Difference between revisions of "Use Obagi"

<i>Obagi</i> is the brand name for a line of skin care products that offers prescription-strength ingredients.  <i>Obagi</i> products are only available through a doctor or specialty medical spa; products sold by retailers (in-store and online) are re-selling the products without authorization and there is no guarantee the products are genuine.<ref name="rf1">http://obagi.com/patients/about-us/genuine-obagi</ref>  <i>Obagi</i> products are divided into five groups: transformation systems, essential products, targeted solutions, skin recovery, and in-office procedures (i.e. not for home use).<ref name="rf2">http://obagi.com/patients/product-line</ref>

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#Cleanse your face.  Start by cleansing your face with the gentle cleanser (normal to dry skin) or foaming gel (normal to oily skin).  This cleanser is designed to remove everyday dirt, grime, and makeup from your skin.  The cleanser will leave you with a clean and fresh complexion.<ref name="rf3">http://obagi.com/patients/product-line/obagi-nu-derm-system?tab=product-details</ref>

#* Use the cleanser twice a day, once during your morning routine and again during your nighttime routine.<ref name="rf4">http://www.vcps.com/plastic-surgery-practice-northern-virginia/article-list/patient-instructions/obagi-skin-care-instruction/</ref>

#Tone your skin.  After cleansing, apply the toner (same product for all skin types) to your skin in order to re-balance the pH levels of your skin.  The toner is designed not to dry out your skin.<ref name="rf3" />

#* Use the toner twice a day, once during your morning routine and again during your nighttime routine.<ref name="rf4" />

#Use the “Clear” product.  “Clear” is the brand name of the step 3 product, which contains prescription-strength hydroquinone.  “Clear” is designed to help correct the various discolourations on your skin to leave you with a more even skin tone.  The same product is used for all skin types.<ref name="rf3" />

#* Use the “Clear” product twice a day, once during your morning routine and again during your nighttime routine.<ref name="rf4" />

#Exfoliate your skin with Exfoderm®.  The step 4 product, Exfoderm® (for normal to dry skin) or Exfoderm® Forte (for normal to oily skin), is designed to exfoliate the skin on your face to help remove dead skin cells.  This type of exfoliation helps to reveal newer skin cells which help give you a brighter and clearer complexion.<ref name="rf3" />

#* Use Exforderm® only once a day, during your morning routine.<ref name="rf4" />

#Remove age spots with Blender®.  Blender®, the step 5 product, also contains prescription-strength hydroquinone.  Blender® is designed to gradually lighten your skin in order to remove age or sun spots and other types of discolouration that may appear on your face.  The same product is used for all skin types.<ref name="rf3" />

#* Use Blender® only once a day, during your nighttime routine.<ref name="rf4" />

#Moisturize dry areas.  Step 6 of the <i>Obagi</i> Nu-Derm® system is Hydrate™, which is designed to help moisturize and hydrate the dry and flaky parts of the skin on your face.  You only need to use Hydrate™ if you find these dry areas.  The same product is used for all skin types.<ref name="rf3" />

#Protect your skin from the sun.  If you are using any of the <i>Obagi</i> systems that includes a product with hydroquinone it is essential that you always use sunscreen on your face.  Unfortunately hydroquinone causes even the smallest amount of exposure to sunlight to create a melanocytic activity, which in turn can cause skin cancer.  <i>Obagi</i> offers a product called Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50 specifically designed to be used with the <i>Obagi</i> systems.  It offers both UVA and UVB protection for your skin, and comes in a sheer, matte finish.<ref name="rf3" />

#Add one or more complementary products.  <i>Obagi’s</i> also had three products which can be used in conjunction with the Nu-Derm® System.<ref name="rf3" />

#* If you use Sunfader®, use it only once a day as part of your morning routine.<ref name="rf4" />

#Keep your skin radiant with the Obagi360 System.  Start by using the Exfoliating Cleanser to wash and clear your skin of dirt and dead skin cells.  The cleanser will make your skin look soft, smooth and younger.  The second step is to add the Retinol 0.5% cream.  The Retinol 0.5% product gradually releases the retinol throughout the day to help you skin become brighter and to reduce the signs of aging.  The end result is that your skin will look smoother and clearer.  The third step is to add the HydraFactor Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen.  This sunscreen contains both a moisturizer and a sunscreen and will keep your skin both hydrated and protected from the sun.<ref name="rf5">http://obagi.com/patients/product-line/obagi360-system</ref>

