Obagi for a brown-skinned girl
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Mon Feb 07, 2005 10:32 am

I'm seriously considering starting an Obagi regimen to fade previous acne-brown-spots, and to even out my skin tone, and hopefully see some overall improvement in my complexion.

I have heard that Obagi works best for very fair skinned people. I'm concerned about the things that could go wrong using Obagi with my skin type (scarring or hyerpigmentation are my main concerns) but would also like to hear any success stories of Black women or dark skinned women who've used the product. Any feedback from darker skinned people who've used Obagi is welcome.

I'm posting pictures to give an idea of what my complexion is like; light brown and it scars easily and for a long time.

thanks for any comments

i'm consulting a dermatologist later this week for her suggestions. i've already consulted with one who thinks that Obagi could be okay, especially if i went slowly and carefully.

free skin care · Mon Feb 07, 2005 1:09 pm

wish I could comment, but I don't have any experience with obagi! All I suggest is to follow your dermatologists instructions and take a conservative approach. The products with Hydroquinone are the ones that might cause pigmentation problems.

free skin care · Mon Feb 07, 2005 5:19 pm

I am an avid Obagi fan and user but sorry cant help with your question. My guess is that it will work as well for your skin as it did mine. I suggest you wait and see what your derm says and go from there.

I remember doing a search for Obagi and coming up with a few forums, maybe you might find someone there with a similar situation.

Good lucl

free skin care · Mon Feb 07, 2005 5:43 pm

Hi Captain lola, I'm in a similar situation to you. I have a coffee-ish skin tone and my spots leave scars behind. I'm looking for the ultimate scar removing product.

I'm sorry that I can't give you any advice about Obagi, but it sounds as if it's worth doing some reseach on this brand to see what it does/doesn't do. If I find any useful info about Obagi, I'll post the info asap.

free skin care · Mon Feb 07, 2005 6:08 pm

Just did a quick search on some of the previous posts on Obagi on the forum and it looks as though some people love this stuff, but others may have found it too harsh.

I know I haven't done a thorough search...but Obagi products sound like a serious skin care regime and a lot of people report that they have really red and peeling skin on initial use, which may then subside with time. I must be honest, although I'm desperate to get rid of my scars, I'm not sure if I want to use something as harsh as Obagi. It contains hydroquinone and I'v heard some people question the safety of using this ingredient on the skin.

free skin care · Mon Feb 07, 2005 9:07 pm

Captain Lola,
This subject (dark skin & obaji)came up on another discussion board but unfortunately all the posts were deleted when they changed their URL so we can't do a search BUT
Post the question here:
http://www.spectacularskin.com/cgi-bin/forum/index.cgi
Alot of visitors & alot of Obaji veterans too.
hth Smile

By the way, you look very pretty.

free skin care · Mon Feb 07, 2005 10:36 pm

captain lola, first off, you are a lovely lady!

I've been using Obagi NuDerm Clear since Jan 24th with a different cleanser, toner and moisturizer. It's powerful stuff, I've seen results already after two weeks. I haven't, however, seen a doc about the product so I don't feel all that great using it. It is strong and I do believe it's more like a medicine than regular skincare products.

I'm glad you are seeing a derm, please post what he/she says.

Thu Feb 10, 2005 8:12 am

Lolli wrote:

captain lola, first off, you are a lovely lady!

I've been using Obagi NuDerm Clear since Jan 24th with a different cleanser, toner and moisturizer. It's powerful stuff, I've seen results already after two weeks. I haven't, however, seen a doc about the product so I don't feel all that great using it. It is strong and I do believe it's more like a medicine than regular skincare products.

I'm glad you are seeing a derm, please post what he/she says.

Hi Lolli, I consulted my regular derm yesterday, but she didn't have much to tell me about Obagi at all. I guess because she doesn't distribute it, she didn't really have an interest or knowledge about the product. (By the way...if anyone knows of a good dermatologist in Toronto please feel free to PM me!)

That you had results so quickly gives me more hope than it gives me fear..."out, out damned spot! Smile

" Considering what Yazzy and lianne and SherriinCanada are saying here too, it's be worthwhile for me to find a derm who has more knowledge about it before starting Obagi.

If I find one with useful information I'll definitely share it here. The more field notes the better, for sure.

Thu Feb 10, 2005 8:12 am

queenpedauque wrote:

Captain Lola,
This subject (dark skin & obaji)came up on another discussion board but unfortunately all the posts were deleted when they changed their URL so we can't do a search BUT
Post the question here:
http://www.spectacularskin.com/cgi-bin/forum/index.cgi
Alot of visitors & alot of Obaji veterans too.
hth Smile

By the way, you look very pretty.

Thanks for this tip queenpedauque.

thanks for the compliments (queenpedauque Very Happy

lolli

), i'll feel a lot more attractive when these scars are gone.

Wed Mar 02, 2005 11:13 pm

Lola,

I am an A.A woman with medium brown skin and I love Obagi Nu-derm.

I began using the product in 2003. I went to my P.S. office requesting info on the blue peel and was told I didn't need it. I was told to give the Nu-derm system a try and was initially quite skeptical.
I had a terrible dark scar on my face that I was self-conscious about.
I wanted the peel but they insisted I try the products first and I'm so glad I did.

