My Obagi Nu-Derm System Review

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I have just started the line. It is Sunday and I started on Tues night. The itching and redness are worsening. I guess I din’t realize that it would be this bad. And I have darker skin that is not generally sensitive at all. So this product is going to affect even the toughest skin (like mine). Yikes. I am peeling like a snake. But, I am determined to hang in there, especially since I paid so much for the system. My aunt who has freckled, heavily sun damaged skin like mine is rooting me on. She has had significant results. But, I understand that you cannot ever completely get off this system. Otherwise, it will all return.
So, I will check in later and give report after the next few weeks. This website is very insightful and helpful in the decision making process. Wish I had found it before I bought the line. your comments are encouraging and honest!

Thanks for the kind words Caroline! It’s good to have someone like your aunt to keep you motivated – I’ve heard there are support forums for this system but nothing beats having a family member help out.

I’m looking forward to your report after you’re all finished. Would love to hear how it did (or didn’t) work out for you in the end.

Okay, now I am almost two weeks into it. The peeling is terrible. I have sores in several spots. I quit using the Retin a around my mouth. Especially the frown line area. I was very raw here. Even though I don’t apply the blender there, i still peel daily in that area the most. The place I don’t peel that much in on my cheeks where the sun damamge is most pronounced. But, man, I can see the beautiful skin underneath starting to show. It is amazing how fast I could see this new skin coming out. The last place is really the sides of my cheeks to lighten up. But, the spots are definitely better already. Do you know if the intense peeling will continue for the full six weeks or does it peek around week two or three then start to decrease? I need something to look forward to. i am thankfulf or your website. CAroline

That’s great that you’re already seeing some results. Peeling should start to decrease for you soon. How was the peeling when your aunt used it? Did she experience the same time frame for peeling or was it different than you?

My aunt’s peeling seemed to be the same. I am three weeks into it. yea. My skin is not nearly as traumatized. It is smooth now, and my skin in so much improved. Amazing. Even my friends can’t believe it. I can’t get over how even my skin tone is becoming. My racoon eyes are gone! I now have peeling daily, but it is not cracking and sore. It is more of a superficial peel. My skin is soft and supple now without the toughness I had before. And it seems much more elastic. Not so dry and tight like it was before I even started the system. I still have a very pink glow right now. People keep telling me I am flushed. I will report in again. But so far, I am very pleased. I will try to send some before and after pictures.

Thanks for the honest review! So about 3 weeks of peeling for you? I’m glad you had good results with it. Please give before and after pictures if you can so other people can see.

I have been using the system for about a month now. I stopped it for 10 days as I was going in for my laser hair treatments. Then I had to start up again…the peeling and the burning skin were the worst. I experience a lot of peeling around my mouth. I haven’t seen results yet but I know you have to be patient with this system.

I am gong to start Obagi and have a deadline for a trip; however, the holidays are here. How soon does the redness and peeling start? Do you have 2-3 days before that begins? IOW, can you plan to go out within first few days or does it get bad immediately. Another question–I have been using MD Forte for years. Will that help me have less severe redness and peeling? Thanks.

Well, I am on my 7th week of Obagi and it has not been a very plesant experience. For that fact I had a total breakdown with my Doctor’s office today. They keep cheering me on because only 3 people have actually stuck with the program out of 28!! My skin is smoother and all the bad sun damage has faded,but my wrinkles are waaay worse. I am 50 and am very, very discourged with the increase of my wrinkles…I look 10-15years older. I have opted to do the laser resurfacing. I looked younger when I was using the Nutrogena line of products. I would not suggest this for anyone thinking it will help wrinkles…especially around your eyes. I have aged!

Oh, and everything BURNS. There is nothing “soothing” about any of the products!

I’m in my 6th week of of this system,this week has been the worst..the first 5 were a piece of cake…I’m wondering why this week is the worst…am I suppose to stop it after my 6th week and then start up again after 2 weeks? I’m loving the Obagi and it has made a huge difference on my sun damaged face…this 6th week,is bad, almost like little hives on left and right jaw line and in the hollow of cheeks .The itching is bad and painful and feels like I have a horrible sunburn…is this normal into the 6th week, please can someone tell me..i don’t want to stop using it if I don’t have too…

I’ve been using Qbagi since 12/3/08 up until about 2 weeks ago. I was really pleased with the results I got-clear skin, faded sun spots, tightening and lifting. However, after about six weeks, I noticed a discoloration to my finfernails. When I asked my doctor about this problem all she asked me was if I was taking any antibiotics or if I paint my fingernails. To which the answer to both questions is “no”. I suspected the discoloration might be due to this product. Then I went in for a brow and lip wax from my esthetician and she refused after I told her I was using Obagi. She told me she had several other clients who got a wax from her without mentioning that they were using this product where their skin acually came out during waxing! Ouch! Bottom line is Hydorquinone. It turned my fingernails yellow-ugly for a hula dancer! And I’m upset that my doctor didn’t mention anything about that or inform me about waxing while on this product. Anyone else with ugly discolored fingernails? So now I’ve stopped all the products with hydroquinone-will the hyperpigmentation come back and will my fingernails become clear again?

