Posts Tagged ‘Nu-Derm’
The Obagi Blue Peel improves hyper pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, laxity, skin texture and acne scars.
The Obagi Blue Peel is a unique procedure designed to precisely control the depth of a TCA chemical peel. The Blue Peel uses Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) as the active ingredient and a patented Blue Base with built in safeguards. The TCA and blue peel solution is prepared at a fixed concentration and applied in a “coating system”. The Blue base gives the skin professional more control over the peel by slowing the penatratation of the TCA solution and making it easier to recognize desired endpoints. The coating system helps monitor and control the depth of the peel.
The Obagi Nu Derm system and Obagi Blue Peel are designed to work together. The Obagi Nu-Derm system is used before the peel to precondition skin and as a post treatment protocol. Pre-conditioning prepares skin by correcting and stimulating normal skin function to speed healing. The amount of time for preconditioning is determined by the skin type and condition, usually a minimum of 6 weeks. Post-treatment promotes shorter recovery time, aids in resolution of erythema (redness) and post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I will not do a Blue Peel on anyone who has not preconditioned, post treatment care is also not optional.
The Obagi Blue Peel is not something you just schedule and show up for, it requires a little planning and preparation. A consultation is required before scheduling a Blue Peel to determine the depth of the peel needed to achieve desired results. In some cases a Blue Peel may not be your best option or additional treatments may be needed, so other treatment possibilities may be discussed. You will also need to begin a skin care regimen with the Obagi Nu-Derm system, a minimum of 6 weeks prior to your peel. During the consultation you will discuss the length and amount of peeling to expect with your peel , so that you can plan your schedule accordingly. The price of the Blue Peel varies depending on the depth of the peel, however even in the deepest Blue Peel is only a fraction of the cost of many laser treatments. ( The Blue Peel is amazing when combined with fillers and Botox. Think Chemical Facelift!)
Depth of Obagi Blue Peel
The Obagi Blue Peel can be performed at different levels or depths, depending on the desired results. The Obagi Blue peel uses a coating system as a way of preparing and controlling the depth of the peel. People often get confused by the term “coat”. When we say coats we are not referring to how many times the peel is painted on the face, a coat refers to a specific volume of a prepared solution. The blue peel uses a 30% TCA and a patented blue base that is prepared in either a 15% or 20% solution. It is important to understand that 2 coats of a 15% solution is not the equivalent of 2 coats of a 20% solution. A Blue peel solution of 20% is also not the equivalent of a plain 20% TCA. When considering a Blue Peel try not to confuse your self with the coat system and the concentration of the prepared solution, instead focus on the depth of the peel needed to achieve specific results.
[ Chemical Peels 101: skin anatomy, chemical peels, and peeling agents ]
Light Exfoliation: Peeling is complete in 2-3 days.
This is commonly referred to as a 1 coat peel
- Penetrates the stratum corneum layer of the skin.
- Provide light exfoliation to freshen the skin
- Unclogs pores and reduces comedones
Deep Exfoliation: Peeling is complete in 4-7 days.
This is commonly referred to as a 2 coat peel.
- Penetrates to the basal layer of the skin.
- Temporary improvement of superficial hyper-pigmentation
- Enhances results of the Nu-derm system
Standard Blue Peel: Peeling is complete in 7-9 days.
This is commonly referred to as a three coat peel.
- Penetrates the papillary dermis layer of the skin.
- Treats hyper-pigmentation Brown spots and Melasma
- Improves skin texture, reducing roughness
- Tightens large pores
Designed Blue Peel: Peeling is complete in 9-14 days.
This is commonly referred to as a 4 coat peel.
- Penetrates to the reticular dermis layer of the skin.
- Treats hyper-pigmentation Brown spots and Melasma
- Improves skin texture, reducing roughness
- Tightens large pores
- Skin laxity, fine lines, “stretchable” wrinkles and scars.
*Immediate reticular dermis (IRD) is the area where the papillary dermis meets the upper reticular dermis.
Pre-conditioning before the Obagi Blue Peel
Skin should be conditioned before a Blue Peel, this is done by using the full Obagi Nu Derm system along with a topical tretinoin (Retin-A). Conditioning the skin prior to the peel will enhance results and reduce complications. Pre-conditioning prepares skin by correcting and stimulating normal skin function to speed healing. The Obagi Nu Derm is a complete system and should be used as such. It is not recommended to eliminate or substitute the skin products in the Obagi System. Your skin health professional will give you a specific protocol that is appropriate for your skin. You will be instructed when and how to use each product as well as how to measure the recommended amount of each product. You will also be shown how manage reactions and how to modify your protocol to fit your lifestyle.
