Using Obagi and Retin-A Gel
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Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:02 am

Hi everyone! I am new here and have been reading and learning so much!
Just started Obagi Nu Derm and am wondering if it's o.k to use retin a gel? I thought I read a while back before I started Obagi that Retin A should be in cream form. Is this true or does it matter? I have Retin A Gel in 1.0% and it sets my face on fire and makes it so tight in the morning!

BTW, I have been using Retin-A for years!

Thanks for any information

free skin care · Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:39 am

evansmama, the recommendation is for the cream, as the Blender was meant to be used with tretinoin cream. The problem is the gel usually does not mix well with the cream. But, try it with the RA gel and see if you can get the 2 to mix. If they mix well for you, then go for it. If they don't mix well, I think you will need the RA cream. Good luck.

Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:00 pm

Thank you so much for the reply. I will try them together. I have been putting the Retin-A gel on first, then the Blender...is that wrong? I have read that it's o.k to do that but if it's not, I'd rather do it the right way.

free skin care · Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:15 pm

evansmama wrote:

Thank you so much for the reply. I will try them together. I have been putting the Retin-A gel on first, then the Blender...is that wrong? I have read that it's o.k to do that but if it's not, I'd rather do it the right way.

That is wrong, you need to mix 1 gram of Retin A with 1/2 gram of blender in the palm of your hand or on the back of your hand, and then apply the mixture.

free skin care · Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:52 pm

Hi Evansmama,
Since you've been using Retin a for a long time, you may not have as much redness, irritation, and peeling like those of us who were new to RA. Good luck with Obagi!

Fri Oct 16, 2009 8:25 pm

Thanks so much for the info everyone! I am not peeling anywhere except my chin. I have noticed my freckles are already getting lighter and it's only my second week.
Does the soreness, redness,and pain get easier or is it constant for 18 weeks? How will I know when I should go on maintenance? I'm doing this on my own because I'm 45 and wanting to improve my complexion...mostly freckles and fine lines.

free skin care · Fri Oct 16, 2009 8:34 pm

The redness and soreness gets better as you get further along. Although I'll have to say that I did remain pretty red for quite a while.

I think it's a good idea to do the full 18 weeks of Nuderm to get the best results and then go on maintenance after that. I ended up doing almost 28 weeks and have just recently started maintenance.

I think it's great that you're already seeing some results after only two weeks! It took me a long time to really see any progress.

Although I'm pretty pleased with my results overall, there are still a few areas I'd like to improve on. Stay with it!

Sat Oct 17, 2009 7:38 am

I did try mixing the RA Gel and Blender last night and it mixed great! Thanks so much for the advise everyone!
I guess the only product I don't like in Obagi is the Healthy Skin Sunscreen(or whatever it's called). It really turns my face white and shows the dryness more. I got a sample of the ZO Oclipse Sunscreen and Primer but I haven't tried it yet. It looks and feels great though.

Sun Oct 18, 2009 12:28 am

I am on week 10 on Obagi Nu derm and I am having the same problem with the sunscreens! The one that works best with my skin at the moment is Lancaster SPF 30 - but I guess this is a chemical sunscreen ... I think the reason it feels good and sinks in well is that is very moisturising compared to the physical ones. They make me look white and chapped as they show the broken and dry skin Embarassed

Mon Oct 19, 2009 8:34 am

Is it o.k to use other brand name sunscreens while on Obagi? I just tried the ZO Oclipse and I don't like it either. It felt great and has a little tint to it but I felt it made me look dead or something.
Also, my skin was really dry to begin with and now I can hardly move my face.

Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:17 pm

evansmama wrote:

Is it o.k to use other brand name sunscreens while on Obagi?

Lets hope some of the experienced Obagi users out there knows?

free skin care · Mon Oct 19, 2009 1:39 pm

evansmama wrote:

Is it o.k to use other brand name sunscreens while on Obagi? I just tried the ZO Oclipse and I don't like it either. It felt great and has a little tint to it but I felt it made me look dead or something.
Also, my skin was really dry to begin with and now I can hardly move my face.

Perfectly fine to use other sunscreens. It does not have to be Obagi sunscreen. That will be a trial and error for sure! It is really hard to find a good sunscreen. My nurse like Anthelios, but I freckled/tanned right through that stuff!