Hi,

I am in my 6th week of using the Obagi Nu-Derm (for oily skin). My skin looks a little smoother. However, I have not experienced any itching nor peeling. I followed the directions closely.

What am I doing wrong? Is this normal?

Any comment is appreciated. Thanks.

i just started to use the nuderm clear and the lotion. will the redness cause scarring later on?

I have been using the blender and tretinoin for 3 weeks. I have not experienced any side effects yet? am I doing something wrong

Hi there everyone &(MICHELLE) Im Sarah I have also been using the Obagi Nu-Derm System and it hasn’t cause me any problems neither Its actually been 2 weeks now and Im seeing slight differences I notice that my face doesn’t look dull anymore and that its beginning to feel more smoothe, spots are diminishing but not that much so0 im going to have to wait a little longer Today I went in to get my blue light therapy its a system that kills bacterica I had asked if i was doing something wrong or if the system wasn’t working on me because my face has never been red itchy nor has it peeled yet my specialist had said that the system is working not everyone has the same symptoms soo yea Michelle your doing everything just right… were probably one of the few lucky ones lol although I would’ve loved my face to peel so0 i could see what was coming off LOL hah…. well ill update when it has been a month until then t/c

I’ve only just started the Obagi Nu Derm products and I’m feeling like I want to quit! If I knew how bad the side effects were going to be I wouldn’t have decided to choose this as an option.
I started on Thurs (30/4/009) night and by Monday (4/5/09) my skin was pealing very badly round the mouth, with some sores at the corners of my mouth. On Tuesday morning I stopped using the products as the peeling was very embarrassing and when I put my make-up on it highlighted all the nasty peeling skin even more. My job requires a lot of meetings with people and I have become very self conscious when talking to people. I don’t know whether to start up again or not. Maybe I’ll use the system every other day but I’m not sure if that will work. I really want to get rid of my freckles but this is too much for me to cope with, especially as I have lots of social event to got to soon including a family members wedding in 3 weeks.

I started using the product last week of April 09, so it has been 2 weeks and Im blistering & have redness (Im a medium brown African American so if you can see the redness it has to be bad.) Im glad I found this page so I know Im not going crazy. I will hang in there.
AFRICAN AMERICANS – PLEASE NOTE that Product #3 in the kit says for us to use it ONCE IN THE MORNING and ONLY ON DARK SPOTS in the EVENING!!!!!! The people I bought mine from DIDNT tell me about this. This could explain some of my irration. Please any and all products before use!

I started on the Obagi System 5 days ago, and just yesterday I noticed slight peeling around my smile lines, nose, and areas around my mouth. Redness/sunburned feeling of the face seems to occur later in the day. At this moment, my face is feeling dry and a tad itchy. However, I will stick with the program as I’ve been told and read lots… that the results can be pretty significant. I may be a hermit for a bit, but I’m hoping it’s worth it. More updates to come!

I had started the Obagi Nu-derm program in Sept ’08 and must say, since then there has been no turning back. Ofcourse in the first few weeks there was alot of peeling and redness, but wow, in a matter of 2 months, my face had a new glow. All my lady colleagues at work were asking me whether I was doing a Crystal or Blue peel treatment. Since December ’08, all I have been using is the Nu-derm Number 6 (sunfader and sunscreen combo’s) and that too lasts me for months. I must say, it’s surely an investment towards my skin care. My Mum started using it as well as she has been getting compliments on her skin too. Oh yea, forgot to mention that during the whole process of peeling and new skin, The doc told me to stay away from getting facials, bleaching or waxing done as the skin is rejuvinating. Thanks to Obagi for this wonderful product.

I started Obagi Nuderm three days ago. I have followed the directions given to me by my private doctor perfectly. (cleanser, toner, exfoderm, blender and tretinoin-only PM plus sunfader) I too notice the skin is looking plump and younger, smoother aswell. Obviously I can still see all the acne spots and scars but even they feel calmer and smoother. Something is definietly working.

HOWEVER… my face is sooooo RED. So red that I don’t want to go outside. Luckily I am freelance so can take the time off for three weeks if really necessary! although I have a job tomorrow which I am dreading! Can anyone reassure me why my face is soooooo RED. It looks like severe sun burn, so embarrassing. I have some peeling but nothing to worry about considering I’m on treatment. I am worried that this redness will never go and that it is staining my skin colour.

