About to start Obagi
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Wed Dec 21, 2011 9:15 am

Hi Everyone~ I went to the doctor to inquire about Obagi and got sticker shock! Came home and found this site and have learned so much from the forums. (thanks!) That was a couple weeks ago and since then I have ordered the starter kit for N/O skin and I am waiting on my retin-a to come in from inhousepharmacy.biz.

I'm going to be doing this on my own since I didn't buy the product from the doctor that I consulted with--however, they gave me all of the pamphlets and info so I knew exactly what I needed when I ordered from EDS at a much better price:) I will be using:

Foaming Cleanser
Toner
Clear
Blender/Retin-A 0.5%
Exfoderm Forte
Obagi 35SPF sunscreen

I think that's it. In 6 weeks they prescribed the vit C and the eye cream so I'll deal with that later as I haven't yet ordered it.

I guess my question is about moisturizer. I see from reading the forums that you are not to use a moisturizer while on obagi. Is that correct? During the day, I'll be using sunscreen which will add moisture but after my nightime routine won't I be all dry? Granted, I haven't used it yet but wanted to ask so that I wasn't sitting there late on my first night wondering if I could be/should be using something. I currently use the Clarisonic Mia and I cannot imagine not being able to add moisturizer but I'm going to stick to the regimen if that's what's called for. Would love your thoughts as I'm a little nervous.

Thanks! Whitney

Thu Dec 22, 2011 6:10 am

Quote:

I guess my question is about moisturizer. I see from reading the forums that you are not to use a moisturizer while on obagi. Is that correct? During the day, I'll be using sunscreen which will add moisture but after my nightime routine won't I be all dry? Granted, I haven't used it yet but wanted to ask so that I wasn't sitting there late on my first night wondering if I could be/should be using something. I currently use the Clarisonic Mia and I cannot imagine not being able to add moisturizer but I'm going to stick to the regimen if that's what's called for. Would love your thoughts as I'm a little nervous.

Ok, shortening my post to just include my question:) Any tips are appreciated. Anyone else about to start Obagi and want to follow along?

Thanks!
Whitney

Thu Dec 22, 2011 10:34 am

Hi Whitney,

I also just started the Obagi program and would love to following along. Has been 3 days now and I'm following the exact same routine as you including the Clarisonic Mia. I actually started the retin-a two weeks prior to receiving my Obagi products. I had some peeling with the Retin-a but more now after starting the Obagi.

I use the Clarisonic in the shower every morning with the cleanser. It actually stings a little, even burns a little so don't know if I should use every day. Will be curious to see how you like it.

I don't use a moisturizer. I actually find the products somewhat moisturizing. I do use an eye cream, but it stings like heck so probably should look into buying the Obagi eye cream.

During the day, I use a primer before my tinted moisturizer. That helps with the dryness and peeling. No powder.

So peeling quite a bit around eyes, mouth, nose areas. It is manageable at this time.

Nice to have a buddy to compare with. Thanks!

Thu Dec 22, 2011 11:46 am

Perfect! I'm so glad you responded. Thanks for all of the information.

The only thing I've used so far is the Clarisonic--it comes with a gentle cleanser and it doesn't burn at all so I guess you're burning b/c your skin is sensitive due to the new Obagi regimen. My retin-A arrived today and my Obagi arrived a few days ago so I'm going to get started soon. I may wait until Monday so I don't look all red in our Christmas pics:)

I've never used Retin-A so I'm anxious over how it will work for me. I wonder if I should start using it just every other night or if I should use it every night and scale back if I have a harsh reaction.

So glad to have someone doing this at the same time!

Whitney

free skin care · Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:19 pm

Hi girls,

Winter is a great time to get this done. I am starting a bastardized version of obaji and will follow along with you guys if you want.

I did the program a few years ago..and it was hard..but my skin looked amazing. My skin still looks pretty good..but I've been dedicated to cp's this past year and have fallen off the obaji wagon.
I do miss the quality obaji gave my skin. I think that with my cp's will be awesome.

This time I am using products that are not obaji..I realize obaji is top of the line. I'm just curious if using cheaper products will work the same.

I'm going to use my retin a, hydroquinone, aha, and my own sunscreen...to see if does the same thing. Buying off the Internet...all these come well under $100...

Since I've been through the program before..I should know if it works the same or not.

As for the moisturizer. I did use some while on nu derm. I had to..my face was so flaky. But way into it I purchased a clarsonic..and it made a huge difference. My outcome was very nice and I used a moisturizer. I even took a few days off here and there when it got bad.

free skin care · Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:23 pm

wfgamble wrote:

Perfect! I'm so glad you responded. Thanks for all of the information.