#Use the CLENZlderm M.D. System for acne-prone skin.  The CLENZlderm M.D. System is designed specifically for people with normal to oily skin who also suffer from acne.  The system starts with the Daily Care Foaming Cleanser, which contains 2% salicylic acid.  The cleanser is to be used twice daily (morning and night) and unclogs pores in order to leave skin feeling fresh.  The second step in the system is the Pore Therapy, which also contains 2% salicylic acid.  Pore Therapy is designed to prepare your skin for step 3, which is the Therapeutic Lotion.  The Therapeutic Lotion contains 5% BPO which also helps to clean up acne.<ref name="rf6">http://obagi.com/patients/product-line/clenziderm-md-system</ref>

#Treat your skin with the Gentle Rejuvenation System for sensitive skin.  This system is designed specifically for people with sensitive skin.  The first step is the Soothing Cleanser which will cleanse your skin while soothing it at the same time.  The second step is the Skin Calming Cream which hydrates your skin and helps eliminate the signs of aging.  The third step is the Fortified Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 with Vitamin C which works to protect your skin from sun damage.  The Fortified Sunscreen contains 10% L-ascorbic acid, which is also known as Vitamin C.  The fourth step is the Advanced Night Repair cream which helps keep your skin moisturized while you sleep.<ref name="rf7">http://obagi.com/patients/product-line/gentle-rejuvenation-system</ref>

#Repair your skin with the Obagi-C Rx System.  This system is designed to help reduce the early signs of aging that may have been caused by sun damage.  The first step is the C-Cleansing Gel which helps to remove oil, grime, and makeup from your face and prepares your skin for the remaining steps.  If you have normal to oily skin your second step will be the C-Balancing Toner which will help balance your skin’s pH levels.  If you have normal to dry skin, the C-Clarifying Serum will be your second step; if you have normal to oil skin, it’ll be your third step.  The Serum helps to smooth out the dark spots on your skin.  If you have normal to dry skin, the next step is the C-Exfoliating Day Lotion.  This lotion is a light moisturizer that both hydrates and exfoliates your skin to leave it fresh and healthy.  The next step for all skin types is the Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50 which contains both UVA and UVB protection to help keep your skin safe against the sun.  The final step for all skin types is the C-Therapy Night Cream which helps keep your skin hydrated and protected while you sleep.<ref name="rf8">http://obagi.com/patients/product-line/obagi-c-rx-system</ref>

*Always wash your hands before and after using any of the products with hydroquinone.  Be careful not to get any in your eyes, nose, or mouth.<ref name="rf9">http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fluocinolone-hydroquinone-and-tretinoin-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20060789</ref>

*Some <i>Obagi</i> products are not available in some states, specifically MA, MT, NH, NY, and TX, because those states do not permit physicians to sell prescriptions through their medical offices.  The “Nu-Derm Fx System” is sold as an non-prescription alternative for customers who are not able to purchase the prescription-strength versions.<ref name="rf3" />

*Hydroquinone is a somewhat controversial drug which has been banned Canada, Europe, and Japan.  It is currently undergoing an intensive review by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. to determine if it should be considered as “generally safe and effective.”  As of right now it is still available in the U.S., but this could change pending the results of the FDA’s investigations.<ref name="rf10">http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/noms/support_docs/hydroquinone_may2009.pdf</ref><ref name="rf11">http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofMedicalProductsandTobacco/CDER/ucm203112.htm</ref>

*The <i>Obagi</i> “Clear” product contains sodium metabisulfite which can cause allergic reactions in some people.  These allergic reactions could include anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening asthmatic episodes.  The level of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is not known, and is likely more prevalent in people who suffer from asthma.<ref name="rf3" />

*Do not use any other products with the <i>Obagi</i> systems.  You should also use all products that are part of the six step system (Nu-Derm® System) in order to achieve the best results.<ref name="rf4" />