HI suzie- I’m on my second week of using Obagi no side efects yet either. Do you eventually have some side effects? I was using Retin A micro and they switched to tazorac for deeper peeling? Let me know whow you are doing any peeling yet?

Hi Michelle_ I have been using the obagi for 2 weeks now. I have not expierenced any peeling or rednees yet. Did you eventually start peeling? How are you doing on the obagi now? Let me know what you have expiereced.. I’m getting worried because I’m not having any reactions?? Thanks

This is my 4 week with obagi. I loved it. so far. But, I went to do my eyebrown waxing OMG!!!! They never told me, that you can’t do a waxing when you are using this products.
My eyes are burning?
I read the brochure it never mention a word about it.

I just started with the obagi nu-derm system..i need a little assurance that’s it actually works becauuse its really expensive.

i’m also doubt about using this product.It’s already nine weeks past for using this product.However,it doesn’t seem good to me.Every morning, i expect to have any positive effect on my face.But everytime is disappointing.Until now,my face is still red and dry!!Though I have keep on having hydrating mask on my face,it still dry!And i can’t even have my make up!!!It’s too ugly for me and i suspect that isn’t it wrong for me to take this treatment?I have use over $15000 for this treatment.I really, really feel painful on my heart.I have no hope now..and is that a waste of money?i wonder if i have never,ever join this treatment.3 weeks later is the end of my treatment,is just like a bad dream for me!I don’t want to feel dry and red again!!

is it contraindicated to wax the face while on the Obagi product lines…
is there something within the Obagi product manual that states this…
thank you…
Jan Attard

Hi – I started using Obagi in August 2009. In October I also noticed that my nails were turning orange. I racked my brain out and figured that they would grow out of it. I have gone to my regular doctor and she thought I had liver problems! When those test came back negative -she sent me to a dermatologist. The first thing he said was are you using hydroquinone?

I was in shock since I have racked my brain for months thinking what was I doing. He said that sometimes this happens and a woman who works in his office has the same thing. There is nothing you can do to get rid of the orange-it has to grow out. I am stopping Obagi for a while to see how my nails look. I may then just keep cler nail polish on as a protector and then go back to using Obagi and be really careful about washing my hands after I use the product or even wearing gloves to bed!

Suzie/Michelle
I’m 5 days in with virtually no side effects either. I’m following the instructions provided and wonder if I am doing something wrong as well. Did you get an answer and how are things going now?

Hi.

I started Obagi a week and a half ago. I havent started to peel at all! My skin has gotten a little red and breaking out just a little, but is this normal?

I just heard you peel really bad as soon as you start Obagi, but I havent at all!

Michelle-
Same here. No peeling at all and I am using exfoderm forte. Have you heard anything from anyone else?

I am really concerned about using this line. I am on week one and the wrinkles around my eyes are way more pronounced -in only a week! I am 40 and look much older than I did a week ago! I am worried -especially after reading Sandy’s comment. Is this only temporary?! Help!

i started my Obagi Nuderm sys last May and am still using it to date. I have acne and blotchy sckin but my acne is really bothering me so much. My friend told me that she knows someone with severe acne and that her acne vanished after using Obagi. I’ve tried so many anti acne products. None of them seemed to work. So even though Obagi is quite expensive, I just gave in and got a set. It’s been more than 2 months now. I noticed my skin peel during the first few days. Today, it still peels. Not as worse as the first few weeks but is still peeling! And I have more acne on my cheeks and I noticed that there are more tiny bumps on my forehead which were not there before. It’s making me worried. I have really sensitive skin and before purchasing, I told the doctor about that. She said, it’s fine. So i took her word for it.
I’m just so worried whether I should continue and is my skin gonna get better because it seems to be getting worse. If what I’m experiencing is normal, then when can i see really good changes?
I have paid so much and I want my money’s worth.

Hello, this is crazy. I have been on Obagi since early March. My fingernails are also turing ugly orange color. I also talked to my Dr about it, with no surprise Dr did not know what could have been doing it. I of course was thinking all along hydroquinone. I was also thinking Mercury. Since I did read on the internet that Obagi does have mercury in it. Have your nails gone back to their original color??

11/08/09
00:23
hi,every one i read all the coment about the Obagi nu-system ,wich i started using on the 05/08 ,8 days now ,my face is soooo red itchy and i start peeling only around my mouth, almost 2 days after using it,i hope it will work cos its very expensive stuff,by the way it did made my wrinckle worser i feel that aged since last week,please keep on with coment it helps to carry on the treatment,thanks.

