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Fri Jan 02, 2009 1:58 pm  |
Can anyone help? I'm in my late 40s and years of sun damage (field research in the tropics!)are catching up all at once. I've been using Retin A for about 6 months, and think I need a jump start. Does anyone have experience with these two systems? I wonder if the ZO will actually be less effective because it's not a prescription retinoid - I like the idea of continuing with retin a as part of Obagi, but I want to do whatever is best for anti-aging. Thank you so much for any advice  |
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Fri Jan 02, 2009 2:27 pm |
| Most people here that use the ZO have done the full term with the Obgai most under a dr supervision. I can say that I have done the NuDerm system with great success last year and not incorporate some of the ZO products into my maintenance routine. If deciding on Obagi PLEASE do not attempt yourself. |
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Turned 50 in Feb 09 skin looks and feels like early 40's use SS everyday and oil free foundation. Normal/combo sensative skin WHAT A COMBO |
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Fri Jan 02, 2009 2:46 pm |
Vigirl,
If you have hyperpigmentation problems, then you would want to go with Nu Derm, which focuses on bleaching and blending your spots away (along with a lot of peeling and redness!) It is a pretty hardcore system...18 to 24 weeks of JUST Nu Derm products, and your skin may be pretty irritated throughout much of it. But at the end of it, you will look like you have new skin! Rileygirl is our resident expert on Nu Derm if you choose to go that route.
If you don't have significant hyperpigmentation, and are just looking for skin rejuvenation, the ZO Radical Night Repair is a great product. However, it is NOT as strong as Retin A. The ZO RNR does contain other ingredients that are essential to skin remodeling, like Vit C...you will need to add Vit C separately if you stick with the RA.
I personally can't tolerate RA every night, so I use RA on 2 or 3 nights a week, and use the ZO RNR the rest of the nights. That keeps my skin turning over regularly (and zits away), but without me looking red and peely all the time.
If you stick with the RA daily, you might want to think about adding one of the other ZO products...the ZO Growth Factor Serum is my favorite if you are looking to aggressively remodel your skin (and frequent usage of RA is pretty aggressive!).
Lastly, if you have hyperpigmentation and don't want to go the aggressive Nu Derm route, you do have other options. I added Vivite Vibrance (a non-hydroquinone lightener) to my program and have had very good results.
If you can fill us in a little more of your exact problems, what strength of RA you are using and how often, and if you are still out in the sun daily, we can provide more info for you. 
HTH! |
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No longer answering PM's due to numerous weird messages. |
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Fri Jan 02, 2009 3:38 pm |
Thank you! I'm back and forth between Connecticut gloom and Caribbean sun - I got a slight sunburn on my face today just running errands, with SPF 70  I use .05% RA, prescribed by my GP, who also does Obagi. He has a tendency to humor me, though, so I though I'd better do a little research first. I have always had freckles (I played Peppermint Patty in grade school, but they seem to be more persistent - not major hyperpigmentation, but the start of. And fine lines that seem to multiply daily. And breakouts once in a while. I like the idea of maybe combining ZO with RA, but wonder if it makes sense to do the NuDerm while the hyperpigmentation is still fairly new... Thank you again for your help! |
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Fri Jan 02, 2009 4:30 pm |
| Which sunblock do you use? I live an equatorial climate and I find that Avene emulsion SPF50 gives me good lasting protection throughout the day. The sunblocking chemicals (Tinosorb M and S) are very stable. They have been proven to remain stable for up to 10 hours. Other sunblocks which contain avobenzone are not as stable. And I try to avoid those which contain alcohol denat (denatured alcohol) because I feel that they aggravate any fine lines in my face due to the dehydrating effect of the alcohol. |
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Fri Jan 02, 2009 5:04 pm |
| vigirl wrote: |
| Thank you! I'm back and forth between Connecticut gloom and Caribbean sun - I got a slight sunburn on my face today just running errands, with SPF 70 I use .05% RA, prescribed by my GP, who also does Obagi. He has a tendency to humor me, though, so I though I'd better do a little research first. I have always had freckles (I played Peppermint Patty in grade school, but they seem to be more persistent - not major hyperpigmentation, but the start of. And fine lines that seem to multiply daily. And breakouts once in a while. I like the idea of maybe combining ZO with RA, but wonder if it makes sense to do the NuDerm while the hyperpigmentation is still fairly new... Thank you again for your help! |
You will undoubtedly get the best results from Nu Derm, but you may think you are in hell while you are on it, lol.
However, knowing that you are still exposed to the sun regularly, I am not certain that a hydroquinone based solution would be best for you. 
Hopefully Rileygirl will weigh in here. |
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No longer answering PM's due to numerous weird messages. |
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Fri Jan 02, 2009 5:06 pm |
| For a person with sun damage, I would really recommend using the Nu Derm products. It is a great regimen that goes to work in the deeper levels of your skin to give you healthier skin, overall. The ZO line is great, and I think the products are top notch with the newest ingredients for anti-aging. My 2 cents would be to complete a course of Nu Derm through your derm to get rid of the sun damage you have, and then incorporate the ZO products in to your maintenance so you get the best of both worlds! |
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Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:24 pm |
Riley - What do you think about the hydroquinone and Vi still being out in the Caribbean sun? The RA in the sun is bad enough, but I don't feel good about the possiblity of rebound pigmentation in that case.