The only thing I've used so far is the Clarisonic--it comes with a gentle cleanser and it doesn't burn at all so I guess you're burning b/c your skin is sensitive due to the new Obagi regimen. My retin-A arrived today and my Obagi arrived a few days ago so I'm going to get started soon. I may wait until Monday so I don't look all red in our Christmas pics:)

I've never used Retin-A so I'm anxious over how it will work for me. I wonder if I should start using it just every other night or if I should use it every night and scale back if I have a harsh reaction.

So glad to have someone doing this at the same time!

Whitney

I want to add..that I was advised to just do it everyday and suffer through and get it done. But, do it how you want...I see nothing wrong with taking it easy if that works for you. I've seen some suggest using retin a every other night for the first week or two. But, after a while..your skin does adapt to it..trust me. The clarsonic is also key in taking off the peeling skin. In fact, after you are into the program full swing..don't use your clarsonic for two days and see the difference..you'll be amazed at how your skin cells are turning over. That is proof positive.

Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:29 pm

hotdocgirl,

The more, the merrier! I'll take all of the info I can get.

I will tell you this: I found out about Obagi by asking a friend what she was doing. Her skin looked incredible. That was 2 weeks ago and here I am! Personal testimony is the best sort of advertisement and the fact that I noticed her skin said a lot. I ordered the starter kit listed above; however, my friend uses Purpose cleanser and a store-bought toner. I believe that the only Obagi products she buys are the clear, blender and exfoderm. The doctor told me to use the entire system as everything works together in getting your skin the correct pH and preparing for the next step so I followed that advice. But my friends skin looks FABULOUS using only the select products.

Any sunscreen recommendations? I use Neutrogena Healthy Defense 45. It stings my eyes a little so I have to be careful not to rub it too closely but that may be the case with all sunscreens, any advice?

free skin care · Thu Dec 22, 2011 1:11 pm

Very true, I remember six weeks or so after using obaji nu derm and suffering through all that red peely skin.. a strange woman stopped me and said.."your skin looks amazing!" and I was still not through the program at that point. It does give you the youthful, childlike skin. I do love my cp's but they don't do that..they firm the skin..but don't pull off what obaji does.

I never loved obaji cleanser or toner..I think using something else does not matter. I use a spf 30...I like CeRave or a good drug store skincare brand @ $12... but obaji sunscreen is very good. You know you can buy all obaji much cheaper on amazon..fyi..ok?
I'll give my cheapo way a try..but I will spend the bucks if needed..because I want the combined results of obji and copper peptides.

Fri Dec 23, 2011 6:11 am

I used the Obaji sunscreen this morning and have no irritation or burning! Very happy:)

Thanks for the tip on amazon! I'll check it out. I thought the price point at EDS was great so I'll compare the two.

What tinted moisturizer do you use? I'm currently using Miracle Skin Transformer in medium but it is expensive so I don't know if I'll repurchase.

I found a great 3 part step-by-step video on applying the products so I feel confident that I'll know how to use the products:)

Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:06 am

Good Morning,
I'm also not thrilled with the cleanser by Obagi. Guess I like a little more foam. It does wash off nice and leaves skin clean feeling. I'll continue to use through the program.

I bought my products on Amazon as well. Got a good price and received pretty quick.

I use Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. It doesn't create an awesome coverage but does even out skin tone. I really don't like the feel of foundation on my skin. I'll check into Miracle Skin Transformer, sounds interesting. Is it liquid or cream based? Went to Sephora and got a few new Laura Mercier primer samples to try. One was the hydrating one and the other was a new one called Radiance. Will let you know the verdict.

So, today my skin is more peely, mostly around my chin and lower part of face. The Clarisonic is fabulous at getting rid of dry skin. I too like the Obagi sunscreen, very nice.

So nice to hear such good comments on outcome of Obagi. I'm very excited about possibilities.

free skin care · Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:06 pm

I'm on day three of using retin a (05)after not using it for almost a year. I'm curious if my skin is going to react like it did when I first started.. I feel tingling right now..but that is about it.

Today I used an aha cream in the a.m. in place of the exfoderm forte. This is the 8% aha cream from Walgreens that gals on the forum rave about..so cheap and they say it works. I'm hoping the lower percentage of aha will not make me as red and irritated as the exforderm did..I had to stop using it into my program because my face was overly irritated. However..I still had great results in the end.

I'm also using estee lauders skin illuminator in place of hydroquinone for now until I run out. The rethink..if I want to go back to hydroquinone.

Fri Dec 30, 2011 6:49 am

cat2fat wrote:

I bought my products on Amazon as well. Got a good price and received pretty quick.

So, today my skin is more peely, mostly around my chin and lower part of face. The Clarisonic is fabulous at getting rid of dry skin.