I was in my late 40′s when I started using Obagi-C, C-Clarifying Serum with Vitamin C 10% and hydroquinone USP 4% and have used it for over 4 years. My face did get very red for several weeks but it seemed to have been a result of the blood circulating more to rebuild my skin. I have had dramatic improvement with my skin. I had NUMEROUS age spots prior to using this medication. The results were unbelievable! I have to admit that I peeled “like a snake” for probably 6 weeks. But the results were a new unblemished and spot free skin. You could actually see the brown age spots peel off. They were lighter at first and continued to peel until they were completly removed. My face would get dry and cracked but I would just avoid putting the serum on that area until it returned to normal. My routine was to use Retin A in the AM and the Obagi Serum in the PM. After using it for several weeks I began using the Obagin in the AM also. I have had sooo many people comment on my skin. I actually had a before and after picture at a doctor’s office for a different proceedure and the most dramatic results was my skin. The doctor was extremely impressed! I have not used it regularly for over the last six months and only one age spot has begun to return. I certainly plan on starting up again.

hey, i have started to use the nu derm since last nite, so today will be my full day of using the product. when should i see the first signs of the product actually reacting to my skin?

Hi michelle,

I started 4 days ago (normal to oily skin) been using 1, 2, 4, and 6 steps with a little side effect itchy but I can tolerate. Looks like almost everybody here are experiencing peeling and redness, will I experience that soon? I noticed on my forehead some acne but not bad, and i’m scarred with the next week about peeling. But I guess i wanted to have beautiful skin so I will stay with it.

Don’t worry michelle you are not alone, don’t have the peeling and redness yet. i wonder also if the products I ordered sometimes I think it was fake because I don’t see peeling on my face yet.

For updated on my Nu-Derm, I started Sept 4 and it’s my second week this week. So far I don’t have peeling yet but I noticed that my forehead some small acne and itcy and some redness. I wonder when is the time when I see peeling on my face! But I don’t see any progress yet, but I will not give up will go all the way until I achieve the skin I really wanted. Will update you next week!

Hello everyone, great to see that there is a support system out there. Well, I’ve been using the system for 2 1/2 weeks now. I am an African-American and was searching for help related to my acne. I must say that I, too, wanted to quit in the first week. There were so many outbreaks; but after another week, outbreaks have seen to slow down. However, I have not experienced any peeling like most. I was wondering if I was doing something wrong but was assured that everyone reacts different. So, with that said, I’ll give you all an update later. Good luck to everyone.

I’ve been using obagi for a week now and i to am not experiencing any peelng nor lightening, i am using the clear, exfodermforte, blender and retin o.o5% , intially a few months ago i only purchased the clear with retin a gel 0.025%, i had great esults with this, and intially i peeled a fair bit. i am just wondering why this is not happening with an even more intense regime??anyways i will keep at it, but am thinking of upping my dose of retin a to 0.1% as i thnk my skin is used to the lower dose now.

Hi everyone,
I have just got though my first week on Nu-Derm. OMG!!! Yesterday, I was really in a bad state. My face was so sore, red & peeling from my nose downwards. I could hardly speak it was so tight & painful. Today it is slightly better as the dry skin has come off/rubbed off however it’s still very sensitive & red. I look hideous like someone has thrown a pan of boiling water in my face (Lobster, springs to mind). I must admit I’m not sure how I going to face my colleagues & clients at work tomorrow. I have been told I can’t use any foundation to cover up, is this true????
Hope this doesn’t last long as I have some important social functions to attend in the next couple of weeks. I have started applying Petroleum Jelly to worse areas i.e. round mouth & nose just so a can talk. Despite this I am still positive & look forward to normal skin again minus the hyper pigmentation. Good luck to everyone else

I’m now using the system for 11 days. for how long shold i stop for my laser hair treatments???

I started OBAGI on Wednesday and the next morning my face started turning red so I stopped it for a day since I don’t like to look like a snake. I have been using retin A for over a year now and my skin looks radiant but it has never been able to clear my acne completely. I notice that I am getting some new big ugly looking pimples in my forehead, an area where I never got them before. I am scare, I hate acne. I don’t remember how clear skin looks anymore. I am going to start all over again with all 6 steps and stick with it for a few months, if it doesn’t work for me I’ll stop. I’ll keep you all posted and good luck to you all.

oh by the way, i am going to go see my dermatologist next thursday and i am hoping she gives me some pills to stop the process of acne forming. i bought the obagi online without telling my dermatologist so i am not sure if it is a good idea to taKe acne pills in conjuction with the obagi nu derm system. Anybody taking antibiotics too? Please let me know. i just want to have pretty skin

Hi I am only two days into Nu-derm and the itchy redness has begun for me as well. My concern is age, I keep reading women in their 40′s and 50′s using this system. I am only 23 and wanted to correct light scarring from having picked at my face nervously for a few years. However I am wondering if this system is possibly too abrasive for someone my age?

I have been using the Nu Derm (normal-oily) for one week. On the 3 day I started noticing some peeling on the lower part of my face, it is pretty much gone noe. On the second day I noticed some redness kind of like a sunburn but it wasn’t too bad. So far I like what I see. My husband has noticed the change and even made a comment about possibly using it… but not sure if he can since he shaves everyday..