Vigirl - That is something you may wish to look into further before making any final decisions.
I would also recommend doing LOTS of reading up on Nu Derm if you go that route so that you understand exactly what you are getting into. Lots of people start it and have no idea that they are going to look like snakes losing their skin for 6 weeks (or more), and may be extremely red as well. But if you can stick with it, you will have awesome skin when it's over. |
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No longer answering PM's due to numerous weird messages. |
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Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:55 pm |
| bethany wrote: |
Riley - What do you think about the hydroquinone and Vi still being out in the Caribbean sun? The RA in the sun is bad enough, but I don't feel good about the possiblity of rebound pigmentation in that case.
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I think it depends how long she is in the sun. She would have to wear a good hat at all times, reapply sunscreen every few hours, and really just be diligent at protecting herself when out in the sun. Living in FL, I can't avoid the sun either, and I still use Nu Derm. I just wear my ZO sunscreen (the best), wear a hat if I am going to be out for more than 10-15 minutes, and generally just try to be extra diligent at sun protection. |
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Sat Jan 03, 2009 11:50 am |
im a big faithful follower of obagi nu derm for almost 4 years. i had a lot of hyperpigmentation and it completely reversed it.
if i am not using the nu derm obagi full time and full strength, i am using it as my maintenance routine 3x/week and half strength retin a (.05)
i live in california and wear tons of sunscreen,caps and hats
i cant weigh in with ZO skincare cus i have yet to try it myself even though i'm the one who posted the original thread about that product line. go figure! |
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Sat Jan 03, 2009 12:00 pm |
| rileygirl wrote: |
| For a person with sun damage, I would really recommend using the Nu Derm products. It is a great regimen that goes to work in the deeper levels of your skin to give you healthier skin, overall. The ZO line is great, and I think the products are top notch with the newest ingredients for anti-aging. My 2 cents would be to complete a course of Nu Derm through your derm to get rid of the sun damage you have, and then incorporate the ZO products in to your maintenance so you get the best of both worlds! |
I agree with Rileygirl. I did Nu Derm first then once I was on maintenance I added some Zo products. |
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Mon Jan 05, 2009 9:31 am |
Thank you to all for your help! I'll talk to my doc a while, and then think about ZO for later.
Is it just me, or does anyone else find that ZO lady with the boxing gloves to be a little scary? |
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Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:44 am |
| vigirl wrote: |
| Is it just me, or does anyone else find that ZO lady with the boxing gloves to be a little scary? |
It's not just you, lol. |
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No longer answering PM's due to numerous weird messages. |
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Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:23 am |
Couldn't figure out how to edit - what my previous post was supposed to say after the thank you part was that I'll talk to my doc about doing NuDerm when I'm going to be in CT for a while, then follow up w/ZO maybe later. That and the stuff about the scary ZO lady, but that seems to have made it through  |
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Mon Jan 05, 2009 4:06 pm |
I think its OK to use NuDerm even if you are live in a very sunny climate BUT you first need to find a good sunscreen that works for you. I would not even bother with NuDerm if you haven't found a great sunscreen yet. Try out one with Tinsorb like Avene Emulsion or a Mexoryl based one like La Roche Posay Anthelios. Zinc oxide is also good but can sometimes leave a white cast. Anywho, try out these sunscreens and see which work well for you. Then, you should start NuDerm if you want. I really think that 80% of the battle is avoiding the sun.
Also remember that most people dont apply enough. Use at least one quarter teaspoon for your face which is actually quite a bit if you measure it out. I always find it funny when people apply a Retin A-sized pea of sunscreen  I just slather the stuff on as if my life depends on it. |
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Tue Jan 06, 2009 5:40 am |
Hello Ladies! HELP! I have been reading all about the Obagi Nuderm system. And Obagi ZO system. But I have 2 problems. One, I live in Australia, and in Southern Australia which is the driest, harshest state in Australia, and the world. SUN SUN SUN has been both my friend and foe. So major pigmentation/freckles. I am 38 years old. And 2nd problem, No one stocks Obagi virtually in Australia. No one at all in South Australia. Therefore no derm at all. So how do we know what to buy!!!! I have read the recommendations to ONLY use this program under supervision. There is one derm in Melbourne that stocks Obagi, but a starter kit is almost $700. YES thats $700 for the basic STARTER kit! And EDS dont send this product to Australia??? But, luckily, my friend lives in the states and I visit often, so I can get it. Ohh, I need help! This seems like the program for us pigmentated, ruined Aussies..but no suppliers. (strange EDS cant send to OZ)! Please help with recommendations. My skin is dry, no acne, pigmentated (freckles). Thank you Ladies!!!!  |
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Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:25 am |
| Happygal, get the Nu Derm kit for dry skin. You can definitely order the products on line, if not at EDS, there are other places. If you do your research and read all you can about the process, the right way to use the products, etc. (which is all here on this forum!), then you should be able to use the system just fine. There are a lot of people who don't go to a derm to use the system (though that is really best so they can monitor your skin!). |
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