I'll definitely be purchasing from Amazon. I think I'll go ahead and restock an item at a time so that I do not have to pay so much out of pocket all at once. And so glad that the Clarisonic helps with the peeling. Last night was the first time I've used RetinA so I'm anxious to see how my skin will react.

cat2fat wrote:

I'll check into Miracle Skin Transformer, sounds interesting. Is it liquid or cream based?

The Miracle Skin Transformer is creamy and a little goes a long way. It's nice but I'm still not convinced to buy more but who knows how I'll feel once my skin gets in better shape.

Hotdocgirl--I'd love to know how the retin A is treating you this go round. Also, how do you like the glycolic acid from Walgreens. What % is the one from Obagi? 10? 15? I don't remember reading that anywhere.

Thanks!

free skin care · Fri Dec 30, 2011 8:04 am

Hi girls.. How are you holding up? I remember when I went on obaji the first time..calling my esthetician when I was into the first few weeks, I needed encouragment to stay on the program..and she promised me to push through that it would get better and be worth it. She was right! So press on.

I just looked it up..and from one read it says obaji exfoderm is 6% glycolic and 4% lactic acid. I would have thought it was more..because it made my face very red. However, I'll say this... I thought it was key in making my skin peel quick on obaji. I actually used it more on its own after the entire program and reorded it once. Yet, as I go back to redo the program exforderm has an "ouch" factor that is keeping me away. I would say it made my face look like a tomato.

Let me update you on my progress. I "feel" the retin a and aha working..my face feels tingly and tighter. I've been using my clarsonic ..so I don't see any peeling. After the new year..I'll lay off my clarsonic for a few days to see how my face is peeling compared to the first go around.

There is no visible irritation on my skin. But, I have been going slow..I have used the retin a every night..but doing the aha every other or third day. So, after the holiday I'll start using everyday..(hey I wanna look good for New Year's Eve haha!)
Also, in place of hydroquinone or Clear/blender..I'm using up the rest of my first bottle of Estee Lauders Illuminator.. which is fading (slowly) a few spots on my face. I'm going to use the rest with the retin a and aha and see how it goes. Perhaps not using clear/blender is also why my skin is not so irritated as last time?

But, I'm curious after six to 8 weeks of a full try at this..will my skin look as good as it did on obaji? That will be interesting.

I'm glad you posted..I need to bookmark this thread so I can come back and keep you updated. Please do the same..I'm so curious how it is going.

Hey also..I want to add for the record..I'm using EGF on my skin first thing every morning too. and cp's: skin signals cream at night and serum in the a.m.

Fri Dec 30, 2011 11:32 am

So glad to hear your update. I'm also anxious to hear your results with the DIY vs Obagi. I'll probably switch to the drugstore versions during maintenance since those products are cheaper and easier to acquire.

I'll continue to update--at least as each week passes unless there are developments like irritation, peeling, etc then I'll share as those occur.

Fri Dec 30, 2011 11:59 am

Hi Ladies,
Still using all products - peeling and face is red. Not terrible. I use an eye cream before makeup in morning and boy does it sting. Will probably be purchasing the Obagi eye cream soon. Did not use retin-a last two nights due to party tonight so hopefully won't set me back to much.
The LM Hydrating primer works really well with the dry skin. Have used about 3-4 times and would recommend for under make up.
Have a Happy New Year!! Cat2Fat

Fri Dec 30, 2011 12:50 pm

Thanks so much for your update! I'll definitely be looking back on this as I go along to see how my progress compares to both of yours. How about this: let's put how far along we are at the beginning of an update post so we can easily see where we are without scrolling up and down. Example: Week 2 or 3rd week or 46th day--you know, something to that effect:)
And I just looked up the LM hydrating primer. It gets great reviews. I've never used or even heard of primer so I may have to check that out. I hate wearing foundation but perhaps using primer will help with that. I need some new powder too. Any recommendations on foundation and powder?

Sun Jan 01, 2012 10:02 pm

Ok, so I'm on day 4 or so and this just sucks. My face is tight, red, peeling, hot and irritated. This affects my entire mood. Under my mouth (on my skin)is a red, chapped looking area. I have been using all products as recommended in the system & retin a nightly. My face stung so badly tonight that I skipped the retin a and only applied the clear to the dark spot by my eye rather than all over. After an hour I was so frustrated that I smeared aquaphor all over my face rather than just my lips. I know this was a bad idea. I want to just hold an ice pack to my face.

Please advise which products I should skip daily as my face adjusts. I do not want to quit. I just need a different routine as my skin cannot handle each product with daily use right away. So should I just use the clear every other day or the exfo derm every other day? I'm really confused and would love your advice.

free skin care · Sun Jan 01, 2012 10:23 pm

Day four and such frustration?...i know I was feeling the same but it was a few weeks into the process. What I did was lay off the exfoderm..and even skip a few days of treatment here and there. My face was so red and peely. I'll never forget some girl riding in the elevator with me said' "you just had a peel haven't you?" I was so embarrassed.
What I did was I started using a calming moisturizer..and took a few days off here and there from the products.