Any African Americans using Obagi Nu-Derm out there? I am of a slight dark skin and started using Obagi 5 weeks back. First two weeks, no noticeable change. 3rd week, cheeks were noticeably lighter than the rest of my face. 4th week, a bit of peeling here and there and sensitivity. However, come week 5, I now have two very prominent face colors!! Upper bit of my face is light brown, lower bit from lower cheeks down is darker brown. I feel like a zombie. Hubby was alarmed at the discoloration and asked that I go back to see my Esthetican. I will be seeing her this week. I also noticed some peeling. I am using the 6 step process i.e cleanser, toner, clear, blender exoderm and sun cream. My week 5 ends on Thursday. I am hoping that week 6 will reveal a miracle. Any one with a similar experience out there?

Could someone tell me why I have been told to mix Blender with Tretinoin before applying to face. Obagi instructions say apply one before the other. I have had very little peeling and wonder whether this is why?

Cathy I notice you are not using step 3 (clear) step 5 (blender) or the Retin-A (tretinoin).

The reason you are not experiencing any redness or peeling is because you are not using any of the products which cause the redness or peeling … or most importantly the dramatic results the Nu-derm system can bring. Which explains why you are seen no progress.

Step 4 (Exfoderm) which you are using is only an AHA exfoliator which used alone is unlikely to cause any reaction.

I hope this helps.

I just started using the Obagi NuDerm system 6 days ago. I am experiencing pretty significant peeling, especially around the mouth. My skin is pretty tight, feels windburned, is very dark pink and I have blister/sore like spots in a few places. I had pretty good skin before but thought this would rejuvenate and help with sun damage. I’m concerned after reading comments that the results are not permanent and your skin returns to it’s previous condition (which I was not aware and have not read that before) and I have experienced some fine lines around the eyes that I did not have. Perhaps this is due to the tightening/windburned feeling and peeling. It is tough to hang in there and continue usage. I’m a little apprehensive that my skin will not be “normal” again although I’ve seen before/after pics that are significant. Has anyone experienced the same that I am?

I have two dark spots on my face. One the size of a dime on one cheek and on my mustach area. Do I need to use all the products or can I just purchase the NuDerm that concentrates on removing the dark spots?

I am one week into using Obagi, and I am noticing the same wrinkling around my eyes that was mentioned by other users, I am 43 and now look 53 around my eyes. Will the pronouned wrinkling around my eyes go away with continued use of this product or should I stop putting it around my eye area?

I’ve been using obagi nu-derm for 11 days, not on my face but arms. The skin is really itchy and sore now and I am wondering when this will end. It’s very dry and tight. I don’t want to continue use, has anyone else out there experienced the same – I worry it will get worse if I continue…

After giving birth I had develop a lot of brown spots so I started using Nu-Derm. It was expensive but I was desperate. And yes I went through all the side effect of redness, peeling (really bad), sun burn and dryness. But after 2/3 weeks my skin was beautiful. No more brown spot, all the acne is gone, even skin tone, look a lot younger. I was so happy with the result. After one year of using the Obagi, I decided to stop since I heard it’s no good to use one particular skin care line for too long. My acne is back but no brown spot. I am debating if I should go back using Obagi or try another products. My reluctant is that it does contain strong chemical, bleaching your skin too much is no good in the long term. I think all women should use skin care products to keep our skins looking good and healthy. Anyone has suggestion?

I have been using the full Obagi regime since mid November. I experienced a very little peeling the first few days, but nothing after that. My age spots have faded a little and my face feels a tightness that I used to feel sometimes when I haven’t gotten all the soap off my face. I have uped the Retin A to 0.1 with no difference that I can see. Is this all I can expect? Is it working like it should?

I began using this system as described on Jan. 28, 2010: Cleanse, toner, Clear, Exfoderm and Tretinion (every 3 days). By the second day my skin was swollen, red, peeling and very itchy. I called the doctor’s office where I purchased this line and the person who sold it to me said that these were normal side affects. I do not know if I believe her. How can swelling be a normal side affect? I have not used the Tretinion in 3 days and my face is still swollen. It has to be from the Clear and Exfoderm. I am going to continue to use as described and will place an update next week.

