Need some clarification on Obagi
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Tue Aug 03, 2010 2:03 pm

I read on some posts about the skin peeling process of Obagi and some about the cream with hydroquinone in it. I guess I am interested in the product but has no idea what to get - do i get the whole kit or something? I only need to use it to get rid of a dark spot(hyperpigmentation) on my face and would like to know what to buy to help me resolve it. I am asian. thanks

free skin care · Tue Aug 03, 2010 2:15 pm

The Obagi NuDerm system uses a combination of retin-A, hydroquinone, and glycolic or phytic acid to reduce hyperpigmentation (in addition to achieving other age-reversing benefits). The kit includes 6 products + the retin-A and while Obagi Clear is the one 'designated' as the one to address hyperpigmentation, 2 of the other products in the kit (Blender, which is mixed/blended with the retin-A, and Sunfader) also have HQ in it. While you could use just the Clear, you would not achieve the same results and the process would take longer. The products in the system truly are mean to be used in conjunction with each other in order to achieve the best results.

Wed Aug 04, 2010 6:27 am

ok, so basically if i just buy the package i will be "set"? What other side items i need for hyperpigmentation? I dont recall my skin ever peeling with hydroquinone so it is one of the products that's causing it? thanks!

Wed Aug 04, 2010 1:35 pm

and where is the best place to get the set? on the website's product page it lists different packages like restore/clear ? i am kinda confused which package to get ....thanks

Thu Aug 05, 2010 6:51 am

i checked out the obagi product page here too.. there are quite a few items under "nuderm". I also searched online a bit and found a "starter kit" for obagi nu-derm that has:
- Gentle Cleanser 6.7 fl. oz
- Toner - 6.7 fl. oz
- Clear - 2 oz (57g)
- Exfoderm - 2 oz. (57g)
- Blender - 2 oz. (57g)
- Sunfader - 2 oz. (57g)
- Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35 - 1 oz.
- Travel Bag

for like 370$ is this the one i need or that's too many? i am really lost in here... thanks!

free skin care · Thu Aug 05, 2010 7:13 am

You will only need the first five Very Happy

And then use your own sunblock.

If you are shopper on a budget, then the most important products are: Obagi Clear, Exfoderm and Blender.

Thu Aug 05, 2010 10:03 am

oh i certainly am on a budget but am willing to spend some more to get rid of the pigmentation though. I will get the ones you suggest - is there instruction on what to put first/second etc.? maybe suggest me a morning/night routine i can easily follow Smile

? thanks!

free skin care · Thu Aug 05, 2010 6:27 pm

The products are numbered to indicate the order in which they are applied and also included an indication of whether they should be used in the am, pm, or both. The protocol is:

AM
Cleanser
Toner
Clear 1 gram
Exofoderm 1/2 gram
Sunfader or other sunscreen of your choice

PM
Cleanser
Toner
Clear 1 gram
Blender 1/2 gram mixed with retin A 1/2 gram to 1 gram

Thu Aug 05, 2010 10:25 pm

To come out from the problem of dark spots or any other you can get Obagi NuDerm system treatment. This is a good one to resolve your problems because many have tried it and got the results.

Fri Aug 06, 2010 7:04 am

nice. i will get those items - any good place to get them for cheap?

Also, i work indoors so do I still need to wear sunblock or no? and the higher the number the better right?

free skin care · Fri Aug 06, 2010 5:28 pm

I am 58, did the system last winter, several posts on here i made, if you only have one spot, i do not think you need the whole system, the blender, retin-a, and clear , is all you need.

free skin care · Sat Aug 07, 2010 5:33 am

EDS sells the products here and you also get a discount for being a forum member.

Yes, you still need to use a sunscreen even though you work indoors. You are still exposed to sun when walking to/from car, even if minimal. Sun damage is cumulative to better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, the retin A makes you hypersensitive to the sun. If you don't use sunscreen, the hyperpigmentation will come back quickly.

I missed your original post where you said you only have 1 spot. The previous poster does have a valid point. However, it is a fact that the entire system will be more effective than just a few products alone. Also, Obagi isn't just for hyperpigmentation. It will also help with fine lines/wrinkles, skin texture, and will help skin build collagen. It's up to you to decide on the cost/benefit. I do, however, think that the exfoderm is an important product to have, not just for the hyperpigmentation but it's an exfoliant, which is a good item to have in anyone's skincare routine.

And yes, the higher the SPF number, the more protection it has. However, I would make sure that whatever sunscreen you choose is broad spectrum. Don't rely on the SPF number alone--read the ingredients.

Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:17 am

well does it matter for the size of the spot? size wise an estimate could be the size of a bottle cap of a 1 liter soda. it is not entirely round but i think it is a good estimate - also an estimate would be maybe the caps for 60 pill containers.... Will the Obagi fix that or it is for "finer" spots? thanks!

free skin care · Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:12 pm

Size of discoloration is irrelevant. Has more to do with severity and type (melasma doesn't respond as well).

free skin care · Tue Aug 10, 2010 6:39 am

i suggust you use one set.

