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Sun Dec 20, 2009 1:44 pm  |
| my skin is not terrible. I had some melasma that I have been trying to correct unsuccessfully using other products. My derm finally suggested Obagi to "knock it out once and for all." I started the nu-derm with retin-a 0.05% 3 nights ago and my face HURTS. its red, peeling and uncomfortable. I feel wary to go out in public because I look so odd. Will the results be worth all of this?? I hope so. I paid over $400 for the kit so I'll definitely see it through (I'm cheap like that) but for someone with skin that is not too bad, am I nuts to do this?? |
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Sun Dec 20, 2009 2:12 pm |
| does anyone know or have any advice re: using a clarisonic brush with the obagi products? is that a big no no?? |
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Sun Dec 20, 2009 5:57 pm |
| You could try spot testing your Clarasonic on the sensitive cycle with the sensitive brush. |
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I am from LI, New York, and enjoy reading and sometimes posting on beauty boards |
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Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:06 pm |
| I will try that, thanks. Gosh I look like I have a bad sunburn. I feel like a snake that's losing its skin! |
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Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:14 pm |
Hi Kerry,
I used a Clarisonic almost the entire time on Nuderm and it really worked to get rid of the flakies. I used it only at night and I do think it prepares your skin really well for the products. Sounds like you're having the typical "Obagiface" experience so far! I got really red and sore in the corners of my mouth and using a little Aquaphor really helped. I always tell new Obagi users to look over some of the older threads here at EDS. You'll be able to gain a lot of useful information and read about other people's experiences. It really helped me get through some of the rough spots. It's quite a journey with a lot of skin ups and downs but I think it's worth it in the end. While my skin is not perfect, I do think it's better than its pre-Obagi days.
Are you just dealing with melasma or do you have other issues as well? Good Luck and keep us posted! |
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50 Is definitely NOT nifty!! |
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Sun Dec 20, 2009 9:14 pm |
| hi Kim, thanks for your response! I have been eagerly reading through other posts and learning a lot. I swear, I am going to get my $400 worth with this system no matter what it takes! You know, my first car cost $400.. hard to believe.. anyhow, yes melasma is my big issue. I also have some fine lines and wrinkles (just turned 35) but no issues with acne right now. overall, my skin is OK - nothing to write home about. I'm hoping obagi will help even things out and allow me to forego foundation. based upon others' experiences, I feel confident that I will get there eventually. |
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Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:04 am |
I'm on my 5th week of the Obagi Nu Derm regime and my results have been amazing. I do use my clarasonic brush and it does help with the initial flaking. I didn't experience as much flaking and peeling as I had read from other users, but I think this was due to the fact I had been using Retin A for 4 months before I started Obagi and my skin had developed a level of tolerance. It's the Retin A that is the primary cause of the "terrible" initial red, peeling, sunburn stage. You may want to introduce the Retin A/ blender slowly into your regime. Also watch the amount being used as we can tend use more than we actually require. Obagi has a product called Tolereen which contains hydrocortisone which helps with the burning and redness. You don't need to buy their one, you can buy any hydrocortisone OTC. The first few weeks or even months for some are horrible and we question why we are even using this product, but persevere as the results will be worth it. When I started on Obagi I read as much as could from other users on this forum which has been a great source of information. It gave me so much feedback that it help me to really prepare myself for what to expect.
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Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:32 am |
| I forgot to mention that I started on Obagi to help with my mild melasma. I had 3 IPL treatment which only helped a little, then I started to hear about Obagi and their success rate and I live in Australia where this brand is unavailable so I had it shipped to me after doing alot of research. So the expensive and results so far, have been really worth it. Be gentle on your skin as the products are really intense. Hopefully you will get the great results I have and I haven't even finish the 18 week cycle recommended. |
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Mon Dec 21, 2009 7:25 am |
| Good for you, Fongflyer! Sounds like you're having great success! I think the Exfoderm is another cause for the redness etc. I never had to use the Tolereen, but others might find it beneficial. Thanks for your tips! |
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50 Is definitely NOT nifty!! |
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Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:32 pm |
| thanks for the tips! I'm wondering if I should back off on the trentinoin and apply it every other day instead of daily. Part of me is so eager for results though, I don't want to slow things down. |
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Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:17 pm |
| I think you'd be ok using the tretinoin every other night until your skin got better acclimated. You're already using 0.05% and a lot of us start at 0.025% and then work up. Remember, you've got 18 weeks of this and you will continually see improvements along the way! |
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50 Is definitely NOT nifty!! |
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Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:11 pm |
| Kerryshka wrote: |
| thanks for the tips! I'm wondering if I should back off on the trentinoin and apply it every other day instead of daily. Part of me is so eager for results though, I don't want to slow things down. |
I would talk to your derm and follow his/her advice. Did they give you a protocol to follow? |