Idid use this system last yr but was so impatient with the peeling i gave up, so this is take 2, started using this on 31st Jan 2010 and its been now 5days. Peeling started after 3days and now i am red!!! Have been using numbers 1 2 3 4 and 6 in the morning and 1 2 3 5 (blender) and tetrinoin mixed together at night.
Because i experienced this last yr i’ve taken the 1st 2 weeks off work because i normally wear make up everyday due to hyperpigmentation and with excessive peeling thats not possible! You just end up reapplying it throughout the day. Hopefully by week 3 it will have calmed down but from what i can remember it took a while for the peeling to subside.
You can wear foundation, the recommmended is mineral make up that still lets your skin breathe. I used a liquid foundation that is very expensive but covers well called Lycogel.
I’m hoping i can stick it out this time and will probably have the blue peel around weeks 12/13 which i’ve heard you definately have to take a week off from work because it looks horrendous :O
i didnt visit forums last time so will get motivation from everyone here to keep it up this time around!
does vaseline stop the creams from working as well as they should? i used it this morning all over my face to reduce the tightness.

I have been useing Obagi Condition & enhance system since sept.2009.. I am a woman of color. The first 3 weeks my face broke out with a lot of little bumps or havies whatever you want to call it. I stopped use step 6 (the sunscreen) and within 4 days my skin began to clear. now my face is a lot lighter than the rest of my body.i stopped useing it in mid jan and finally i can see my color coming back… so women of color dont use this unless you want to look like michael jackson ( thats the nick name my co worker gave me)

Denise: I started using the product last Saturday (Jan 30) and by Tues I started peeling around my mouth. By Friday the peeling around my mouth (picture the cracked glaze on a glazed donut when you squeeze it) was so bad that it was painful to eat and talk. I remember my doctor told me that i WILL experience peeling, redness, sensitve skin, itchiness, etc. but I should not be in pain. I saw my doctor again on saturday because of the severe peeling. She said the mouth area is typically the most sensitive and my reaction was not that unusual BUT she still had me cut down on the use of the exoderm forte and retin A. I’ll be using the Exoderm only ever other day or less. She wants me to either use a smaller amount of the Retin A or only use it every other night. She was clear to explain that cutting back on the product use WILL lengthen the time it will take to see results, but it will lessen the side effects. She mentioned that she knows some other doctors may just tell you, “hey, those are the side effects, just stick with it.” He response to them, “have you even tried these products?!” I really like her

Denise,
I started using Nuderm on February 2nd. My face is not itchy nor swollen yet but I did have some peeling and tightness on my skin. before I used Nuderm, I read all the comments here and asked my doctor. She said the side effects depend on the amount we put on our face so she warned me to make sure that I only apply a gram or 1/2 a gram as directed. In short, she told me not to exceed the pea-sized allowed for all of the creams. I am just wondering how do you feel nowadays? Let me know..thanks. I just want to know what to expect. Thanks again.

hydroquinone: do a little research on this chemical, you will find out that besides turning your nails yellow it is not good for humans, with long term use, it can cause liver damage- and possible cancer- it is banned in Europe and some parts of Asia. I bougth the whole system and on day 3 developed tiny blisters that I thought looked like acne, the dermatologist, told me to do forte (acid portion) everyother day, if it does not get better to discontinue that portion, ya great, that’s like the most important part, to get rid of wrinkles. Well, let’s see how it goes.

One week later and my skin looks very smooth. I have a little peeling action but nothing moisturizer won’t take care of. I hope my skin continues to look better each week.

i am now 11 days in! face feels very tight especially around my mouth, and am still red and peeling.i cant remember where i heard this but apparently the more damaged the skin the more peeling there is? pigmentation has reduced only slightly but am hoping i will notice something a little more significant around the 2/3 weeks mark.

Hi i have just started nuderm .my skin looks fab just after 3 days but peeling and tight. use vaseline if peeling and sore also on lips . keep it up . here is to beautiful skin ju

Hi, I am white caucasian and I used the NuDerm system religiously for 14 weeks.

The first 2 weeks were very painful to the point where I was taking painkillers at night to be able to go to sleep. However I thought that the dramatic side effects must mean that something good was happening ‘at a cellular level’.

The peeling continued for the entire 14 weeks, on my nose and chin, but not on the problem areas which are hyperpigmented, my forehead and cheeks.

My Dr. had told me that the course lasts for 12 weeks, so after 14 I was very disappointed to find practically NO change in my skin apart from looking older due to the terrible dehydration and wrinkling. He told me that because my hyperpigmentation is very deep that I should have to do another 12 week course.

I considered it carefully, but it wasn’t just the pigmentation that had not changed, the open pores were still the same, as well, and I did not have a healthy glow at all, I looked dreadful and had developed a deep wrinkle down one cheek where I had never before had a line.

I could not wait to get some decent moisturizer on my poor skin, and thankfully, 2 weeks later after some TLC it looks much the same as it did before I started.

I’ve looked at all the before and after pictures on the internet and they all look v. impressive, but my own before and after pics look almose identical.