Your skin will learn to tolerate the retin A ..it just takes time. I've heard some on the forum say to start with three days a week at first..then go to four..then five..then work your way up to every night.

As for me..this time around..I'm trying the alternative route. going more gently...but we will see if I get the results you will. Your skin will be beautiful in 8 weeks. Hang in there...and take a break when you need to your skin will rest and then take the treatment just fine when you get back to it.
I also hope you are using a clarsonic..It really helps with peeling skin..

Mon Jan 02, 2012 6:19 am

Yep, only day four. I was surprised myself. I seriously could deal w peeling and redness if it weren't for the stinging and burning. This morning I only used the wash, toner and sunscreen. It all stung when I applied it. Today I will get some moisturizer and tonight I'll just skip all irritating product again adding back the clear, exfoderm, and retin-a a little at a time. I do use the clarisonic but for the last couple days I haven't been able to use it for even the full minute as my skin hurts so bad.
Thanks so much for your feedback. I'm just discouraged that my skin is so sensitive.

Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:19 am

Good Morning! Day 12 here.

So sorry to hear about the stinging and burning. I experienced some stinging but mostly due to moisturizer I put around eyes. Three days ago my face was red and peeling a lot. I wanted to look better for the New Year so quit the retin-a for two nights but continued to use all other products. After the Clear at night, I used a small amount of Emu Oil which I learned about on this forum. Skin was great the next two days. No peeling, felt better. Only used for two nights and now back to more redness and peeling. Starting to peel on my forehead now, was just around chin area and low cheeks. Doesn't sting or burn with products. I agree with suggestion to use every other day and work up to daily.

Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:14 am

Thanks for listening, girls. I'm going to look into the emu oil, I've read on the forums that Obagi has a 0.5% hydrocortisone cream--Tolereen. I wonder if I could just use drugstore band on the irritated spots. I've only seen the cream in the product description as it seems no one has really discussed using it. I didn't realize my face was so sensitive. I have also learned that the exfoderm forte is stronger than the exfoderm (makes sense when I think about the name). I wish I had started with the regular strength first.

Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:30 am

Day 6. After taking a day and a half off, my skin has healed. I am definitely going to reintroduce the retin-a and exfoderm slowly. These boards have helped so much. I also realized I have been using too much product after comparing notes w a friend. She had pretty much the same reaction as you, hotdoc: "day four and your already on fire?!?!?" ha! Thanks so much for following along.

How is everyone else?

free skin care · Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:14 am

I'm glad to hear your skin is calming down. I remember that feeling all too well. I'd rather take it slower and not battle that red sosre skin.

well...for me..I feel the same. My skin is a little tight..but looks pretty good overall.
I didn't use my clarsonic yesterday and won't for a few days to see if I have peeling. (it really gets rid of all of it). My face is not irritated at all. It looks just fine. That could because I'm not using clear or blender..just Estee Lauder's Illuminator which is non irritating..I'm also using cp's which are not irritating either.
So, on one hand..I am glad I'm not red, inflamed, and itchy. But..on the other hand, I want to pull off getting the good result and wonder if it takes the aggressive method. Time will tell.

Also, I've been tending to my skin very much these past years. It is not like I'm starting from square one like the first time I did obaji. How about you girls? What skincare have you been doing to this point?

For me, after doing obaji years ago..I continued on with retin A everyday..and used blender once in a while. I also did some tca peels and laser treatments. Then I got into cp's this past year. So, I always work on my skin and wonder if that is why nothing radical is happening right now.

Tue Jan 03, 2012 1:46 pm

I think what you're doing is great and I bet you will have really good results. I also think you're correct about why your skin isn't peeling, etc. it sounds like you've done a great job of taking care of your skin.

I on the other hand have only worn sunscreen the past few years. I never wash my face before bed or anything. I rarely wear foundation but I still should have been washing I guess. I do not have problems with pimples but after having my daughter 6 years ago, I've struggled with melasma and uneven skin tone. So here I am.

free skin care · Tue Jan 03, 2012 3:33 pm

At least one of the Obagi cleansers contains sulphate surfactants. If it is possible to do so it might be wise to substitute this for another product in the range - sulphates are powerful irritants, and can trigger eczema/ cause dermatitis in some individuals. Obviously when you are using such an aggressive routine your skin barrier is damaged so these chemicals can trigger an inflamamtory response.

Like many people with eczema, I am sensitive to sulphates and even shampoo bubbles running down my arm trigger my elbow patch! No allergy, most of my skin appears normal and healthy. Sulphates are found in most shampoos, toothpastes, shower gels and hand soap so if you think these are causing a problem you should avoid letting these contact your face.

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