Obagi/Retin A question
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free skin care · Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:20 am

Just curious as to what this involves. The people I have heard of who have used this program rave about it.

Can you use the Obagi products without the Retin A or is it not as effective?

Is it primarily for people with acne or is it just as good for preventing aging/wrinkles?

How badly does the Retin A dry out your skin?

Is it worth adding Retin A (on its own) to a skin care program to prevent wrinkles?

Is Retin A proven to thin the skin and, therefore, not worth using?

Wed Dec 22, 2004 5:16 pm

As Retin-A is a drug, we cannot sell this, nor can we advise about it. One needs a prescription for this drug, and it must be bought in a pharmacy.

Obagi recommends that the Blender be used with prescription-strength retinol/tretinoin for best results. However, you could try to use an over-the-counter product such as Sothys Retinol 15. This will be more effective than to use Blender alone. You can then gauge your tolerance to retinol, your results, and determine whether you feel your results warrant using prescription topical drugs.

free skin care · Wed Dec 22, 2004 5:59 pm

I know that Retin A is a prescription product. There is a physician in my area that supposedly uses the system (Obagi). The reason I'm asking about it is that I have seen posts from some people on here that have raved about it and have said that their skin looked better after being on the program than it had for the last 10 years.

When you say that Retin A is a prescription product and "we" cannot sell it- does that mean you sell Obagi products?

Is this okay to try on your own or would it be better to work with that MD?

free skin care · Thu Dec 23, 2004 3:47 am

Hi lily,

Work with the doctor , otherwise I don't think you will get the proper treatment protocol based on your skins needs.

As to your question about it being only for acne it is used for skin damage of any kind. It is a skin rejuvenation system that truly does do what it promises. I havent had acne for many years and was prescribed the Obagi line. It has made my skin fresher and given me a nice healthy glow.

Sherri

free skin care · Thu Dec 23, 2004 3:13 pm

Thanks Sherri. I have read your success with Obagi in other posts and was impressed. I am trying the Janson-Beckett line right now and after I am finished what I have purchased I think I'm going to go for a consultation.

The only part I'm concerned about is the peeling, redness stage. It sounds like it is worth it but how bad is it? (Different for different people I guess...) I'm 35 and my skin is in not bad shape but I would love to do the program to "brighten" it up and to possibly get rid of some fine lines. I have minor TOM breakouts but nothing major. I'm just a bit concerned about the dryness that can occur.

free skin care · Thu Dec 23, 2004 5:13 pm

Hi Lily,

The first few weeks of Obagi are off putting to be honest. I have heard a lot of people say they couldn't tolerate it and gave up on it. My personal opinion is that the first few weeks of dryness and being somewhat red were well worth it.

For years after having had acne I wouldn't dream of leaving the house without full face makeup. Now I wouldn't bat a eye at running out without any and that is a huge thing for me. My friends as well as my husband all comment on how awesome my skin looks.

I can't rave enough about Obagi it truly has been my change your life product. It has worked wonders on both acne scarring as well as fine wrinkles from having baked in the sun.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Sherri

Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:06 pm

I just wanted to say I love Obaji! I have used it off and on for 2 years and I always get complements on my skin. I did not have acne, I used it for pimentation and anti-aging.I do think it is very drying especially, even for the first 6 weeks. but it is sooo worth it. And I like the fact that the Blender helps the Retin-a penetrate deeper. I just bought jansen-beckett to try something new and I am really regretting it. Its not doing anything and I don't see how it can compare to Obaji. but I will give it a little more time.

Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:05 pm

Hi! Can I ask a quick question of you Obaji folks? What is the application process?

I am already using Rx retin-A, and the plastic surgeon said he'd like to see me on Obagi Blender also. Being broke at the time, I didn't buy it, but ordered some just now (after payday) from EDS.

So, can anyone help me with which product goes on first, drying time in between, how much to use, etc.? THANKS IN ADVANCE!
Smile

Minx

free skin care · Sun Jan 23, 2005 4:27 am

Hi Minx,

You mix the blender and retin A to apply together. Put a SMALL amount of both products in the palm or your hand. Mix the two together using your fingertip then apply to a clean face before bed.

Good Luck

Sun Jan 23, 2005 9:25 am

Thanks so much Sherriin!! Very Happy

I'm looking forward to trying it...
Minx

free skin care · Sun Jan 23, 2005 5:38 pm

Hi Sherri.

Out of curiosity what are your favorite Obagi products if you were not going to do the whole line? I know the blender is essential but what else would you say made the biggest difference for you?

free skin care · Mon Jan 24, 2005 4:26 am

Hi Lily,

I would have to say the blender, Retin A and Vitamin C serum 20% are the three that actually make the improvements. I think the exfoderm just helps to exfoliate quicker but I could be wrong on that too.

Sherri

free skin care · Fri Mar 17, 2006 11:00 am

Hi Lily,
I started using it two years ago and I love it! I'm late thirties and my skin looks great. I just started using a different cleanser and toner because Obagi is drying and it has helped. I do get compliments on my skin. I would start with a doctor and then buy it on line by yourself. You don't need to do all steps but the vit C, exfoderm forte and blender and retin a are the most important-oh and sunscreen!!!

free skin care · Fri Mar 17, 2006 11:03 am

I forgot to tell you that you can use a face scrubber (nylon net thing) the first few weeks to help get the flakes off! Razz

Sun Jan 28, 2007 5:09 pm

i have been using obagi retin-a for 2 weeks. so far i like the results except my face is so shiny. any sugestions??

free skin care · Sun Jan 28, 2007 5:53 pm

Janie wrote:

. . . You don't need to do all steps but the vit C, exfoderm forte and blender and retin a are the most important-oh and sunscreen!!!