So far as my experience goes it was a waste of money and of 14 weeks, where at times I couldn’t leave the house because I looked so ghastly.

am on day 17! peeling still present with redness but am able to put make up on to cover it now.from my pictures ive taken to see the progress i cant see much difference yet but maybe i’m just being impatient.it will be 3 weeks this weekend so fingers crossed although i have a feeling it’ll be a while before i see anything worthwhile. have an appt this friday so will see what they have to say.

Started the system on Feb. 11. So glad to find this forum. I have experienced the redness, sunburn feeling, and extreme peeling around my mouth and chin. It’s been 6 days now. I was thinking about stopping by the Dr.’s office to check if what I was experiencing was normal. From what I have read tonight, I guess it is. I am 55 years old, and have lots of lines around my mouth and 3 brown spots on my forehead. The brown spots have faded considerably in just these 6 days. But my mouth, gee whiz, it looks like I have red lipstick smeared all around it. That skin starts to feel tight and peel a couple of times a day. I started putting a little vasaline on it, just to make it feel better. My skins really stings when I wash my face now – even water hurts. I haven’t used the tetrinoin the last two nights. I guess I will cut back on the amount of product I use in order to keep going. I check with the nurse at the dermatologist as well

Hello, I ve been doing Obagi for 6 days now, and like many on here, i have what looks like severe sunburn, incredibly dry flaking skin, so tight i can hardly open my mouth to eat my dinner! I spoke to a rep for the product earlier on and she suggested buying some of the vit c 10% serum to help ease the tightness. I initally used tretinoin under my eyes but like others, they are now so dry and wrinkly. Does anyone know if this will improve? I can put up with everything but the idea that i could make my lines under my eyes worst would be devestating.

Is it okay to use vasoline? I mean, does it effect the treatment at all. I’d kill to put something on my skin, the tightness is so uncomfortable.
Thank

I am on day 17 too but it seems that I am breaking out. I thought it’s supposed to control acne? my face was oily before now it feels tight and dry. When I smile, I can see my wrinkles more defined now. I also noticed that my lips become dry. first week I was already peeling, 2nd week, no peeling but I was red, and now that I am on my 3rd – I am peeling again.

I decided to go for Obagi, based on your reviews and comments on the systems. When my Dermatologist, suggested this treatment I was quite informed about how it would go. Thanks for all your suggestions and review.
I am an Asian Indian, with lots of open pores and sun spots on my face, thanks to the country I belong to.Presently in Seattle WA. But Obagi seems to be working.
I am 3 days into this treatment, was peeling like crazy until yesterday( 2nd day), lips are dry and parched, I wonder why. Not sure of any controlling medicine for this. My Dr. said not to use any product as this would suppress the effects of Obagi, So I am sticking to this regime, so far so good.
Results are showing up and I feel skin is smother and softer, in 3 days! Works like magic I thought .Will keep you posted on how things work for me, in couple of weeks.

I too have been using Obagi NuDerm for over a month now. I spoke with Obagi representatives who examined my skin and recommended which product to go with. My skin has never looked worse! I have horrible acne, along with the dry skin. This was definitely not what I anticipated, and now I am embarrassed to leave my house. This was a terrible choice for me.

Hi, I began Oabgi last night was doing it for 3 days before but didnt use the tretinoin til last night. I noticed some peeling yesterday evening and have noticed my lips very dry too. Im applying Vaseline every hour or so but just to my lips as it will make the products less effective on my face. My skin is sooo sensitive so I am anticipating a change tomorrow after another night with the tretinoin. I am not expecting to like the transition and I am lucky I am off for a week as I hava a job I need to look smart in. Good to find this site. xx

To Jane
I also had the dry flaky and super tight skin. I started applying the moisturizer in the morning – that’s after applying those things from Obagi. it helped me…hope it helps you too!!!!

i dont think i can cope withthis treatment anymore! day 4 i have blisters severe soreness, crackin scabbing. I cant bear it! i applied the vit c this morning instead of anything else. im not applying anthing tonite but vaselinr, dont know if thats right but im in a lot of pain. Any advise ou there? x

hi Kate, how much of the products are u using 1/2gram or a gram? maybe c your dermatologist and cut down if its gram. vaseline does help i used it on the corners of my mouth.
i am on day 24 now (3 and half weeks) the peeling and tightness has subsided considerably. am still still a little red but not in pain anymore when i apply the creams esp number 4. wake up to a flaky face jus wipe it off with a flannel and can then apply make up well. however, i am duin a 12.5hr shift tonight so am hoping the peeling will hold off so my make up lasts will see what happens.
skin is smoother, some facial marks hav decreased but pigmentation is still there though it has lightened a little, got to be honest was hoping for more

This is miserable–red skin that hurts, welts, cystic acne that I haven’t had since high school, and a steep price tag to boot. Not sure I want to put up with the weeks of misery–should have taken a few leave days and had a chemical peel to get all the misery overwith in one fell swoop.

