|
|
 |
Sun Feb 10, 2013 12:23 pm  |
I tried this last March, with fantastic results, but chickened out and got nervous so stopped using it altogether. In the ensuing months, I have tried (for a very uneven complexion, specifically hypo spots mixed in with hyper pigmentation), basically the following:
1. Doing nothing at all, just using generic "Cetaphil" to cleanse, witch hazel, and daily sunblock (no change with this)
2. The Retinol route (recommended by a dermatologist after a visit for this uneven tone issue). Used a Vitamin C scrub twice a week, a retinol moisterizer (at night only) every night, and a glycolic acid toner mornings. Improved somewhat but nothing major or transforming.
3. Obagi Clear, went back to this time and again to "fix" very hypo looking areas (by using it on my lower face, which is almost constantly red/much pinker than the problem areas, making them stand out more). Always come back to the Obagi route.
That being said (sorry for the novel, lol!), I would strongly, strongly advise and suggest that if you DO go the Obagi route, do NOT do it on your own! Go to a local estethician, a plastic surgeon's office, or a dermatologist who will be able to TRACK your progress, determine if you should use more or less of a certain thing, etc. It is also gratifying in the early days of Obagi to get the "progress" photos taken of your face to see the actual changes that are happening.
Is it pricier to go this route? Yes, it is. But it is by far the wiser choice to have guidance while using this program, as it is pretty powerful (which is why it shows results!).
I am very excited and hopeful that I am starting up again with the full Obagi Nu Derm program this Weds. (have an appt. with my original esthetician, who sold me the products last March) and plan to keep on and keep UP no matter what! I DID see amazing results with Obagi, and was quite hopeful and excited to see ACTUAL pictures to track improvements that were "WOW worthy", etc. with every visit.
Is it hard? Yes it was for me and I suspect will be very hard once again these ladies have GORGEOUS skin and are drop dead, so if you already feel insecure, it can be very hard to visit in person and bare all (skin wise, no makeup when pics are taken, etc.). BUT that also being said, these ladies were so patient, understanding and a GREAT resource when/if I had a question, concern, etc. and always always got right back to me to soothe my fears.
Also because this system is medical grade in nature, you will have a main "place" to help with replenishing products (especially Retin A for someone like me, as I don't have health insurance presently), ask questions, voice concerns, and get feedback in the process.
I am paying now for many many years of sun exposure without protection, but have faith and KNOW that this system DOES WORK! If it made my skin so nice in just about 5-6 weeks in last time, I am thrilled to think how much BETTER it will look this time around, by sticking with it for the full 18-24 weeks! But I am also reassured that I am being guided by people who are experts in their field and know what they are doing (my current provider is a plastic surgeons/aesthetic's office).
I have also read of people who have ordered refills, replacements and the like of products online and received lower grade/non-Obagi grade products for their money and investment.
Last and most importantly it is your one and only FACE so it is worth the cost and time! That is just my two cents and advice, as this is a tough system to get through but I have seen (and personally experienced) how much it does work and improve things.
To leave you with some last words of wisdom, given by my "regular" estethecian, "remember, it's a PROCESS. It will take some time, be patient but stick with it."
Hope I've helped someone, as much as these boards (and Rileygirl in particular) have helped me!!! |
|
|