Obagi Medical skin care products are prescription strength, and available only through a physician’s office.The products in this system should be used with the same respect and diligence as any prescribed drug. You should only use Obagi products that you have received directly from your skin care professional, under a doctors supervision. Products sold by unauthorized distributers or online may be counterfeit, expired or degraded in quality. This can lead to reduced results and complications. When you purchase Nu-derm products from anyone other than your personal skin care professional, they are unable to calculate if you are using your creams correctly or guarantee efficacy of the products, consequently the results of your treatment can not be assured.
[ Obagi Nu-Derm: Restore Skin Health ]
Post- treatment after the Obagi Blue Peel
The Peel Stage
The peeling stage is 3-14 days depending on depth of peel.
The amount of peeling will depend on the level of peel. Skin will generally begin to darken on the 3rd day and peeling will begin on day 3 or 4, depending on depth of peel. Peeling begins around eyes, nose and mouth. With a standard or designed blue peel, days 4-6 will appear the worst. The peeling stage is not painful, but the skin will feel tight and dry. Follow all post treatment instructions. NO PICKING! It is extremely important that you do not assist the peel, treat the skin like you are trying to keep it on. Do not pick, pull or remove skin. Complications can occur if skin is peeled off prematurely.
During the peeling stage you will be instructed to follow specific post treatment instructions. This will include using a gentle cleanser and mild topical creams designed by Dr Obagi to be used after a Blue peel. If you have had a deeper peel you may be instructed to use an astringent solution compress. Sun exposure should be avoided after the peel. Chemical sunblocks and makeup can not be used, however you may be able to use an “approved” mineral makeup which will provide a little sun protection. I usually recommend Jane Iredale mineral makeup.
[ Chemical Peels: Post Treatment Care and Instructions ]
Recovery Stage
The recovery stage begins when peeling is complete and lasts 1-6 weeks, depending on depth of peel. When the peeling is complete, skin will look good and will continue to improve as it heels. Skin may look a little pink or red and it is not un usual to see an acne flare-up. After peeling is complete it is important to resume Obagi Nu-derm system as instructed to enhance results and reduce the probability of post inflammatory pigmentation.
Return to Normal
Skin will return to normal when the recovery stage is complete. Results of the procedure can be evaluated at this point and you will resume Obagi Nu-Derm system under the normal protocol. It is important to not discontinue Nu-Derm system prematurely. You will continue on a normal Obagi Nu Derm protocol until advised to begin a maintenance protocol, usually 6-12 weeks. This will depend on how aggressive your nu-derm protocol is, the condition of your skin and desired results.
Maintenance
When skin has been corrected and has returned to a normal healthy state a maintenance protocol will be designed to help you maintain your results. Your skin health professional will instruct you when to begin a maintenance protocol, this is usually.
The content provide in this post is intended to be informative and does not replace medical or professional treatment.
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After Obagi Most Women Go Naked
The Obagi Nu-Derm® system is the world’s #1 professional skincare program, used by more than 11,000 physicians throughout the world. It is the most effective treatment for skin health restoration, correcting complex problems such as acne, melasma (brown spots), fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.
The Obagi Nu-Derm System contains prescription-strength formulations that can only be sold through a licensed physician, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
*Take a moment to watch the Obagi video at the end of this post.
The goal of the Obagi Nu-Derm system is to create soft, radiant- looking skin, increase skin tolerance and restore normal skin functions. The problem is, it only works if you use it. It works even better when you use it correctly. Dr Zein Obagi created the Obagi Nu-Derm as a skin health restoration system, and the products are designed to be used together. Each of the products are good individually, but if you don’t use the full system, you will not see the amazing results that Obagi is famous for.
- Increase smoothness
- Reduce pore size
- Improve elasticity
- Normalize oil production
- Increase skins own ability to hold moisture
- Increase skin tolerance to all external factors
- Generate a balanced, even skin tone
- Reduce hyperpigmentation ( freckles, age spots, melasma, Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation )
I have worked professionally with the Obagi products for over 10 years, and have had “literally” thousands of clients on the Nu -Derm system. The results shown in the before and after photo’s are typical and common. If you use the Obagi system correctly you will experience skin transformation. Using a specific dose and frequency that’s recommended specifically by your skin care professional for your skin condition, the prescription-strength system exfoliates old skin leaving healthy, new skin that looks and acts younger and healthier. The products in the Nu-Derm System are clinically proven, prescription-strength, ingredients that work to improve your skin cell function, compared to retail products that contain more cosmetic-based ingredients.
Obagi System: Steps 1-6