SherriinCanada wrote:

. . . I would have to say the blender, Retin A and Vitamin C serum 20% are the three that actually make the improvements. . . .

How is the Vit-C incorporated into the routine? Does it replace anything or do you just add it on, and if so, when and in what order? TIA

Sun Jan 28, 2007 6:21 pm

iam not using a blender but i am using c ferulic and sunscreen(30) + moisturizer. how close to the eye area should i go? and is this ok to use on my neck and chest area?

Tue May 31, 2011 7:37 am

Does anybody buy retinOl online without description?my doctor charge me any time i ask for prescription. I saw there alot of site selling drugs without prescription,but which site are safe and legitimate. Thanks

free skin care · Wed Jun 01, 2011 10:13 am

It's great to see another newbie to obagi. Use the vit c serum in the am before the other products. U didn't mention the clear or the forte which also part of the range. Initially these products will also help. I also fully endorse obagi, nothing will give u the same results. It's horrible at first, gets better but all these takes times. It's not easy but worth it. Even after 2 years on obagi I still get moments when my skin looks horrible. It's not a quick fix, it a slow process. But again the damage or problems we have with our skin didn't happen overnight.

free skin care · Wed Jun 01, 2011 11:22 am

Ik wrote:

Does anybody buy retinOl online without description?my doctor charge me any time i ask for prescription. I saw there alot of site selling drugs without prescription,but which site are safe and legitimate. Thanks

Retinol is the OTC form of tretinoin which isn't as active as tretinoin itself. Many products contain this ingredient, and since it is OTC, you don't need a prescription for it. Tretinoin (aka Retin-A), however, requires a prescription but you can also order it online without one and get them imported from other countries.

You can check this topic for a discussion about where to buy Retin-A online

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=27067

Also, you might want to check the dates on the topic before posting. Not that it's not allowed but it is quite an old topic lol

Wed Jun 01, 2011 12:11 pm

Not sure how to start a new post.
I have been using Obagi Condition and Enhance for 4 weeks now. I am going on vacation in a week and wanted to clear up this acne on my chin. Is there any type of spot treatment I can work in to my regimen?

Thanks

Wed Mar 20, 2013 11:46 pm

I need more information I'm using Obagi blender with the Complex A and used it for a week -- very red face -- should I persevere ?

I'm also wondering when Complex A tube finishes if I could continue using the Obagi blender with Retin A as Retin A much cheaper ?

Also how long does one use this for -- is it a forever treatment or until I see results ?

I'm 53 and using to eliminate wrinkles and reduce large pores -- is it ok to try and cover my face with make up or best to leave red -- very scary !!

Any information / advice / results will be appreciated as at present I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing walking around wearing a tomato face !!
Thanks in advance wave

Thu Mar 21, 2013 11:40 am

Sanian wrote:

I need more information I'm using Obagi blender with the Complex A and used it for a week -- very red face -- should I persevere ?

I'm also wondering when Complex A tube finishes if I could continue using the Obagi blender with Retin A as Retin A much cheaper ?

Also how long does one use this for -- is it a forever treatment or until I see results ?

I'm 53 and using to eliminate wrinkles and reduce large pores -- is it ok to try and cover my face with make up or best to leave red -- very scary !!

Any information / advice / results will be appreciated as at present I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing walking around wearing a tomato face !!
Thanks in advance wave

Hi there,

Complex A by Obagi and Retin A are ultimately the same thing- tretinoin. There are many different brand names/manufacturers of tretinoin. While the formulations may vary slightly, the active ingredient is exactly the same and they should yeild the same results. You can absolutely use generic Retin A if it is available for less money.

I believe Complex A only comes in .1% strength- which is the strongest available. Is that the strength you're using? Have you used tretinoin prior to now? If not, starting off with .1% is an aggressive approach, and while it will yield dramatic results, you can count on having a very red, sensitive, peeling face for a good couple of months. When I started with Obagi, I couldn't tolerate the .1%, and had to work my way up from .25%-.5% and then .1%. I had a red, peeling face for the duration of the treatment (in my case, 18 weeks.)

You mention that your concerns are wrinkles and large pores. Do you also have a problem with hyperpigmentation/agespots? If not, the blender is an unnecessary step, as it's main purpose is to inhibit melanin production. It will also contribute to the redness, as it contains lactic acid & hydroquinone.

As far as eliminating wrinkles go... tretinoin won't do that. No topical will. The good news is that tretinoin will help boost collagen production and can dramatically improve the texture/tone of skin as well as eliminate/greatly improve fine lines. The bad news that this is a long process, and it can take up to 6 months to see visible results for some, and it can often get worse before it gets better.

Thu Mar 21, 2013 1:31 pm

Blanchedubois -- thanks so much for your reply

Can I just confirm a few things as looks like I was sold the blender for no reason!!

So if I perhaps go back to using Retin A on its own 0.-5 % ( I had used it a week when I was told Obagi was better when mixed with blender ) it may let my skin adjust better than straight into using the 1% Obagi ?

Also my neck looks worse than before as the deeper wrinkles have gone red and look sore although they aren't ! Should I avoid using the treatment on my neck ?
When I stop using the blender and only Retin A do I still need to be very careful and use sunblock or was it the blender that needed the sunblock ?

I bought the Retin A and Obagi in Dubai without prescription and Retin A costs 24 dhs ( 5 Euros ) whereas the Obagi Complex A costs 150dhs ( 32Euro)!! So if the products do the same thing I will stuck with Retin A !!

Thanks in advance

Smile

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