Obagi Nu-Derm Skin System

The Obagi Nu-Derm System is the physician-dispensed, prescription-strength skincare system that can actually transform your skin at the cellular level. By addressing the signs of photodamage and restoring the healthy function of your skin cells, this system is clinically proven to result in younger and healthier looking skin.

What are the effects of photodamage on your skin?
As your skin ages and is exposed to UVA and UVB rays, the turnover of skin cells slows significantly, throwing off the balance between the growth of healthy new cells and the sloughing of old, damaged cells. Additionally, collagen and elastin begin to break down, causing the skin to lose resilience resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Daily exposure to UV light then accelerates this aging process and may cause uneven coloring.

The Obagi Nu-Derm System penetrates below the surface of your skin to transform skin cell function at the cellular level and correct the damage within.

How does the Nu-Derm System  transform your skin?
Using the powerful combination of 4% hydroquinone, tretinoin, and glycolic acid in the specific dose and frequency that’s recommended  by your skincare professional for your skin condition, the prescription-strength system exfoliates old skin leaving healthy, new skin that looks and acts younger and healthier.

*click here for treatment protocol
*click here to view ‘4 phases of transformation’

Obagi’s Elastiderm Eye Treatments

Unlike many eye products sold on TV, at spas, and at department stores, the Elastiderm  is not just a moisturizer for around the eyes.  Rather, it is clinically proven to help restore the elasticity, the SNAP, of the delicate skin around the eyes.

Elastiderm  eye products use a bi-mineral complex of zinc and copper that has been clinically proven to help restore elastin and build collagen to restore the elasticity in your skin.  In addition, Malonic Acid helps to stimulate the production of healthy skin cells,  blueberry extract provides antioxidants  to help eliminate free radicals and hyaluronic acid keeps the eye area hydrated and supple. 

*Available in gel and cream formulations.

Obagi  Nu-Derm Products and  Protocol For Use

A.M. ROUTINE:

1. GENTLE CLEANSER or FOAMING GEL CLEANSER - Mild gel-based cleansers that gently removes impurities, oil and makeup to leave skin clean and fresh.

Wash your face with the recommended cleanser, rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.  You may gently massage your skin with a soft towel.  But, avoid rubbing  the  skin aggressively or scrubbing.

2. TONER - Adjusts the pH of the skin for increased penetration of the system ingredients.

Put the Toner on a cotton pad and apply to your entire face. Do not rinse.   If you prefer, you can buy an inexpensive spray bottle to mist the toner onto the face and pat dry.

3. CLEAR - A topical prescription treatment that includes 4% hydroquinone to correct hyperpigmentation (discoloration) and improve and even out your skin tone.

Be sure the skin is completely dry.  Measure 1/2 –1 gram and apply evenly to your entire face, avoiding the eyes, extending to the hairline, over the ears and ending with a feathering motion.   Wait at least 15 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Note: If you have dark skin, use Clear on your entire face once a day, preferably in the morning, and apply at night only on the darkest areas. Once you achieve satisfying results, use Clear only as needed.

*Note:  Hydroquinone should not be used if pregnant, trying actively to get pregnant or breast feeding

4. EXFODERM OR EXFODERM FORTE --Daily exfoliates that removes old skin cells while promoting new skin cells for a lighter, brighter complexion.

After Clear has penetrated and dried completely, measure 1/2  gram and apply evenly to your entire face, avoiding the eyelid area. Massage until the cream is completely absorbed.   Give cream time to penetrate before applying sunscreen.

5. ACTION - A moisturizing cream to be used as needed to soothe areas of dry, flaky skin.

May be used if experiencing discomfort or dryness.  To use, mix a small amount in  with your Exfoderm or Exfoderm Forte and apply evenly to the face.

6. SPF MOISTURIZER- Apply your esthetician-recommended sun protection product liberally.  Re-apply every few hours if in direct sunlight for an extended period of time.

