68 replies to this topic

[aaars]

Pictures are posted for obagi week 16 (which officially starts tomorrow). I took off the obagi week 15 pictures because I did not think they were accurate. The reason why is because I took those pictures immediately after washing my face and whenever I wash my face my red marks get much redder (not sure why). Anyway, I decided to remove them because I did not think they honestly reflected my skin.

And since there are no "before" pictures it's hard to tell if there is any improvement, but I"ll post more pictures in a month for a comparison. Hopefully my red marks fade!!

Edited by aaars, 12 April 2010 - 06:05 PM.

[c@nd]

Aaars, glad to see pics of your skin! I 100% agree with the redness you see after washing your face. I'm not sure why it does that either, but it must have something to do with the sensitivity of your skin and just handling it. Which should emphasize the importance of being gentle with the skin, because areas of irritation and inflammation will ultimately lead to more breakouts in that area.

Being on birth control pills helps with cystic or midline acne, as those tend to be more associated with hormones. Not to say you won't get them anymore, as I currently have a huge one on my chin. (But it's going away, I think!)

In terms of supplements, there are several threads on here that discuss the use of zinc. I used it for a little while, didn't see that much of a difference, but perhaps didn't give it a great try. I agree with fish oil, though, so good for other body systems, too.

How is your skin looking now?

Pictures are posted for obagi week 16 (which officially starts tomorrow). I took off the obagi week 15 pictures because I did not think they were accurate. The reason why is because I took those pictures immediately after washing my face and whenever I wash my face my red marks get much redder (not sure why). Anyway, I decided to remove them because I did not think they honestly reflected my skin.

And since there are no "before" pictures it's hard to tell if there is any improvement, but I"ll post more pictures in a month for a comparison. Hopefully my red marks fade!!

[aaars]

Sorry for not posting for a while. Actually I am not really sure if I should document my progress on this thread anymore since I stopped doing obagi.

Let me explain...

On week 16 of obagi (the same week I posted the pictures) I want to a dermatologist. And this time I went to a different dermatologist than the one who told me to go on obagi. Dermatologists are people and are not perfect so I wanted a second opinion. Anyway, the new dermatologist said that he wanted me to keep using Retin-a but that I could stop the other obagi products. He also put me on spironolactone to help balance my hormones since it appears I have hormonal acne. So I am currently taking spironolactone, which is not birth control. Its an anti-androgen. And I went on this site before getting it and it has gotten very good reviews, which I was happy to find out.

Anyway, for 2 weeks I have been only using tretinoin (retin-a .1%) and taking spironolactone. And miracles of miracles, I have not broken out at all! This has been amazing. I am not sure if stopping the obagi hydroquinone (clear and blender) is what stopped the breakouts or if the retin-a finally started working or if the spiro made me stop all I know is I am happy with this result!

C@nd, I am really happy obagi worked for you. Your skin is amazing, but the dermatologist said I didn't need hydroquinone, which is a big part of obagi so I stopped using clear and blender. I think hydroquinone irritated my skin but it's hard to know for sure.

Anyway, I really like taking spiro and just using retin-a. Spiro is helping prevent new breakouts and I think retin-a is fading my red marks. Yesterday my husband asked if I was wearing make-up. I told him no and he was like "wow your skin is really improving. It look like it does with make up on." He is really honest so I was happy to hear that!!

Anyway, I am going to continue this new regimen for a while. I want to give spiro more time before I post pictures. And I am kindof afraid to face the camera again since it picks up ever imperfection. So I know I said I would post pictures soon, but I am going to give this new regimen more time. More and more I am telling myself to be realistic. Nothing is going to work over night and that I need to be patient. This mindset has helped me greatly since before I was driving myself crazy trying to notice a difference every day. That is just not going to happen.

In conclusion, I am no longer using obagi. Sometimes I think obagi is just a bunch of overpriced products and retin-a is doing all the work. However, it really has helped some people so I am happy for them. For me after I finish up the obagi tretinoin I will be switching to just generic retin-a, which the dermatologist prescribed. I don't know if I want to finish up the clear and blender since I am so happy with my skin and I am afraid to mess with it now that I finally stopped breaking out and my red marks are fading. Unfortunately, obagi was a waste of money, but I was just given bad advice from one dermatologist. I should have sought a second opinion before spending ~400 dollars on a bunch of products I really didn't need.

Edited by aaars, 30 April 2010 - 02:32 PM.

[c@nd]

Month 16

Had a chance to read all the posts, was very interesting to review everything. Thought I'd update on how my skin is, changes to my regimen, and comment on current makeup faves.

