Obagi Nu Derm Newbie Please Help!
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Fri May 20, 2011 5:00 pm

Hi all, I'm new to the board! I am desperate to find some answers and am getting frustrated. Even my Dermatologist fails to be very helpful. I have a few questions and I'd greatly appreciate feedback.

1. Been using Obagi for 3 weeks, seemed to do OK with using all of the steps without Blender. I introduced Blender a week ago and got hives under my chin. I am confused because I know its because of the sulfites in the Blender but I was OK using Clear and it has the same sulfite. Do I discontinue both? The bumps along my jawline will not go away, the hives went away.

2. Do all forms of Retin A or Tretinoin, whatever its generically called, contain this sulfite that is in Blender and Clear? Is there any form of Tretinoin that is easier on the skin as far as allergic reaction to Sulfites? I have Retin-A Micro, Refissa, and Atralin and I don't know which one is best for me.

3. Which leads into my third question, which one is best for really sensitive skin? My skin was very sensitive and dry pre-Obagi Nu Derm use. Three weeks into Obagi ND and my skin still peels a ton around my mouth and jaw area and is consistently red.

4. Do I keep using the products over the redness? If it feels like a sunburn, do I take time off or continue use of the 6 steps? I would like to take a day off here and there but when I take a day or 2 off of Retin A, I get a break out!

Please help! I know this is a lengthy email but even if you just answer one Q, I'd be greatful!

Thanks all!
VS

free skin care · Sat May 21, 2011 2:40 pm

Any product that gives you hives should be discontinued. How do you know its sulfates that caused your hives? Especially if you have used products with sulfates without issue before. I'm not clear on if you were you using Clear and Blender at the same time?

What % Tretinoin are you using? Cream or gel? If your skin is sensitive its best to start with the lowest %. A good plan is to start using it slowly, start with 3x a week and increase as your skin can tolerate it. If you skin is so irritated it feels like a sunburn I would definitely take a break.

Sat May 21, 2011 3:00 pm

GirlieGirl wrote:

Any product that gives you hives should be discontinued. How do you know its sulfates that caused your hives? Especially if you have used products with sulfates without issue before. I'm not clear on if you were you using Clear and Blender at the same time?

What % Tretinoin are you using? Cream or gel? If your skin is sensitive its best to start with the lowest %. A good plan is to start using it slowly, start with 3x a week and increase as your skin can tolerate it. If you skin is so irritated it feels like a sunburn I would definitely take a break.

Thanks so much for responding. I can't say for certain which product gave me hives but I have read a lot of people who did get hives by using Obagi products said it was the sulfite ingredient in Clear and Blender as well as Tretinoin that did it so I assumed the same for myself. I only had hives once and then never again but I get little bumps on my jawline that won't go away. And if I take a day off of my Retin A, I get more bumps or breakout. I started using the .025 then graduated to .04 and I'm staying put. I am just confused by this whole thing, which product causes which problem I'm experiencing, etc.!

free skin care · Sat May 21, 2011 6:32 pm

A cream retin a is usually easier to use with the Nuderm system. It just seems to work better with the Blender.

free skin care · Sat May 21, 2011 6:33 pm

A cream retin a is usually easier to use with the Nuderm system. It just seems to work better with the Blender.

free skin care · Sun May 22, 2011 3:44 am

VioletSofia wrote:

...I only had hives once and then never again but I get little bumps on my jawline that won't go away. And if I take a day off of my Retin A, I get more bumps or breakout. I started using the .025 then graduated to .04 and I'm staying put. I am just confused by this whole thing, which product causes which problem I'm experiencing, etc.!

The bumps sound like they could be cystic acne. Do you think that is what they are? What does your derm say about the bumps?

How long have you been using retin-a? I'll guess you are using the cream. If so, its really not the best option for acne prone skin as the base ingredient is pore clogging.

Are you using any topical antibacterial product, like benzoyl peroxide or a topical antibiotic?

Are you using the obagi system to treat hyperpigmentaion, acne or both?

Sun May 22, 2011 12:05 pm

GirlieGirl wrote:

VioletSofia wrote:

...I only had hives once and then never again but I get little bumps on my jawline that won't go away. And if I take a day off of my Retin A, I get more bumps or breakout. I started using the .025 then graduated to .04 and I'm staying put. I am just confused by this whole thing, which product causes which problem I'm experiencing, etc.!

The bumps sound like they could be cystic acne. Do you think that is what they are? What does your derm say about the bumps?

How long have you been using retin-a? I'll guess you are using the cream. If so, its really not the best option for acne prone skin as the base ingredient is pore clogging.

Are you using any topical antibacterial product, like benzoyl peroxide or a topical antibiotic?

Are you using the obagi system to treat hyperpigmentaion, acne or both?