P.M. ROUTINE:

1.GENTLE CLEANSER or FOAMING GEL CLEANSER - Mild gel-based cleansers that gently removes impurities, oil and makeup to leave skin clean and fresh.

Wash your face with the recommended cleanser, rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.  You may gently massage your skin with a soft towel.  But, avoid rubbing  the  skin aggressively or scrubbing.

2. TONER-Adjusts the pH of the skin for increased penetration of the system ingredients.

Put the Toner on a cotton pad and apply to your entire face. Do not rinse.   If you prefer, you can buy an inexpensive spray bottle to mist the toner onto the face and pat dry.

3. CLEAR- A topical prescription treatment that includes 4% hydroquinone to correct hyperpigmentation (discoloration) and improve and even out your skin tone.

Be sure the skin is completely dry.  Measure 1/2 –1 gram and apply evenly to your entire face, avoiding the eyes, extending to the hairline, over the ears and ending with a feathering motion.   Wait at least 15 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Note: If you have dark skin, use Clear on your entire face once a day, preferably in the morning, and apply at night only on the darkest areas. Once you achieve satisfying results, use Clear only as needed.

*Note:  Hydroquinone should not be used if pregnant, trying actively to get pregnant or breast feeding

4. BLENDER and TRETINOIN-Blender is 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 (often referred to by the brand name, Retin-A) is a powerful topical prescription for the treatment of acne and reduction of photo-aging.

Measure 1/2 gram of Blender and ½ a gram of Tretinoin , mix them on your finger tips and evenly to your entire face. Apply around eye area as directed.

Note: Avoid the corners of the lips and creases around the nose.

*Note:  Tretinoin (Retin-A) should not be used if pregnant, trying actively to get pregnant or breast feeding

5. ACTION-A moisturizing cream to be used as needed to soothe areas of dry, flaky skin.

May be used if experiencing discomfort or dryness.

*Tretinoin, Clear and Blender are not to be used if pregnant or breastfeeding.  Discontinue use immediately if you become pregnant.  Must use effective birth control method if sexually active.

*Use of this system can cause temporary erythema (redness), sensitivity, flakiness or peeling, and dryness for the first 4-8 weeks.  Our master aestheticians will work to get you through this phase. 

*Use of this system will cause an increase in sun-sensitivity.  Daily SPF use is required.

*Some patients claim that they have used Obagi before unsuccessfully.  Almost all of these patients were not using Obagi properly and with our guidance, we can optimize the benefits and results of this amazing skin care system.

OBAGI NU-DERM: The Four Phases of Transformation

Out with the Old (Weeks 1-6)

Nu-Derm System penetrates to the deepest layer of your skin to correct signs of premature aging and acne flares.

Old, dead skin cells are pushed to the surface and replaced with fresh cells.

*Itching, dryness , redness flaking or peeling are all possible side effects as your skin adapts to the system.  This is a great time for a gentle microdermabrasion facial with moisturizing treatment  to help re-balance the skin.

Expect: Pigmented skin cells to become regulated, creating a more even toned appearance .

In with the New (Weeks 7-12)

Your skin begins producing normal, healthy cells. Pigment cells are distributing melanin more evenly. Collagen production is stimulated. Your skin begins to acclimate to the system.

Expect: Smoother, softer, clearer skin as normal healthy cell production begins

Healthy Glow (Weeks 12-18)

Your skin cells are in the process of transformation. Collagen production continues. Your skin is becoming clearer, firmer and tighter with improved clarity and a healthy glow.

Expect: Your skin to be smooth, naturally hydrated, evenly colored and more resilient

The New You (Lasting results, with maintenance)

Your skin has been transformed by the Obagi Nu-Derm System . Continue to use the system daily in the morning and evening.   This is a great time to add extra anti-oxidant protection like Obagi’s C-Clarifying Serum if you haven’t already. Check-in routinely with our skincare specialists to maintain your results long-term with regular microdermabrasion or peels.

Expect: Skin that looks and acts younger and healthier

So when you are ready to improve or maintain your skin, visit us and get to know our staff.