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Wed Dec 23, 2009 3:01 am |
I would agree with Kims about slowly introducing the tretinion by using it every 2nd night. I think we all want results overnight but the Obgai system is a slow and patient one,
literally painstaking, its all about changing the cellular structure of the skin and this takes time. rileygirl is right, when in doubt and it doesn't feel right talk to your derm to ensure you are doing things right. |
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Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:13 pm |
| my derm said .05% tretinoin with the blender every night.. I havent called to see about backing off to every other day as I'm sure she would say that's fine. one thing I don't get is why I'm not supposed to use moisturizer. My skin is so dry and tight! I think I will call on Monday and ask this question. |
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Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:14 pm |
| also, the clairisonic is GREAT in the morning for gently brushing off the flakes!! |
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Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:51 pm |
| Kerryshka wrote: |
| my derm said .05% tretinoin with the blender every night.. I havent called to see about backing off to every other day as I'm sure she would say that's fine. one thing I don't get is why I'm not supposed to use moisturizer. My skin is so dry and tight! I think I will call on Monday and ask this question. |
The whole purpose of Nu Derm is to make your skin healthier to where you don't need moisturizer any longer (only on rare occasions). You will defeat the purpose if you use moisturizer, and slow down the process. |
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Mon Dec 28, 2009 3:39 pm |
I recently posted a reply about how good my skin was responding to the nu derm regime... with little side effects. I had read an article that's its better to start during the warmer months where the humidity of summer helps with skin getting use to the retin A and any of the other products that can cause the drynes, flakiness and irritation. Especially as Obagi does not recommend a moisturizer in it's regime. I live in Australia, we are in our summer and I did notice that that at night after the blender/ retin A my skin was a bit more oilier than usual. However, this past week I've been in American and the winter climate has really had an impact on the skin... Firstly, I notice how much tighter, drier and red the skin is! Almost a 180degree change from how it looked in the warmer climate. I'm on my way back to the summer heat and will be intersted to see what happens next! So I really feel for all you first time users of Obagi where the weather is cool. Despite this, my skin continues to improve that I've ordered the Vit C serum to use in the morning after the toner.
I also decided that a physical sunscreen, ie one that contains zinc is much better. I'm trying a few and just purchased the new Shiseido 60+++ which has 13.5% zinc. it's one of the better ones I tried so far. We have invisible zinc in Australia, which is one of the best with 18% zinc, but it leaves such a thick white film, thst you look like a ghost. Any other suggestion? I also do like the Obagi sunscreen. |
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Mon Dec 28, 2009 10:34 pm |
Hi Fongflyer5,
I posted on the other thread to you as well. It will be interesting to see how your skin reacts when you get back to warmer temperatures. My skin was also a little oily while using Nuderm in the summer. Now that it's winter here, it's really pretty normal -- which I like much better. But the rest of the skin on my body is so dry and itchy! |
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50 Is definitely NOT nifty!! |
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Tue Dec 29, 2009 12:56 am |
i'm interested in this line, and watched posts,
clues say better to go a derm before try. |
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Tue Dec 29, 2009 2:44 am |
I would definitely see a derm before starting on Obagi, I had really strong reactions after day 4-5 five and am so glad I had someone to call and ask about the reactions.
Now though, I'm on day 12 and my skin is SO much better! I had some sunspots and they are virtually gone and my skin looks overall great,
the only issue I have is the wrinkles around my eyes, I hear it's normal but I look like I'm a 100 years some mornings
anyone has some ideas to what I can do about that?
Also, I have to add that the Norwegian winter cold doesn't really doesn't help. Freezing outside, warm and dry inside makes my skin extremely dry |
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Tue Dec 29, 2009 7:19 am |
| blueeyes wrote: |
the only issue I have is the wrinkles around my eyes, I hear it's normal but I look like I'm a 100 years some mornings
anyone has some ideas to what I can do about that?
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You can use any eye cream around your eye area to help with the crinkles! |
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Tue Dec 29, 2009 2:53 pm |
thanks Rileygirl!
that's what I've done, I do have to apply a ton though, and wonder how long I'll have to look this way before things get better.
some say a few weeks, some say 6 months (feeling that's gonna be very tough) |
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Tue Dec 29, 2009 3:02 pm |
| blueeyes wrote: |
thanks Rileygirl!
that's what I've done, I do have to apply a ton though, and wonder how long I'll have to look this way before things get better.
some say a few weeks, some say 6 months (feeling that's gonna be very tough) |
Unfortunately, it really is individual and only time will tell how long it will last for you! Keep doing what you are doing!  |
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Tue Dec 29, 2009 3:10 pm |
better be worth it for what I've gone through the last 12 days  |
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Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:30 pm |
| Hi blueeyes, Yes, it will be worth it! I can only sympathize with you on how the harsh Norwegian winter must be like for your skin. I was so conscious of the flakiness that I think I kept explaining to everyone, there wasn't something wrong with me, just the new skin care regime I was on!! I was so tempted to use a moisturizer to combat the dryness and the tightness of the skin, but I knew that would defeat the purpose of using Obagi. So I just preserved. |
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