Well, the bumps weren't there when I was at the Derm last, I would say they showed up about a week or so ago.. I am starting to think that since you mentioned that the cream is pore-clogging that it may be what's giving me bumps. I started out using Retin A-Micro but it was a tad harsh so just recently my Derm gave me samples of Atralin and Refissa and that's when I noticed bumps but it was also at the same time I started to use Blender because I didn't have it at the time (4 wks ago) that I started Obagi.

To answer your other questions:

I'm not using any topical products, I've been using Retin A for around 5 weeks. The majority of that time has been the Micro one and recently tried Atralin and Refissa.

Using Obagi System for anti-aging benefits mostly and to fade some spots and even out my skin tone. I have never had an acne problem until I started Retin-A and went through the purging phase.

I'm just confused! But thank you for your response, I truly appreciate any helpful words I can get!

free skin care · Sun May 22, 2011 9:01 pm

Have you spoken with your derm about the bumps? It might be helpful to determine if they're hives or blemishes.

Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:38 am

but I think it's time to do it again, yes all the way through this time. I couldn't find a way to post a new, simple message on here, gah! So I thought I would reply to this related topic.

For over two years, I have been living with some severe sun damage on my face, I don't mean a few dark areas, freckles, it's much worse than that. I mean under my eyes and cheekbones are hypopigmented and won't ever get their color back, whereas everywhere else is a combination of red, pink, brownish, and what a lovely look NOT!

I purchased my full Nu Derm kit back in March of last year, and my skin was looking really good, until I got scared and stopped. Then I started up again here and there after trying a bunch of other products that "failed" to do anything noticable. I always seem to come back to Obagi, it's the only thing that seems to work.

So after all of that, lol, here is my question. Would it be safe to apply the products to the already lighter areas as well as over the rest of my face? I was doing that the first time around (the estetican I got it from told me from the cheekbones down, so that's where I was applying when putting the products on my lower face. It seemed okay, and really worked to start to "blend" the tone together, despite my fear that applying HQ would make these starker, whiter looking areas even lighter (don't think that is possible honestly! They are so glaringly white it's awful)...What two derms and two esty's told me ws that these "whiter" looking areas are actually my "real" skintone and surrounding, blotchy skin is making them look WHITE in comparison. This makes sense to me as these whiter areas match my neck skintone nearly perfectly. So I can see that.

After my ramble fest, do you all think this would improve my tone? It def. was working the first round, despite the "tomato" face in the mornings, my skin is pretty tough and seemed to tolerate it well overall. I started to peel around my mouth and chin, etc. but I need to keep on with it all the way through (maybe even beyond the 18 or 24 weeks) as there is MUCH damage and discoloration to fix/even out.

I am prepared and ready to dive right in to this and stick with it this time! What are your thoughts ladies? I would appreciate any and all input/feedback, as I know this is a tramautic route to take but in my case it's needed. It's either this or lasers and I would never want to do that! Do you think the hypo areas are safe to use the products on? I can't see avoiding them, as in order for this to work, you have to treat your entire face, not just certain areas, especially when just starting out. Thoughts? Thanks a bunch!

Fri Jan 11, 2013 12:59 pm

I'm just starting Nu-Derm after a consultation w/ Dr. Obagi in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. But he wasn't clear about where do I apply the creams...all over my face or just my cheeks where the melasma is apparent?

Fri Jan 11, 2013 3:24 pm

hi, you are supposed to apply them all over (your entire face) from the cheekbone down on the lower face (that's what I was advised to do by my aesthetician). It regulates your whole skin on your face, so I am not sure it would be good to just do certain "spots" and not treat the whole face.

Still anxiously watching this thread to see if someone can help me with if this should be safe or not since I have lost pigment on my cheeks/under my eyes? It looks soooo ugly, I am very anxious to make it better and Obagi truly does work, just dont' want to make anything worse.

Sat Jan 12, 2013 9:36 pm

I'm not really sure how posting works here. It looks like there are moany old posts that people add to regularly. So I just picked this one as it was the closest Obagi related post to the top. I hope that is ok.
I got my kit today and was so excited to get started this evening that I mistakenly did the morning routine - stopped short of applying sunscreen lol. Oh well I'm practiced up for tomorrow morning and by tomorrow night I'll slow down and pay closer attention to the PM bottles.
There is so much great information here I'm enjoying looking through old posts while I wait for the Obagi magic to start happening.

Mon Jan 14, 2013 9:09 pm

hey there, it's hard to know how to post on here, honestly! So I just sort of hyjacked this thread (sorry op), since I have valid questions about using this "full force" this time around. If I have a choice between this (and doing it the right way this time, all the way through, non-stop for a full 24 weeks or more) or laser, then I don't want to sissy out from the get go, lol!!

