Acne Scar Treatment - Obagi Tretinoin Cream

I have sensitive skin and often suffer from acne scarring. I also get eczema breakout every now and then and it will leave nasty brown pigmentation on my skin. I have been trying to find something to lighten those marks and when I made my last trip to Japan, I have found Obagi Tretinoin Cream in one of their drug stores. (Japanese drug stores sell many many different brands of skin whitening products. You should take a look if you ever go to Japan,)

Tretinoin Cream is often known as anti aging cream, which is often used in treatment of age spots, skin whitening/brightening and pore reductions. Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A, and it increases the turnover of skin cells. This effect helps to decrease the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, and produce healthier, younger looking skin.
Tretinoin also suppresses the formation of melanocyte, the skin cells responsible for pigmentation. This decreases skin discoloration and uneven skin tone.

Obagi Tretinoin Cream comes in 0.05% (20g tube) and 0.1% (20g tube). It is recommended to use together with Obagi NuDerm Blender and you should only use Tretinoin Cream every other night. Apply the cream thinly on affected area, especially if you are the first time users. I also should mention that if you are pregnant, DO NOT use Tretinoin or any of Hydroquinone products.

After writing this far, I have found out that Obagi Tretinoin Cream has now been changed to Obagi Tretinoin Gel. (Above mentioned cream seems to be still available in some websites.)
Obagi Tretinoin Gel is available in 0.01% (15g tube) and 0.025%(15g tube).
Below image is the result of using Tretinoin Cream for twice a week, together with Obagi Nu-Derm System. You can see the quite remarkable improvement in her complexion.

Obagi and Acne Care

I may have already mentioned about Obagi Nu-Derm System can be used for acne treatment but I would like to go over it again here. However, if you suffer from severe acne problem, I strongly recommend you to consult your dermatologist before you start using Obagi. Obagi Nu-Derm System was created by United States dermatologist, Dr.Obagi and the system not only reduce acne formation, but also reduce scars and uneven skin tones and redness which were created by acne scars.
Obagi Nu-Derm system will restore the damaged skin by applying vitamin C, retinoic acid, chemical peels and hydroquinone in gradual steps, and it will take approximately 60 to 90 days to complete the procedure.

Here are some common effect of above ingredients;
Vitamin C - It is also called as ascorbic acid and it is a popular natural ingredient used in skin care cosmetics. There are two main commonly known effects. First,vitamin C is an essential component for collagen synthesis. Without adequate vitamin C,the collagen in your skin would be malformed and your skin would not heal properly. Second, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidant helps to prevent skin damage and wrinkles by soaking up harmful free radicals.

Retinoic Acid - It is a nutrient that that body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Retinoic acid is made in the body from vitamin A and helps cells to grow and develop.

Hydroquinone - It is considered to be the most effective skin bleaching ingridient today. It’s used by many to treat and fade liver spots, melasma, freckles, acne scars and other forms of skin discoloration.

During this treatment, you might experience some redness, minor skin irritation and peeling of skin. (I had such experience but my friends didn't. So I guess it totally depends on your skin type and living environment.) But this effect is still minor compare to some side effect caused by common laser treatment and Fraxel treatment.
If you are interested in purchasing Obagi products or want to know more product details, please visit Obagi Store.

Obagi Nu-Derm System: Part 3

I am going to talk about the third step 'Protect' in Obagi Nu-Derm morning routine. So far, we have taken the following step.

Step 1:Prepare
Use Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser or Nu-Derm Foaming Gel to clean your skin. After pad dry, apply Obagi Nu-Derm Toner.

Step 2:Correct
Apply Obagi Nu-Derm Clear on entire face avoiding eye area, followed by application of Nu-Derm Exfoderm (for dry, thin, sensitive skin) or Exfoderm Forte (for normal to oily skin).

Because Obagi reduce the production of melanin in your skin, you must try your best to avoid prolonged direct sun exposure. Now you need this step 3 to protect your skin.

Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF35
Healthy Skin Protection SPF35 is a critical element in the protection stage of Nu-Derm System which provides daily ultraviolet defense.
Apply in the morning under your makeup and reapply often while you are in the sun.


I forgot to do this 'step3' of Nu-Derm System and went for a walk couple of times, and I deeply regret it. I remember my skin felt very sensitive against the sun light...it was almost stinging. After a few days later, I noticed a few dark spots on my cheeks!
Sun protection is a core of anti-aging skin care and I recommend to use this superior sun screen at any time.

If you are interested in purchasing Obagi products or want to know more product details, please visit Obagi Store.

Amazing result of 6 months trial of Obagi Nu-Derm System
(Please click on the photo to see the larger image.)

Obagi Nu-Derm System: Part 2

I have talked about the first step of Obagi Nu-Derm System, 'Prepare' in the last post. You wash your face with either Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser or Nu-Derm Foaming Gel and finish off with Nu-Derm Toner. You will be doing this for both morning and night routine.

Now we are going to step 2, 'Correct'.
There is a slight difference in between morning routine and night routine in this step2. In the morming, you need to use both Obagi Nu-Derm Clear and Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm (or Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte), and you only need to use Nu-Derm Clear in the evening.

Nu-Derm Clear
Nu-Derm Clear is a very important component in Obagi Nu-Derm System. This lotion is formulated with 4% hydroquinone (a bleaching agent) as the active ingredient in an activating base to suppress the overproduction of melanin and prevent the side effect associated with hyperpigmentation.
Apply evenly to the entire face avoiding eye lids, extending to the hairline, over the ears and ending with a feathering motion from the jawline down the neck. A second coat can be applied over darker pigmented lesions.