Skin: was still having a considerable amount of comedones that would purge themselves, and leave hyperpigmented spots behind. I tried extracting very carefully, I tried ignoring them. I found that many of them would turn into mini-pustules. I knew I needed to change/add something to my regimen, mainly to prevent of the formation of comedones.

Current Regimen:
-AM: wash, gently exfoliate with microfiber cloths in shower, then DK's benzoyl peroxide (currently at 1 full pump), Obagi exfoderm, DK's jojoba oil, Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream
-PM: wash, Obagi hydroquinone (ran out of Blend, so now using Clear) with 0.025% Retin-A, DK's jojoba oil, and goop (Carmex, eye drops, eye ointment... I look like a mess!)

Makeup:
-Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with spf25
-Makeup Forever HD microfinish powder
-Urban Decay eye primer and eyeshadows (neutral shades)
-Sephora bronzer
-Bare Escentuals Buxom lip gloss (my absolute favorite!)
-Dior mascara

Thoughts: (on current regimen and other thoughts after reviewing thread)
-My skin was returning to its oily roots. DK's BP dried it right up. No new comedones since then, but have been dealing with very dry and tight skin (read: more peeling!)
-DK's jojoba oil has been my lifesaver. Absorbs pretty quick into my poor, thirsty skin. No stinging. So glad I purchased. I wonder about argan oil...
-DK's AHA clumps with several of my products. I'm finding it difficult to use at the moment. It stings, but my skin might have just been really irritated.
-Still loving the microfiber cloth and Clinique redness solutions moisturizer. No stinging.
-Kiehl's Ultra moisturizer stings. I'm currently not liking it.
-Had tried SkinCeuticals Ferulic vitamin C. Causes milia.
-My skin does not like salicylic acid, in any form.
-Love the spf in LM's tinted moisturizer. It's pretty much perfect.
-Would love to try Perricone's no foundation foundation.
-The battle with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation continues. Forehead clear, nose clear, cheeks and chin... you're next.
-Debating whether to continue the hydroquinone. Only using at night in combination with Retin-A. I think I'll continue until all this hyperpigmentation goes away.

[ria82]

Hi guys,
Wow, there are some really insightful comments on here! I was on OBAGI NU DERM for 12 weeks. I loved it at first but then I noticed that it was making my scars more apparent.

I hardly had any dents in my skin before and now I have little marks everywhere!

I think it might be the tretinoin but others have said to stick with it as it's just bringing the scars to the surface.

Has anyone had this problem?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[dreamygirl]

anyone who use obagi nu derm and clindamycin combination? im only a week. i also change my prescription for BC from ortho tri cyclen to low ogestrel. hope this works. i had a lot of breakouts from ortho. anyone who use obagi nu derm and clindamycin combination? anyone who uses same thing with me, are u all successful in treating ur acne?

[c@nd]

Hello all,

Saw a couple of posts that I thought would merit a reply. As for little tiny marks or scars being brought to the surface; I think that Retin-A will eventually help even them out. It may just be that your skin is exfoliating different layers initially; I would agree with the others. Stick it out for a couple more months and let it do its full effect. Remember that it takes 2-3 months to see the the effects of Retin-A (and by that time may not even see its full effects!) so be patient (I know, easier said than done!)

As for the combo with clindamycin; I had never used them together. I had used clindamycin topically years ago without any effect. Let us know how the combo is working for you!

As for my skin, all is well at... Month 22!

Skin:
I've made some major (no more hydroquinone!) and minor adjustments (added a primer; changes foundation). A couple months ago, I noted my skin wasn't exfoliating each morning like it usually did for about a week. I used an alpha and beta-hydroxy exfoliator in the shower (had a sample; actually still have it!). The next morning, I did the same. Whoo boy! There were areas on my face that were way over exfoliated, like layers too deep. Learned my lesson. Same thing happened about a week ago. Keeping that lesson in mind, I used the exfoliator once, and felt some dryness and irritation over the next several days and my skin has ben exfoliating a little more than usual. So basically, I'm finding a need to "jump-start" my regimen every once in a while, but no biggie.

Current Regimen:
-AM: wash with Cetaphil, gently exfoliate with microfiber cloths in shower, Olay Definity exfoliator very rarely, pat dry (but don't leave dry!), Obagi Exfoderm followed by DK's benzoyl peroxide (staying at 1 full pump), eye cream (usually use Skyn but trying Amore Pacific), wait until dry then Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream, and then if I'm wearing makeup, I add a layer of Philosophy primer.
-PM: wash, 0.025% Retin-A, and moisturizer if my skin is feeling particularly dry. Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-pods. And Carmex (I never, ever forget my Carmex!)