Within a month my skin was clear and radiant and I got compliments all the time--especially from friends and family--but more importantly, I saw a difference almost immediately and every day (excluding the "out with the old" period where I looked red, peely and all around yucky...lol)was better than the last.

My skin was so awesome that when I ran out of the products I figured I could just use dept. store stuff but after a few months I realized this was a big mistake.

I just got a new kit this week and this is night 2 . There are already appreciable changes in my skin texture although my skin isn't in nearly as bad a shape as it was when I first tried the products.

I say go for it Lola.
If you do opt to use Obagi, do keep a photo journalof your progress. You will be amazed.

Daun

Sat Apr 30, 2005 3:01 pm

There was another thread on Obagi that I replied to but I will tell you that even though I am light -skinned, it started to make me fair skinned! I used to much of it so it didn't last , but I tell you this because I think if you hang in there, it will begin to take. The darker your skin is, the more resistant it will be, so try to be patient and see what results come about. Hope I helped you out!

D.O.D

free skin care · Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:12 pm

yes I had just responded to a similar topic as well. My mother is a dermatologist and she does not promote the use of Obagi and definitely not on darker skin. The way obagi works is really through the high concentrations (that tend to burn people) and it can definitely lighten darker skinned people. It definitely can help some people, but its more for fair skin. I would look for another product for your needs....

Sun May 01, 2005 9:51 am

dutchess of dollz wrote:

There was another thread on Obagi that I replied to but I will tell you that even though I am light -skinned, it started to make me fair skinned! I used to much of it so it didn't last , but I tell you this because I think if you hang in there, it will begin to take. The darker your skin is, the more resistant it will be, so try to be patient and see what results come about. Hope I helped you out!

D.O.D

Ha ha, this is exactly what I don't want. I like my brown complexion, I just want to fade out some small brown spots and hyperpigmented scarring.
Thanks anyhow..

free skin care · Sun May 01, 2005 5:39 pm

Hello, captain lola! Smile

Your pics didn't load up for me, but I have medium colored skin. In terms of foundation, I've been matched to a mix of Stila D/E, MAC NC37/40, Aromaleigh 3Y/3N, and Vincent Longo Sandy Beige. My color is similar to Jennifer Lopez or Mariah Carey.

I just started the Obagi system and I am on my 3rd day. At the medi spa where I got my system from, the esthetician sold me the "Dark Skin" kit. I had no idea there was a dark skin kit in the first place since the products don't say anything about it on them. She looked at my skin and didn't say anything about any problems that I might have on the system. I'll definitely post an update if anything new happens to my skin, but so far, I have only recently noticed new breakouts. There is no redness or peeling yet or any new hyperpigmentaion, but it is still early.

Mon Aug 10, 2009 11:14 pm

hi girls im of an indian back around my skins medium brown, i so desparately want to look more middle eastern or oriental in skin colour can anyone help i want to whiten my face a good few shades how do i do this without using hydroquinone, as i dont want to use that too scared of the consequences later, ive spent £1000 of my hard earned money but nothing worked,so u can imagine how many whitening creams and serums ive been though please help

free skin care · Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:23 am

sophie123 wrote:

hi girls im of an indian back around my skins medium brown, i so desparately want to look more middle eastern or oriental in skin colour can anyone help i want to whiten my face a good few shades how do i do this without using hydroquinone, as i dont want to use that too scared of the consequences later, ive spent £1000 of my hard earned money but nothing worked,so u can imagine how many whitening creams and serums ive been though please help

Obagi is used to erase scarring, wrinkles etc so if you have clear skin it will not help you. The people that have experienced lighter skin were that shade anyway underneath all the spots, marks and scars.

There is a reason why nothing has worked on your skin lightening quest even though you have spent £1000, and that is because if you were born the shade you are then you will pretty much stay that way ( Micheal Jackson withstanding).

Tue Aug 11, 2009 3:05 pm

how come? i thought it was possible to whiten dark skin a few shades aslong as its not black skin, im an medium indian brown skin just want to go a few shades lighter,is it impossible to ever be lighter than the colour ur born with? please excuse my ignorance im just very disappointed and dont know much about this

Thu Aug 13, 2009 1:01 am

sophie123 wrote:

how come? i thought it was possible to whiten dark skin a few shades aslong as its not black skin, im an medium indian brown skin just want to go a few shades lighter,is it impossible to ever be lighter than the colour ur born with? please excuse my ignorance im just very disappointed and dont know much about this

I'm going to chime in here. As Lifecoach eloquently stated; Obagi is for people with sun damaged/acne or those with pigment problems such as hyperpigmentation or melasma.

Due to the hydroquinone in the Clear and Blender, which does lighten the skin. People with dark skin such as Latinos, Arabs, Asians, Indians and African Americans whose skin tones ranges from literally black to nearly white can used Obagi. However, they must be careful or we'll look like a walking chalk board.

I know you know what I'm talking about...

If you have no issues with skin problems as stated above; all you want to do is just bleach your skin to a lighter color to look like another race, then the problem is self, in my opinion.

Natural products such as glycolic, kojic or lactic acid are skin brighteners to have the skin looks its best.

Nothing will work unless you use high levels of hydroquinone and plastic surgery.

Schmo

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