Pre-treatment of skin at risk of hyperpigmentation - L2

Pre-treatment of skin at risk of hyperpigmentation - L2

Posted by Edel Woods on

This information is for you if:

You have been told that you need to prepare your skin in advance of your proposed treatment

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:

  • Obagi Clear (Hydroquinone) - prescription drug

  • Obagi Tretinoin 0.025% - prescription drug

Cautions:

  • Skin becomes more sun sensitive. Excellent sun protection/avoidance required

  • Products are NOT suitable if pregnant/breastfeeding

  • 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:

  • Dryness

  • Redness

  • Flaking 

Tips:

  • Obagi Hydrate is a wonderful moisturiser to use with this routine

  • Venn Cica Biome Booster is a wonderful serum to nourish the skin when using this routine

  • You can apply a thin layer of either of the above before your tretinoin if the skin is sensitive. Wait 10 minutes or more between layers.

Routine:

AM:

1. Cleanse

2. 1/2gram of Clear (see image)

  • 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

3. +/- serum

4. +/- Moisturiser

5. SPF

 

PM:

x3 nights:

  1. Cleanse

  2. 1/2gram of Clear (see image)

  3. Moisturiser

 

x3 nights:

  1. Cleanse

  2. Pea size amount tretinoin (avoid eye area)

  3. Moisturiser

 

x1 night:

  1. Cleanse

  2. Hydrating serum

  3. Moisturiser

 

Ahead of your recommended treatment:

  • Stop using Tretinoin and Clear 5 days pre-treatment

  • Only gentle products in the 5 days pre treatment (no acids except vitamin c)

  • Contact the clinic is you have any concerns whatsoever

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