Makeup:
-CoverFX pressed mineral powder (returned back to powder foundation; but very sparingly so!)
-Makeup Forever HD microfinish powder
-Urban Decay eye primer and eyeshadows (neutral shades)
-Sephora bronzer
-Bare Escentuals Buxom lip gloss (my absolute favorite!)
-CoverGirl mascara

Thoughts: (on current regimen and other thoughts after reviewing thread)
-I'm pretty happy with my skin. It's soft, even tone (!), no acne, but occasional clogged pores. I'm posting a photo to the gallery just to show you I'm not lying!!
-I'm concentrating on some dark undereye circles and fine lines. Work shows in and around my eyes. I'm spreading Retin-A to include undereye area (I figure its a lowish concentration anyway).
-I've used Dan's AHA if I can't find my Obagi Exfoderm. I don't let it dry prior to applying BP or moisturizers or it clumps. I haven't needed to use the Jojoba oil lately; but its there if I need it! I firmly believe that Dan's products (keep in mind, I've only purchased BP, AHA, jojoba) are very high quality and priced at a steal.

[sally]

Hey Cand,

I'm using Obagi too, on week 1. I think you're gorgeous by the way---looked at all your pictures!

Just wondering, do you feel Obagi improved your skin permanently (Even though you've stopped using it)? And did you ever use moisturiser to help with the dryness? I'm so dry and wrinkly right now that I look about 82 although I am 29.

[MissTigerlilly]

Week 15

Wow, can't believe it's been this long since I've started! Very cool.

Current pros:
-No actives
-Peeling is under much better control.
-Skin is as smooth as buttah!

Current cons:
-Redness, still quite significant.
-Hyperpigmentation, on cheeks, no significant improvement.

Current regimen:
a.m.
-Microfiber cloth (to take off all the dead skin, has been controlling my peeling!)
-Toner
-"Clear" 4% hydroquinone
-"Exfoderm forte" lactic and glycolic acid
-SPF 35
-Cover FX mineral pressed powder on weekdays, my concocted tinted moisturizer on non-work days.
p.m.
-Cleanser
-Toner
-"Clear" 4% hydroquinone
-"Blender" more 4% hydroquinone + Retin-A (0.05%)
-Carmex. It's my must.
supplements
-Multivitamin
-Fish oil
-Calcium
-Zinc
-Vit C
green smoothies!
-This weeks recipe's included blackberry/kale, spinach/avocado/banana (super creamy)
-I include flax seed oil with all my smoothies. I think this (along with my addiction to raw almonds) explains the oily nose aforementioned in last week's post.

Plans
-Still waiting for my antioxidant serum. Was going for Obagi Professional-C, but since antioxidants are synergistic, opted for SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. Read good things about it. Hoping that it will decrease the redness, and further improve my hyperpigmentation.
-After finishing my toner, planning to get DDF Aloe Toner, again to calm down my red skin.
-If the above two products don't help my redness, looking into Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream. Will wait and see before purchasing.

Pictures
Will take later today. Check back! Pics now up. Frustration in spots on left cheek results in new avatar.

I was just wondering about cleansing. Your routine says that you cleanse once a day at night, did you always cleanse just once a day or is this after a certian amount of time on the system? Also was this your own decision or was it recommended to you? Thanks for sharing your story. I'm on week 4 and need all the support I can get. Thanks again!

[c@nd]

Hi Sally,

I do think Obagi changed my skin permanently. In fact, I've been in a nostalgic mood and looking at some past photos from several years ago; it is amazing how much my skin has changed. As for the Obagi brand itself, it may be the combination of everything, since I had never used Retin-A with hydroquinone and AHA's. But I am so glad I went through with it; it was worth the weeks of peeling! I did use moisturizers, especially Clinique Redness Solutions. Right now, I use the moisturizer during the day, and if I feel dry at night, I use a couple dabs of DK jojoba oil or Kiehl's midnight recovery oil. I find that I'm always trying to find a balance between being dry with Retin-A and oily because of my natural skin type.

Just note, the first couple of weeks are hard, but keep at it!!! I remember my face literally hurting, and then peeling so much. It had lots of layers to get rid of; that's when I started noticing the color and texture evening out.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes!

Hey Cand,

I'm using Obagi too, on week 1. I think you're gorgeous by the way---looked at all your pictures!