All of the products are labeled AM, PM or both AM/PM and numbered 1-6 in the order you would use them. The lines between the letters in the word OBAGI are designed as a tool to measure product. For example from the O-A = 1/2 gram ( thick like toothpaste).

Step #1 Cleanser AM/PM
Foaming Gel – For Normal/Oily Skin or Gentle Cleanser – For Normal/Dry Skin
Proper cleansing is necessary

Step #2 Toner AM/PM
Adjusts the pH of the skin for increased penetration of the system ingredients.

Step #3 Clear AM/PM
A topical prescription treatment that includes 4% hydroquinone to correct hyperpigmentation (discoloration) and improve and even skin tone.

Step #4 Exfoderm or Exfoderm Forte AM
Exfoderm – For Normal/Dry Skin
A plant acid (3% phytic acid) that removes old skin cells while promoting new skin cells for a lighter, brighter complexion.
Exfoderm® Forte – For Normal/Oily Skin
An alpha hydroxy acid (6% glycolic acid, 4% lactic acid) that removes old skin cells while promoting new skin cells for a lighter, brighter, firmer complexion for skin that needs deeper exfoliation.

Step #5 Bleander & Tretinoin PM (mixed as prescribed)
This step restores damage to the deeper layers of the skin. It restores skin elasticity by enhancing the production of collagen and elastin.
Blender
A topical prescription treatment that contains 4% hydroquinone to target hyperpigmented (discolored) areas of the skin and increase the penetration of the active ingredients of the system.

Tretinoin Cream 0.025%, .05% , or.1% (as prescribed)
A topical prescription, use as directed. *Do not wax skin that is treated with tretinoin.

Step #6 Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35 AM
A sunscreen with 9% micronized zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate that helps to protect newly transformed, younger looking skin and prevents further sun damage. This is a physical/chemical sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection.
Reaction
If you just want to FEEL good you should get a spa treatment. If you want to LOOK good, then follow the recommended Obagi Nu Derm protocol. Generally, with a more aggressive protocol you will have more reaction, however you will also have more stimulation, see correction faster and build up tolerance more quickly. That doesn’t mean everyone should start out aggressively, individual system protocol is determined by skin type.
Reaction Phase: Out with the Old
Inital correction and stimulation phase
This is the time in which the damaged top layer of skin is replaced by a new layer of healthier cells. It takes about six weeks for ” newborn” cell to reach the surface of the skin and exfoliate.
You WILL experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Dryness – Itching
- Burning – Redness
- Sensitive skin
- Exfoliation ( flaking and peeling)
These reactions are a sign the skin restoration is in process. The Nu- Derm system is accelerating the skin cell turnover to alter the rough top layer of the skin.
Tolerance Phase: In with the New
Correction and stimulation continues
Your skin has built tolerance , skin improvement is viable. The skin increases the production of collagen and elastin, to diminish wrinkles and reduce pore size.
Correction Phase: Healthy Glow
Finally, your skin enters the last stage and you are ready for a maintenance protocol. Skin tolerance is now complete.
“Begin with the end in mind.” – The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Control Reaction
Peeling is more severe in the center of the face and around mucus membranes (eyes, nose and mouth). You can try focusing product use on the forehead and cheeks and blending them in toward the center of the face. Most people notice that the peeling reaction peeks late afternoon-early evening. It is okay to cleanse your face later in the day ( at least 4 or 5 hours later) and reapply sunscreen and makeup. Cleansing the skin can help slough off some of the loose peeling skin. If you have an social event and need to stop reactions, discontinue step 5, four days before event. Obagi Action and Tolereen are “control” products that can be used as needed to relieve surface tightness, itching and dryness. Control products should only be used temporarily, as they slow the skin restoration process. Be sure to discuss options for controlling your reactions with your skin care professional.

Obagi Nu-Derm Action
A moisturizing cream to be used as needed to soothe areas of dry, flaky skin.

Obagi Nu-Derm Tolereen
Contains 0.5% hydrocortisone for the temporary relief of itching and burning associated with minor skin irritations.

Find Obagi neer you. www.obagi.com
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