Nu-Derm Exfoderm
Nu-Derm exforderm is a unique formulation that contains phytic acid that removes dead skin cells. Phytic acid is gentler than lactic acid and glycolic acid, which are used in Nu-Derm Exforderm Forte. Therefore Nu-Derm Exforderm is suited for dry, thin and sensitive skin and Nu-Derm Exforderm Forte is for normal to oily skin and less sensitive skin.
This process allows better penetration of the skin care products such as hydroquinone and tretinoin.
Apply Exforderm evenly over the entire face avoiding the eyelids area after the application of Nu-Derm Clear in the morning.

If you are interested in purchasing Obagi products or want to know more product details, please visit Obagi Store.

This is what happens after 2 to 3 weeks. Dead skins start peeling off from your face.

Obagi Nu-Derm System: Part 1

Obagi Nu-Derm System is the most popular and the most talked about products. It is known as 'Skin Renewal System' and designed to restore health to aging and sun damaged skin. Obagi Nu-Derm System corrects surface discoloration and blemishes, and reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen and elastin.
If you are interested in this program, I strongly recommend to go and see your dermatologist first, since Obagi Nu-Derm System consists of a group of complementary products containing active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, hydroquinones and tretinoin, and some of those ingredients are not safe for pregnant women and people with certain skin conditions.

Because I was already familiar with Obagi products, I decided to give it a go. Well, I should give you the good news first. It really works! My skin has gone a lot brighter and firmer, and also I no longer see my acne scars on my forehead and temples. I don't have to hide my age spots with concealers anymore!

Here comes the bad news... It does cause some skin irritations such as peeling, redness and dryness, especially during the first 6 to 8 weeks. I had a hard time applying makeup for a while. (My friend suggested to wear a giant mask like those Japanese girls!) This happens because Obagi Nu-Derm system ingredients work at cellular level promoting more rapid turnover of skin cells.

So I guess this system requires patience, and you have to be a bit lighthearted. But your skin will get transformed within 3 to 4 months. This is a miracle worker!

I am going to introduce you individual products from Obagi Nu-Derm System through the next 2 to 3 postings. I would like to start with the following products which you need for 'The first step-Prepare'. (Obagi Nu-Derm System has 'Protocol For Use' Prepare - Improve - Stimulate - Protect - Control)


Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser & Nu-Derm Foaming Gel
The both products are oil free soap free cleanser that gently removes impurities, oil and makeup to leave skin clean, fresh and ready for the next step.
Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser for normal to dry skin types, Nu-Derm Foaming Gel for normal to oily skin types. Apply to wet face, rinse with lukewarm water and gentle pat dry. Avoid rubbing the skin with towel.

This is the result you can expect after completing Obagi Nu-Derm System.


Nu-Derm Toner

Obagi Nu-Derm Toner is applied to entire face after cleaning the skin. (Please avoid upper and lower lids of the eyes.) It is formulated with alum (a natural astringent), the toner adjusts the skin's pH for optimal penetration of the Obagi Nu-Derm System's treatment applications. Obagi Nu-Derm Toner formulation does not dry the skin excessively. It is designed to tighten the skin and pores.

If you are interested in purchasing Obagi products or want to know more product details, please visit Obagi Store.

Obagi Platinized Lotion

I talked about 'Obagi Japan Line' in the last post and would like to introduce another one of those. I purchased this together with Obagi Triple Peel 10. After I wash my face with Obagi-C Cleansing Gel and apply Obagi Triple Peel 10, I finish my morning skin care with this lotion. It soaks into my skin and keeps it moisturized for hours. Because it is very light on your skin, I am using it under my mineral powder makeup.
If you are interested in Obagi products, I do recommend to start with few products together instead of just trying one item. I know it is not cheap. But if you want to see the great result, especially if you are worrying about hyperpigmentation (Those age spots and dark circles under the eyes), I suggest to use two products together at least. My first purchase was Obagi-C Cleansing Gel and Obagi Professional-C Serum 10% and I started seeing the result in about three weeks. My skin complexion has gone brighter and got a healthy glow. I have tried many skin care products but Obagi is the only one I see the actual result and it is a good one.

If you are interested in purchasing Obagi products or want to know more about product details, please visit Obagi Store.

Obagi Triple Peel 10

I found this product when I was traveling in Japan. I was so surprised to see many Obagi products sold in drug stores over there. Later I have found out that there are 'Japan Only' Obagi product lines. Obagi Triple Peel 10 is one of them. I have been using this product for just over a month and I can clearly see that it helps unclogging pores. And also it reduces the size of pores. My skin is a lot smoother and looks healthier than before. Thanks again Obagi!!

Product Information
Description: Obagi Triple Peel 10 is formulated with a well balanced combination of the following three acids, which helps elicit transparency of the skin, making it feel soft and velvety like new skin.
Phytic Acid - It loosens and removes tightly joined dead skin cells and promote skin restoration.
Lactic Acid - It softens hardened stratum corneum.
Glycolic Acid - It penetrates deep into the skin to encourage cellular turnover.

Recommended Use: Apply a few pumps onto a cotton pad and place a small amount of lotion on the following parts of your face; forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Massage gently with the cotton pads, using circular motion from inside to outside

If you are interested in purchasing Obagi products or want to know more about product details, please visit Obagi Store.