the blender well mixed in with the tretin a, again ensuring that the products are rubbed in fully. You can download the patient protocol off of the obagi website that will inform you of the correct amounts to use, also reads some of the obagi threads on the forum, I have found them very informative and the members are also very supportive.
You would need to decide whether or not you would be using all of those products every day or if you will use them for 3-5 days a week in the beginning but these are questions you can ask the derm/aesthetician.
Don't feel pressurized into buying from the office if you feel you can't afford it, remember, it's their job to push sales, just politely inform them that you want to think about it before you proceed or you want to discuss it with your family or something. HTH
Let us know how you get on and what you decide to do, good luck. |
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Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:43 am |
Most derms give samples of retin a which would help offset the cost of the consultation. Also, all teaching hospital have dermatology departments. Their fees are not as high as a solo practice derm. Most of the time, they will work with you on a payment plan.
The derm I use put my daughter (16) on retin a. We are holding off using it because she loves to surf. I know, I know. I have warned her!! As well as the her derm!! |
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luckycloverr
New Member
Joined: 07 Dec 2010
Posts: 6
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Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:09 pm |
thank you guys soooo much for the replies. i reaally appreciate it 
i have large pores, tons of blackheads, and i break out quite often.. also , i'm not completely sure but i suspect i have some mild rosacea. i have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from my past acne and also broken capillaries.. my capillaries tend to break SO easily. my skintone is generally uneven and it looks DIRTY!!! uggh. and my facial skin is generally so much more dull, dark, and reddish as compared to the rest of my body 
i use a lot of random products like vivier's vitamin C serums, estee lauder's advanced night repair and usually some acne products with benzoyl peroxide.
GirlieGirl, thank you so much for clearing up the issue about HQ..do you think it will help with my dull complexion though?
angelofthenorth, thank you so much for your reply!!! after reading your response, i've decided that the best choice for me would be to visit a dermatologist.. also, thanks for recommending the exfoderm. i'm probably going to get that instead of the sunfader because i just learned about how AHAs are good for your skin haha 
InSweetTime, haha thanks for sharing. its great to know that retin-a is safe for teens i was worried it might be a little to harsh for younger skin. |
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Fri Jun 17, 2011 3:44 pm |
Luckycloverr,
Nuderm also has products designed for acneic skin and roscea. You may want to check out those lines as well. |
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50 Is definitely NOT nifty!! |
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Fri Jun 17, 2011 6:09 pm |
Hi luckycloverr, I'm happy to hear that you have decided to go and see a derm and truely think that is the safest way forward. I had a consultation, did a some research and then DIY'd it. I have found even more info and advice here on eds and it has definitely made my obagi journey easier.
After reading the list of your skin conditions, I would definitely agree with kims, that it would be worth checking out the other obagi products she mentioned. Now you've decided to go to a derm, they will give you the best advice on which course of action to take for your skin type. Please update on your progress and once again, good luck with the derm. |
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