Tue Aug 10, 2010 6:47 am

Ok, i called my dermatologist and apparently he evaluated my patch on my face as "nevus". Is this "better" than "melasma" in terms of being treated by obagi or any other products that might be more suited for it? thanks!

free skin care · Tue Aug 10, 2010 12:47 pm

magic2010 wrote:

Ok, i called my dermatologist and apparently he evaluated my patch on my face as "nevus". Is this "better" than "melasma" in terms of being treated by obagi or any other products that might be more suited for it? thanks!

A nevus is a mole and Obagi will not work on moles. You will have to see the derm to get that removed it if bothers you.

Wed Aug 11, 2010 7:57 am

well i dont think it is a mole? Mole protrudes out and can be cut right? I am thinking of seeing a dermatologist next week for another opinion... Maybe ask him about Obagi too? I am just kinda tired of people saying "did you get into a fight or something" when they see my spot..

i did find a picture through googling on word melasma that kinda fits what i have (but cant post here...)...

free skin care · Wed Aug 11, 2010 9:54 am

magic2010 wrote:

well i dont think it is a mole? Mole protrudes out and can be cut right? I am thinking of seeing a dermatologist next week for another opinion... Maybe ask him about Obagi too? I am just kinda tired of people saying "did you get into a fight or something" when they see my spot..

i did find a picture through googling on word melasma that kinda fits what i have (but cant post here...)...

No, a lot of moles do not protrude. Best to get another opinion if you don't think you have a nevus.

Wed Aug 11, 2010 1:45 pm

ok. i will ask next wednesday. it is ridiculous some dermatologists here have loooong wait lines into next jan/april Sad

. Hopefully this guy can help me out at least identify what is wrong then i can try fix it.

Also, i have been reading alot about the redness of skin with Nuderm - up to like 4 months? is it much more noticeable than the hyperpigmentation? Also it seems the culprit is the Exofoderm - can that be skipped or i need it for hyperpigmentation? Also, what is good brand for Retin A? is that from obagi the best?

free skin care · Wed Aug 11, 2010 2:44 pm

magic2010 wrote:

ok. i will ask next wednesday. it is ridiculous some dermatologists here have loooong wait lines into next jan/april Sad

. Hopefully this guy can help me out at least identify what is wrong then i can try fix it.

Also, i have been reading alot about the redness of skin with Nuderm - up to like 4 months? is it much more noticeable than the hyperpigmentation? Also it seems the culprit is the Exofoderm - can that be skipped or i need it for hyperpigmentation? Also, what is good brand for Retin A? is that from obagi the best?

I hope you get the spot identified, as well!

It is usually the Exfoderm, but is can be caused by the Clear, as well, and sometimes Retin A can make one red. I think the redness is way more noticeable than the pigmentation, but that is just my opinion. You need to use all the products for the system to work the best, but especially for the first 6-8 weeks. You can get any generic Retin A. Cream is for dryer skin and the gel is for more oily skin but the gel can be harsh. And, if you are going to be on Nu Derm, you need to use the cream, as the Blender was designed to be used with a cream base. Good luck!

free skin care · Wed Aug 11, 2010 4:18 pm

rileygirl wrote:

magic2010 wrote:

well i dont think it is a mole? Mole protrudes out and can be cut right? I am thinking of seeing a dermatologist next week for another opinion... Maybe ask him about Obagi too? I am just kinda tired of people saying "did you get into a fight or something" when they see my spot..

i did find a picture through googling on word melasma that kinda fits what i have (but cant post here...)...

No, a lot of moles do not protrude. Best to get another opinion if you don't think you have a nevus.

Absolutely moles can be totally flat, I have a few small dark ones on my legs that I have had as long as I can recall and I am 56 so I know they haven't changed at all!

Here is one link about nevus with pictures and descriptions as there are a few types. You can also google nevus and check images and there are many to look at for comparison to what you have. Smile

http://www.skinsight.com/adult/nevus.htm

free skin care · Wed Aug 11, 2010 4:43 pm

The redness is a funny thing. In the beginning, the redness can be pretty bad and very noticeable, primarily because it's your entire face. However, mid way through when the redness becomes more moderate, it is apparent to yourself but not necessarily to others unless they look at your neck. I would warn people right away and say, 'my face is pretty red' and they would say that they didn't notice. I would then tell them look at my neck and seeing the contrast is when they would see how red it was, but if they are just looking at your face, it's not that bad.

Thu Aug 12, 2010 6:47 am

its_kristy wrote:

The redness is a funny thing. In the beginning, the redness can be pretty bad and very noticeable, primarily because it's your entire face. However, mid way through when the redness becomes more moderate, it is apparent to yourself but not necessarily to others unless they look at your neck. I would warn people right away and say, 'my face is pretty red' and they would say that they didn't notice. I would then tell them look at my neck and seeing the contrast is when they would see how red it was, but if they are just looking at your face, it's not that bad.

what do you mean my entire face? do i not just apply the creams on the affected area?

free skin care · Thu Aug 12, 2010 6:05 pm

Well, the intended application for Nu-Derm is to apply on entire face. Most people don't have localized areas of hyperpigmentation and aside from wanting removal of such, are also wanting the added benefits of firmer skin, fewer fine lines, and younger looking skin all over their face, not just localized spots. Applying to just the areas you want would work on those areas, although I have not really heard of people doing so.

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