I purposely watch vids of actual 'laser" treatments and they scare the crap out of me to be honest. Most of the folks I see who get actual laser done, when I see them "after" don't really look all that different than before! And most of them look perpetually RED, all over, not a good look. It looks painful, it looks hard to live through and to be honest, it scares me to think of the "intentional damage" that lasers do in order to improve one's skin. So many things can go wrong, so I really want to avoid that like forever if I can!

I get that being RED is part of Obagi too, but it's topical/medical grade and not an invasive procedure (plus we have all of these great knowledgeable ladies who have done this and gotten such great results!). I have to say that I remember about five weeks in, wherein a former colleague of mine in general conversation, told me my skin looked "amazing" that is exactly the word she used! I was floored! I thought "ICK I am having an "ugly" day and these bright lights are NOT helping my cause!" Then she said that, sincerely, and I was like "really?!" She was like "yeah, your skin just looks really amazing." Smile

I did notice a "glow" that I can't really explain fully while using the full program of Nu Derm, although then (as now) I continued to be terrified of direct sun, even WITH the great sunblock that is offered in the kit. I now use a brand name sunblock (blocks both types of damaging rays) that is made for kids, it's Banana Boat SPF50, and I use it every single solitary day, no matter the weather and I never ever go outside without sunglasses, not ever. Likely why the areas beneath my eyes (which are more delicate skin) are always white looking/lighter looking than the rest of my face. I've noticed this especially lately after I switched to a wider frame, and more area is whiter/lighter looking than the rest at the end of the day! Cause it's CoVERED and protected from those damaging rays. The rest of it? Well, ick, just ick...I hate how uneven my skin looks, it's looked this way for about 1.5 years now, and while MAC foundation is wonderful (and nothing covers better, between a small amount of MAC and some Dermablend for my problem areas) I am still very very insecure about it every single day. Worse is that the "areas" on my cheeks are shiny and slightly scarred (from sun damage, NOT Obagi, two dermatologists have told me so), blush will not stick on those areas so covering up without looking like a vampire is still a huge challenge!

I hope someone comments back on treating the edges of these areas to blend better as the rest of it all lightens and regulates, as this bothers me so much I will be brave enough to say, it makes me feel ugly. And I used to be a very pretty lady, was told that all the time, but not in the last couple of years. Sad

If this works (and I suspect it will, will just have to be tough and soldier on through as so many others have done), then it will be worth it. I think of it as a shorter term/no down time process that is doable when you work and cannot take time off to "heal" unlike with laser or something invasive. TAking any work time off would be impossible for me, I just started a brand new job over a month ago!

I also purchased the undereye moisteriser with my kit, I think it's called Elastiderm, and while it was pricey it is part of this system and I know in order to get best results you cannot use anything outside this system while actively using it (including over the counter eye creams, etc.). A few things can be substituted (e.g. an esthetician told me that using Cetaphil after I run out of foaming cleasner is fine, so is witch hazel in place of the toner (which I love but it goes quick!) and a substitute sunblock is fine, but the main products MUST be used from this line (e.g. Exfoderm, Clear, Sun Fader, etc. and especially blender with Retin A, the most potent I think of all of the line)...sorry for my long ramble, lol! I am just getting up the guts to go full force with this, I just would feel better about it all if someone posted if/on what they know about using it on already hypopigmented areas. Ws told these will not lighten further but you can't be too careful when it comes to the one face you were born with, KWIM?

Tue Jan 15, 2013 9:48 am

I'm using cleanser, toner, clear, sunscreen am plus cleanser, toner, clear, blender w/ retin-A .5 pm. Day 5 sees redness, swelling, & the first dry peeling/cracking around the perimeters of the dark, melasma marks on my nose & cheeks - so something is happening!

My question is: is it ok for the clear to sting a bit when first applied? Also, when I try to rub in the clear or blender, it goes on clear, but then turns white the more I rub. It eventually dries clear...is this normal?

free skin care · Fri Jan 18, 2013 1:39 pm

Hello desertpalm Smile

Yes, it is ok for Obagi Clear to sting a bit when first applied. It means it is working on your skin to start... And yes it is also normal for Obagi Clear or Obagi Blender to turn white when applied. When dry, both products turn "clear" which means that your skin completely absorb the products... During Obagi Nu-Derm treatment, you will be experiencing flakiness, redness and dryness... This is normal too... However, you can minimize the flakiness and dryness by using a microfibre cloth mixed with Obagi foaming cleanser and massage around the area of the skin... This will remove gradually the dead skin and the flakiness/dryness... Also, when using Obagi Nu-Derm, it is wise to use a sunscreen of at least 30SPF when going out to protect your skin from further damage....

desertpalm wrote:

My question is: is it ok for the clear to sting a bit when first applied? Also, when I try to rub in the clear or blender, it goes on clear, but then turns white the more I rub. It eventually dries clear...is this normal?

