Common Questions Regarding Obagi Products

General Questions

Q: Why should I use all the products in the system?

A: Each Obagi System is specifically designed to work together as a system to transform your skin. When used as a system, the formulas work together to effectively balance the pH level and penetrate ingredients to the layers of the skin - revealing superior results.

Q: Why are the Obagi System products sold exclusively from physicians? Can the products be purchased on the Internet?

A: Obagi System skin care products are prescription-strength formulations regulated by the U.S. FDA and can be sold only with a prescription through a physician. Obagi does not endorse purchasing prescription products from the Internet without a written prescription.

Q: What is the difference between the Obagi System products and the products purchased from department stores, drug stores, infomercials, etc?

A: Obagi System skin care products are prescription strength, or pharmaceutical products that work at the cellular level to correct the skin cell function. Products purchased from a retail store are cosmeceutical products. When applied, they do not correct skin cells, instead they "mask" the damaged skin only on the surface for a temporary period.

Q. How often should I contact my Skin Health Professional?

A: It is important to contact your Skin Health Professional at The Centre, P.C. as directed or anytime you have a concern that was previously not discussed as a normal part of the transformation. Be prepared to inform your Skin Health Professional about your skin's progress.

Q: Can the products be applied around the eyes, neck and chest?

A: With the exception of the Obagi Nu-Derm System Eye Cream and Cffectives 5%, you should avoid using products around the eye area, as that skin area is thin and delicate. The products can be used on the neck and chest, where the skin is different than that of the face. Your Skin Health Professional at The Centre, P.C. will guide you on dosage and frequency.

Q: Can the products be used during pregnancy?

A: The non-prescription products are safe to use during pregnancy and nursing. The prescription products that contain Hydroquinone and Tretinoin are rated Category "C" for women who are pregnant or nursing and should not be used.

Q: Can the products be used if in the sun (e.g., at sporting events or at the beach)?

A: Keeping in mind that extended sun exposure damages the skin, we suggest you avoid prolonged sun exposure without protection. Always wear a sunscreen like the Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35, Obagi-C Rx SunGuard SPF 30, or Obagi Nu-Derm Physical UV Block SPF 32. While on the system, you can participate in normal outdoor activity; however, your skin may be sensitive to the sun and heat. It is very important to apply sun protection every few hours while exposed to the sun.

Q: What happens if I stop using the products?

A: The skin is your largest living organ and is constantly in the process of renewal. Skin cells mature and migrate to the surface every 28 days. The dead cells remain on the surface for another 12 days before sloughing off. When you stop using the products, you have interrupted the healthy cell renewal process. Eventually, the improved healthy cells will revert to where you started with abnormal skin cell function. You will begin to see diminishing results within weeks.

Obagi Nu-Derm System

Q: What does the Obagi Nu-Derm System do for aging skin?

A: As skin ages, just like the body, it loses the ability to properly renew itself. The Obagi Nu-Derm System is a prescription-strength skin care system that is physician-monitored to accelerate skin cell turnover so that it looks and acts younger and healthier.

Q: How quickly will I see results when using the Obagi Nu-Derm System?

A: The prescribed protocol and frequency is determined by your individual skin condition. By carefully following your Skin Health Professional's customized protocol, you can expect visible improvements in 4-6 weeks.

Q: What can I expect while using the Obagi Nu-Derm System?

A: Your skin will experience several phases of transformation. In the first phase, "Out With The Old," the system accelerates dead cell exfoliation, so expect flaking and peeling, revealing fresher, smoother skin. In the second phase, "In With The New," your skin will begin to build tolerance to peeling and flaking. During that time, the system is working at the cellular level to continually transform skin cells. In the third phase, "Healthy Glow," histologically, collagen and elastin are increasing production and skin becomes more supple and resilient. Uneven color and pigmentation evens out. In the fourth phase, "The New You," you keep your skin looking and acting younger and healthier.

Obagi-C Rx System

Q: Why is Vitamin C important?

A: Vitamin C belongs to an important group of antioxidants, which fight the free radicals that age the skin. Studies have shown topical Vitamin C, in the most effective form (L-ascorbic acid), can even improve sun protection, repair sun damaged skin, reduce fine lines, stimulate collagen building and reduce discoloration of the skin.

Q: How is the Obagi-C Rx System different from other Vitamin C products?

A: The Obagi-C Rx System is the first and only prescription-strength Vitamin C System of products in the U.S. Its patented formulation, using proven ingredients, provides a systemized treatment for brighter skin, what Obagi calls Photolumines. While many Vitamin C products simply moisturize the skin's surface, the Obagi-C Rx System penetrates to all layers of the skin, effectively delivering more Vitamin C than other brands.

Q: Can Tretinoin be prescribed along with the Obagi-C Rx System?

A: The Obagi-C Rx System is specifically designed to work together as a system to deliver a Photolumines glow to your skin. Adding Tretinoin or other products may be recommended, but it is important to discuss your individual skin care needs with your Skin Health Professional.

Q: Why are there two C-Exfoliating Day Lotions?

A: There are two C-Exfoliating Day Lotion options. One has a sunscreen with SPF 12 and the other does not have a sunscreen. Some patients already use sunscreen, dislike the sunscreen smell or are prone to irritation or breakouts caused by sunscreens. Other patients need the extra sunscreen or want the added convenience of a sunscreen built into their lotion.

Obagi Blue Peel System

Q: Why is the Obagi Nu-Derm System used in conjunction with the Obagi Blue Peel?

A: Those seeking skin resurfacing procedures (Blue Peel) usually have unhealthy skin. By improving important skin cell functions with the Obagi Nu-Derm System prior to the procedure, post-procedure care is enhanced and down time is reduced. Further, the post-procedure variables such as sensitivity, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, erythema and scarring are reduced. Early recovery of normal skin structure and function will ultimately boost satisfaction with the procedure.

Q: How long should the Obagi Nu-Derm System be used before getting a Blue Peel?

A: It varies based on the skin type, skin condition and depth of the Blue Peel. Usually, a minimum pre-conditioning program lasts 6 weeks. Skin with more pigment or hyperpigmentation requires 12-18 weeks.

Q: Why is the Blue Peel different and better than a TCA peel?

A: Because TCA is a clear aqueous solution, overpainting and uneven penetration can easily occur, leading to unsatisfactory results. The Blue Peel is a unique procedure enhancing control of the depth of TCA. The blue mixing base helps to ensure consistent results with every patient and every procedure for the Skin Health Professional.

Q: What should be expected during recovery?

A: Depending on the depth level of the Blue Peel, healing time is between 3 and 10 days. After the procedure, you will experience light swelling and your skin will begin to peel within 2 to 3 days.

Click here for more information on Obagi products or to schedule a consultation with one of our Skin Health Professionals. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest skin care products, including the Obagi line, to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514

Chesterton
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Toll Free: 800.909.2992
Phone: 219.395.9200
Fax: 219.926.3534