Just wondering, do you feel Obagi improved your skin permanently (Even though you've stopped using it)? And did you ever use moisturiser to help with the dryness? I'm so dry and wrinkly right now that I look about 82 although I am 29.

[c@nd]

MissTigerlilly,

I probably starting cleansing once a day well into my regimen, maybe 10-12 weeks in. I was noting my skin to be so dry. I had made my own decision to do this; I had gone to a skin specialist for the first 8 weeks or so, and after that made decisions on my own. At this point, I clean with Cetaphil in the AM, and Obagi in the PM (the Cetaphil has a little bit of oil/moiturizers and is not as drying, but my skin feels cleaner with the Obagi wash).

How are you doing so far into week 4/5? Remember, it takes at least 8 weeks to see results!!! I remember being somewhat frustrated at your point, and it took me even longer than most to see results! Keep at it, and let us know how it goes. We're all here to support one another!

I was just wondering about cleansing. Your routine says that you cleanse once a day at night, did you always cleanse just once a day or is this after a certian amount of time on the system? Also was this your own decision or was it recommended to you? Thanks for sharing your story. I'm on week 4 and need all the support I can get. Thanks again!

Edited by c@nd, 30 November 2010 - 08:29 PM.

[Weelassie1984]

Hi c@nd, your skin looks REALLY good, wow, flawless... How long did it take for your red marks to fully fade? And did you also have indented scars?

[c@nd]

Hi Weelassie,

It took a long time for the red/brown marks to fully fade. I'd say about 6 months or so. Looking back at those photos from my gallery, I'd actually say 8 months. At that point, I could dust some powder (I'm talking about a pretty minimal amount) to even my skin tone, but without makeup, there are still some marks, especially around my chin area. At this point, everything's pretty even (thankfully).

No indented scars, which is why I invested as much as I did for Obagi products (and honestly, all the pre-Obagi products, too!). My father and other family members had some pretty significant scarring (some have had success with peels, some haven't). That being said, I have some broken vessels on my face from picking. Ugh, if I could tell everyone in the world to never ever pick their face, I would!

What's your regimen, and how's it working for you?

Hi c@nd, your skin looks REALLY good, wow, flawless... How long did it take for your red marks to fully fade? And did you also have indented scars?

[Weelassie1984]

I'm using Differin (4,5 months). I have less acne but a lot of red marks and even a few small indents... Also a lot of flakes. Do you think it's a good idea to use AHA 8% (Paula's Choice) in the morning and Differin at night? To help with the flakes and red marks?

[sally]

Thanks Cand,
your post is very reassuring. I am 2.5 weeks and feeling discouraged. I have used all these chemicals -- AHAs, Retin A, HQ at some point in my life, just not so intensively or for so long. I do see freckles on the sides of my face fading but I never minded those anyway. It's those darn persistent brown marks on my cheeks that have been hanging around for years that bug me. They haven't improved that much.
I will keep plugging on.
Nice of you to take the time to write such detailed and encouraging replies-- you're beautiful in and out

[c@nd]

The Exfoderm that I use during the day contains AHA, 6% glycolic and 4% lactic acid. I find the combination of AHA and Retin-A to be great at making sure my skin stays exfoliated (I'm not even using the hydroquinone anymore!) I know I'm pretty flaky if I go out before taking a shower and exfoliating with my microfiber cloth (I use Cargo HD polishing cloths, and love 'em!). And make sure not to overexfoliate, which may just make your skin irritated due the rubbing/abrasions. Just run the cloth over your face after you've been in the shower a while, the skin that would most likely flake will likely come off in the shower instead.

...Let us know what you choose and how it goes!! The flaking means that you're exfoliating nicely, just have to find a regimen that de-flakes your skin before you go out for the day

I'm using Differin (4,5 months). I have less acne but a lot of red marks and even a few small indents... Also a lot of flakes. Do you think it's a good idea to use AHA 8% (Paula's Choice) in the morning and Differin at night? To help with the flakes and red marks?

[c@nd]

Sally,

I think we're all here to find out if anyone ever feels as discouraged as we do at some point, or if someone else is experiencing the same problems in general! And most of the time, someone has had that same issue and someone is willing to share how they worked through it. That's why I love these message boards. It truly is a sense of community, like everyone is here for one another.

Keep at it... I hope we will all one day show on our skin outside just how beautiful we all are inside.