Sat Jan 19, 2013 8:09 am

Can anyone please tell me if they have had experience using Obagi to even out hypopigmented skin areas? I would love to know, nobody has posted back on this (the whole reason I resurrected this post, I really need advice). Sad

I won't do anything until I know it is "safe" to use the system and in doing so, would need to hit these areas somewhat (they are on my upper cheeks). Thanks!

Sat Jan 19, 2013 8:12 am

to give yu a point of reference as to what this looks like, you know the before and after of the young girl with 'racconnish" looking eyes in the before photo (that comes with the full kit in the brochure)? That looks nearly identical to my problem.

Sun Jan 20, 2013 12:38 pm

Thanks Jade! One last question...Dr. Obagi had scribbled a prescription for me to use 'clear 2x/day' and also 'complex retin A/blender 2x/day'

I've only been using blender & retin A in the evenings as most of you recommend, however I'm on Day 10 w/ redness, dryness, peeling around perimeter of my cheek melasma which seems to have stabilized. Should I take the plunge & start using blender in the AM as well? I think my skin can tolerate it - I'm South Asian w/ tan skin.

free skin care · Sun Jan 20, 2013 4:50 pm

desertpalm: Dr. Obagi knows best regarding your skin. However, I am surprised that you can can use Obagi Blender with Retin-A 2x a day! Obagi Blender when combined with Retin-A should be used in the evening only... Maybe you should clarify this....

free skin care · Sun Jan 20, 2013 4:59 pm

Welcome to this forum, red2013 Smile

There is 2 whole threads discussing about Obagi products for your information on "Products Review Forum" section of this website... All I can say is that you have to follow through with the whole treatment in order to see results....
Here is the link....
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=32112

Sun Jan 20, 2013 8:08 pm

Thank you Jade1234! I appreciate it, and also the great advice on here....I have begun the "true" Obagi journey as of last night, cannot wait until late May, that will mark 18 weeks, but I am determined to stick with it all the way through!!! Smile

free skin care · Mon Jan 21, 2013 6:23 am

Good luck and don't give up red2013... and make sure that you wear sunscreen of at least 30SPF which is equally important when using Obagi products...

Mon Jan 21, 2013 3:35 pm

Thanks Jade1234!! Dare I say my skin is already looking and feeling different?! Honestly, now that I know what to expect (and I def. do), I think it might be more relief than anything else. Smile

Can't wait to post on here as I move forward with this (and maybe I can pay it forward as I experience this for others thinking about it/wondering what to expect)..

Wed Feb 13, 2013 6:17 pm

evening all,

Just wanted to update, I stopped by my esty's for a consult and to restock my Obagi product tonight and she switched the Retin A from .5 to .1%!! Told me she thinks my skin can totally handle it but to start off using it with blender every OTHER night and see how that goes.

I am happy, excited, nervous, etc. all at the same time! This is going to be peely, flaky but she told me she remembers last time how well I tolerated it, so here we go!

First official night of the new regime, wish me luck!

p.s. we did also discuss fillers, which I also want to get done eventually but first things first. Going this route for the full 18-24 weeks this time and while not expecting miracles (since my sun damage is that bad/deep and the hyper/hypo with it) but do expect it to look a lot better after this course! Smile

Also feeling much better that I now have the Obagi brand sunblock which works much better than anything else! 50SPF, yay!!!! Pricey yes, but as I told her I view it as an investment, in great new skin hopefully! Will try to update on a regular basis, I took my first "before Obagi" pic this evening, will try to update with new ones as the days wear on. oh and post them here! I am a bit chicken about having my skin issues HERE in cyberspace for anyone/everyone to see, so will just say right now it is red on my cheeks, nose, forehead and chin (and lighter under my eyes) and she told me my redness is not really that bad, that my makeup covered it really well, etc. So yay! Sorry, feel like a kid again, so hopeful!!!

Sat Feb 16, 2013 9:30 am

HI ladies,

Been reusing the Obagi since three days ago, and my skin is already smooth, healthy looking and tighter looking. Smile

The biggest miracle is when I left the house this morning wiht only concealer (a little) and eyeliner, lip gloss.....no big makeup routine and it looks so good I cannot stop staring at it! Those "whiter" looking areas are already not as noticable, everything looks clean, clear and pinkish. A little peeling but only on my chin, can totally handle peeling if THIS is the outcome! And the worst sun damaged areas (on cheeks and under eyes) are NOT stark like they normally are! I actually look normal again!

I've noticed those areas look whiter in the mornings, but then, we all look "funny" when we just wake up! I do look paler but I am pale to begin with, it's just been blotched up with uneven sun skin.

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