Pre-treatment of skin at risk of hyperpigmentation - L1
This information is for you if:
You have been told that you need to prepare your skin in advance of your proposed treatment with Obagi Nuderm
Why pre-treat?
We are recommending that you pre-treat your skin to reduce the risk of developing post-treatment pigmentation (PIH). Pre-treatment reduces the risk by minimising how active your pigment producing cells are. Pre-treatment does not eliminate the risk of developing more/new pigmentation after treatment because for some people the heat/inflammation generated by treatment can trigger the pigment cells to make more pigment.
Products:
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Obagi Nuderm which includes Hydroquinone in both the Clear & Blender products - prescription drug
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Obagi Tretinoin 0.025%/ 0.05% - prescription drug
Cautions:
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Skin becomes more sun sensitive. Excellent sun protection/avoidance required
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Products are NOT suitable if pregnant/breastfeeding
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Obagi Clear (hydroquinone) can only be used for defined periods of time. Do not start/stop using routinely. This is a medicine.
What to expect:
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Dryness
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Redness
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Flaking
MORNING ROUTINE
| Step 1: | Cleanse (1) |
| Step 2: | Toner (2) |
| Step 3: | 1/2gram of Clear (3). Massage in well. Apply to full face including out to hairline and ensure skin fully absorbed and skin looks clear or product before next step |
| Step 4: | The mornings after you have used Tretinoin at night you will use Exfoderm (4) 1/2gram. Avoid eye area. Don’t use this in the morning if you did not use tretinoin the night before. |
| Step 5: | No Step 5 in AM routine |
| Step 6: |
Optional: Apply Obagi hydrate if feeling dehydrated/tight/flaky. Always: Finish morning routine with Obagi Sun Shield SPF. VITAL. Apply liberally to all areas of your face. |
EVENING ROUTINE
| Step 1: | Cleanse (1) |
| Step 2: | Toner (2) |
| Step 3: | 1/2gram of Clear (3). Massage in well. Apply to full face including out to hairline and ensure skin fully absorbed and skin looks clear or product before next step |
| Step 4: | No Step 4 in Night routine |
| Step 5: | (a) Mix ½ gram of Blender (5) and ½ gram Tretinoin 0.025% in your hand. Divide mixture in two and apply half to your skin. Massage it in well. Skin will look white. Continue massaging until skin looks clear again. Then apply the second half of the mixture and massage until skin appears clear again. (b) Apply ½ gram of Blender (5). Without tretinoin. Massage in well. See further notes below on step 5 |
| Step 6: |
Optional: Apply Obagi hydrate if feeling dehydrated/tight/flaky. |
STEP 5 NOTES
Week 1: 3 nights per week do option (a). Remaining nights option (b). For example: use option (a) Monday-Wednesday-Friday nights this week
Week 2: 4 nights per week do option (a). Remaining nights option (b).
Week 3: 5 nights per week do option (a). Remaining nights option (b)
Week 4: 7 nights per week do option (a).
The aim is to get you using option a 7 nights per week as soon as we can. The protocol above is a good way to reach this.
Remember: as you increase the nights where you do option (a), you will also increase the mornings where you apply exfoderm (step 4 in AM routine)
As you increase the nights of option A, your skin can become drier, flakier, redder, sensitive. Please let me know if you are struggling with it.
EXTRA TIPS WHILE USING THE SYSTEM
1/2gram is equal to a finger tip unit. See image:
If your skin is very dry or sensitive or flaky you can use additional hydrate as needed throughout the day. Your skin is very likely to become red from using the blender + tretinoin mix at night. This is normal and a good reaction. If you find it very red or sensitive, please let us know and we will guide you with management.
CAUTIONS WHILE USING OBAGI NUDERM
This is not pregnancy or breastfeeding safe
You cannot use Clear or Blender for more than 16 weeks unless directed by your doctor. This is a prescription hydroquinone product
Your skin will be more light sensitive. Please be mindful of this and take appropriate precautions.
You cannot have any waxing, threading, tinting, laser, peels or other abrasive skin treatments while undergoing nuderm. If you have any uncertainty please ask your doctor.
Unfortunately pigment likes to return, we will recommend a longterm maintenance routine for you.