Thanks Cand,
your post is very reassuring. I am 2.5 weeks and feeling discouraged. I have used all these chemicals -- AHAs, Retin A, HQ at some point in my life, just not so intensively or for so long. I do see freckles on the sides of my face fading but I never minded those anyway. It's those darn persistent brown marks on my cheeks that have been hanging around for years that bug me. They haven't improved that much.
I will keep plugging on.
Nice of you to take the time to write such detailed and encouraging replies-- you're beautiful in and out

[MissTigerlilly]

MissTigerlilly,

I probably starting cleansing once a day well into my regimen, maybe 10-12 weeks in. I was noting my skin to be so dry. I had made my own decision to do this; I had gone to a skin specialist for the first 8 weeks or so, and after that made decisions on my own. At this point, I clean with Cetaphil in the AM, and Obagi in the PM (the Cetaphil has a little bit of oil/moiturizers and is not as drying, but my skin feels cleaner with the Obagi wash).

How are you doing so far into week 4/5? Remember, it takes at least 8 weeks to see results!!! I remember being somewhat frustrated at your point, and it took me even longer than most to see results! Keep at it, and let us know how it goes. We're all here to support one another!

I was just wondering about cleansing. Your routine says that you cleanse once a day at night, did you always cleanse just once a day or is this after a certian amount of time on the system? Also was this your own decision or was it recommended to you? Thanks for sharing your story. I'm on week 4 and need all the support I can get. Thanks again!

Cand,

Thanks for your response! I have tried to ask other Obagi users some questions but have not had much help. I am just a little bummed because I am still experiencing some acne along the jaw line and am still quite red. I also am experiencing a bit of peeling as well. Along with my regimen I use a micro-needling tool to help with the scar damage my acne has left me. I have to say I am qutie impressed with the combo. I definitely have my good days and bad days but I am staying loyal to my regimen even when I'm dead tired and don't feel like it.

[c@nd]

MissTigerlilly,

I have to admit, not much experience with micro-needling, but know many others have posted on these message boards, and I'm sure many of them have been on Retin-A. Overall, is your acne improving? And as for the peeling, it will continue but that's the goal-- major exfoliation of many layers of skin!

I hear commitment in your statement, and I like it! "I am staying loyal to my regimen even when I'm dead tired and don't feel like it." Remember, it gets better day by day, week by week. And don't forget, you can always do your nighttime regimen a bit early, like when you get home from work/school/whatever. My schedule is insane, so I have to modify when I am doing my AM and PM regimens. One thing I keep in mind is, if I know I am truly exhausted for the day, the first thing I do when I get home is wash my face and do my regimen. Then, no matter what happens for the rest of the night, it's all taken care of.

Keep us posted

Cand,

Thanks for your response! I have tried to ask other Obagi users some questions but have not had much help. I am just a little bummed because I am still experiencing some acne along the jaw line and am still quite red. I also am experiencing a bit of peeling as well. Along with my regimen I use a micro-needling tool to help with the scar damage my acne has left me. I have to say I am qutie impressed with the combo. I definitely have my good days and bad days but I am staying loyal to my regimen even when I'm dead tired and don't feel like it.

[MissTigerlilly]

MissTigerlilly,

I have to admit, not much experience with micro-needling, but know many others have posted on these message boards, and I'm sure many of them have been on Retin-A. Overall, is your acne improving? And as for the peeling, it will continue but that's the goal-- major exfoliation of many layers of skin!

I hear commitment in your statement, and I like it! "I am staying loyal to my regimen even when I'm dead tired and don't feel like it." Remember, it gets better day by day, week by week. And don't forget, you can always do your nighttime regimen a bit early, like when you get home from work/school/whatever. My schedule is insane, so I have to modify when I am doing my AM and PM regimens. One thing I keep in mind is, if I know I am truly exhausted for the day, the first thing I do when I get home is wash my face and do my regimen. Then, no matter what happens for the rest of the night, it's all taken care of.

Keep us posted

Cand,

Thanks for your response! I have tried to ask other Obagi users some questions but have not had much help. I am just a little bummed because I am still experiencing some acne along the jaw line and am still quite red. I also am experiencing a bit of peeling as well. Along with my regimen I use a micro-needling tool to help with the scar damage my acne has left me. I have to say I am qutie impressed with the combo. I definitely have my good days and bad days but I am staying loyal to my regimen even when I'm dead tired and don't feel like it.

Cand,

Thank you so much for your support! I am committed to this regimen because I do feel it is working. My acne is getting better but I am having issues along my jawline. I have stubborn acne there that is taking way too long to go away. For the past few nights I have been zinc topical on my problem area and that seems to help.
I was wondering why you aren't using the maintinence program with Obagi?