Mon Oct 19, 2009 5:04 pm

Rileygirl, may I ask what sunscreen you use? My freckles are what I'm trying to get rid of with Obagi and my skin is extremely dry. Definitely don't want the sun to break through!

free skin care · Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:31 pm

evansmama wrote:

Rileygirl, may I ask what sunscreen you use? My freckles are what I'm trying to get rid of with Obagi and my skin is extremely dry. Definitely don't want the sun to break through!

When I was using Nu Derm, I used Dr. Lewinn's sunscreen. It is a thick paste, but it was the only thing that worked at keeping my freckles gone while using the hydroquinone. It is not an elegant sunscreen, to be honest with you, but it works (or at least for me) like no other when on harsh products. It will probably make your face shiny/greasy looking, but you could use a mineral powder on top to sop up some of that shine! Very Happy

free skin care · Mon Oct 19, 2009 9:02 pm

Hi Evansmama and Blue Skies,
I used (and still do) the NIA 24 Sunscreen. It's a physical sunscreen with minerals that worked well with Obagi. I used it during the summer while on Nuderm and did not get any new freckles/hyperpigmentation. It also has a white cast but does soak in pretty well.

Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:46 am

kims wrote:

Hi Evansmama and Blue Skies,
I used (and still do) the NIA 24 Sunscreen. It's a physical sunscreen with minerals that worked well with Obagi. I used it during the summer while on Nuderm and did not get any new freckles/hyperpigmentation. It also has a white cast but does soak in pretty well.

I have NIA 24 but it only works or sinks in when my skin is good (or on days off nu derm). Most days on Nu derm my skin looks very dry and cracked when I apply NIA 24, and it leaves white lines in the dry areas. The only SSC that works these obagidays is Lancaster SSC 30, and it has a lot of moisture (don't really know how well it protects from the sun as it is autumn and the sun is not strong in Norway Very Happy

Tue Oct 20, 2009 6:32 am

Thanks so much everyone! My skin is extremely dry even without using Obagi and you should see it now! If I don't put Obagi SS on, my face doesn't show the dryness and peeling on my chin but the minute I put on the SS I look horrible. My husband actually feels sorry for me. If I didn't have to leave my house, I wouldn't wear SS. But I know it is crucial. I will have to find Lancaster somewhere...I've never heard of it.

free skin care · Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:16 am

Good luck ladies with the sunscreen! The "ObagiFace" isn't always a pleasant sight, but it does get better! Confused

Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:39 am

This is Lancaster:

http://www.lancaster-beauty.com

I use Lancaster Sun Beauty Care SPF30, but I see there is a SPF 50 as well, will buy it next time! If Lancaster spf 30 offers enough protection, I don't know, but it is ok for my climate now.

free skin care · Tue Oct 20, 2009 3:46 pm

DEVITA SOLAR 30, THEY ALSO HAVE A BODY 50, WHICH I HAVE NOT USED, BUT PEOPLE SEEM TO LIKE IT, NO WHITE CAST.

free skin care · Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:11 am

On Retin A, what % is good, 0.5% or 1%?

free skin care · Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:38 am

[quote="Drsunmei"]On Retin A, what % is good, 0.5% or 1%?[/quot

If you have never used a retinoid before, I would suggest you start using 0.025% and as your skin acclimates, you can move up. My understanding is 0.1% is usually prescribed for people dealing with acne and can be very harsh.

Fri Oct 23, 2009 11:07 am

Hi ladies
I am new to forums and to be honest am not sure where this message is going to end up!

I have bought the NuDerm starter kit and have been reading posts, working up to getting started.

Tell me if you Obaji veterans think I'm crazy - I am having my second IPL with Levulan treatment in 5 days, and plan to start the Obaji two weeks after the IPL (about mid November). I have a family vacation to St Maarten (Carribbean) booked for 10 days at Christmas. Is this a big mistake?

I've never used Retin A before, I bought the .025% to start. I hate having flaky skin and really have to fight the urge to try to get the flakes off!

I've done the IPL with Levulan to deal with oiliness, sun damage and tendency for bumps (I'm 50). I dream of clear, glowing healthy skin!

Any advice is welcome!

free skin care · Fri Oct 23, 2009 3:34 pm

My own personal opinion is I would wait until after your vacation to start Obagi. You will definitely be in the thick of the redness/peeling, etc. phase around Christmas!

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