Hi all…today is day 16 for me of using the Obagi Nu-derm system. The first few days I had very very tight dry skin. I also had and still have the flaking and peeling going on all over. Some days the flaking is worse than others. But after about a week, I guess my skin got use to it because it is no longer tight feeling. I also did have a couple little tiny whiteheads come out randomly and only 2 actual pimples to speak of on my jaw line. Other than that, I have no sensitivity at all when I touch my skin. I use steps 1,2,3,4 in the morning and use steps 1,2,3 at night, with step 5/plus tretinoin every other night. I don’t really have too much redness at all except for around my mouth and nose. I think I may increase the usage of the blender/trentinoin maybe 2 days on 1 day off and see how it goes from there. I definitely see a difference in the pigment and overall tone of my face, it is more even and smooth. So far I am very happy with the results. Can’t wait to see the end!

I’m on my 5th week of using Obagi NuDerm and I’m still peeling and red. It does feel softer though. My skin wasn’t terrible before but just wanted better looking skin as I’m getting older and would love to not where foundation if I don’t want to. I’m thinking about cutting back on the retin a (every other night). What do you think?

It more effective to combine those 2 together.

Hi everyone,

I’ve been using the Obagi NuDerm since Sunday only and the side effects have started already. Yesterday I looked like I had a nice tan but today it’s worse even if I wear less makeup. The problem is everyone thinks I put too much makeup on or that I’ve changed foundation which is too dark for me. I actually say to people what’s going on but since I work in a big company with a lot of customers I can’t let everyone know.:-( Anyway, as long as it won’t be worse I can live with this. The worst area is around my mouth. It feels very sore and dry and started to peel.

I am 50 years old and had some discoloration on my upper lip that looked like a mustache, as well as sun damage on my cheeks. I am on day 12 and wondering if I can finish! My poor face is beet red, I am peeling especially around my chin and and upper lip- I can literally see the skin die previous to peeling. In my sleep last night I started rubbing my face in my pillow and woke with ribbons of peel all over me. I look like I have leperousy. Prior to flaking, the skin becomes very wrinkled thus aging me about 10-15 years. Finding out that the majority of users of Obagi have these identicle symptoms, I am reassured. I am a medical professional and the studies on Obagi Nu Derm are impressive. I think I am having a normal reaction now, and I truly believe that ultimately this will be an investment in our future skin health. One thing- keep all the solutions aways from the edges of your lips- it gives you a kind of border of white around your beet red face, but it really prevents your lips from chapping. Hey, its not as bad as childbirth!!

I started the Obagi Nu Derm system 5 days ago! I have little blisters and they itch like CRAZY. I understand this is a long process and I am in for the long haul, but is this normal.

I am into week 3 of the baji Nu Derm. My Dr. suggested using the Nia 24 Skin strengthing complex to help the ugly look of scaly look on face and this is very helpful. As a suggestion to all others you are facing the same situation…may be this can help.

For me I am still seeing scaling and my face has started peeling on the forehead, cheek and under eye area. But looks good so far.

Will write back again, on how things work out for me.

I started Obagi a week and half ago and the first night and the next day were ok but the third day was terrible I looked like I had been in a boxing ring so I didnt use it for two days. I went back to the MD and he talked me into the tollereen, it’s just expensive hyrocortisone but it worked I looked so much better the next day but dont by the tollereen just get some cheap hydrocortozone. I think my age spots are starting to get better but not sure. I”m going to try it for a few more days and if I dont see a improvement I will take it back. Good luck to everyone.

Try some hydrocortizone

I was wondering is anyone out there on Obagi C Rx system? How does that work, I ‘ve heard that system is less harsh on your skin, w/ less side effects.

I’ve also heard that AQuaphor is better on your skin than Vaseline.

So, I wrote my comment on my first week. This is my fourth week now and things have improved a lot. First of all I’m not wearing foundation at all as I don’t need it. Just to say I wouldn’t leave the house without foundation before because my face looked pale, I had acne and brown spots. Now, I’m wearing a little powder so my face is not so shiny but that’s it. The first three weeks were not so bad although was a little bit difficult as I had to work. My face was peeling but mainly around my mouth and on my forehead. My lips were very dry so I’ve used three lipbalms in the last almost four weeks. The main problem was that my face was very very red. I’m wearing a little scarf everyday so the difference is not so obvious between my face colour and the rest of my body but still it was quite noticable. This week I’m not so red anymore. People keep asking me if I was on a holiday.:-)Colleagues and friends actually made comments about my skin and can see the difference which is great…

I just started Nu Derm Friday (3/19) night; 2 days later;feeling of tightness and some tingling on my face but no pain yet which I’m sure will change? I have hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks that I would love to see disappear or lighten up and can’t wait to see what Obagi will do.

Day 17 on Obaji Nu-Derm system. 56 years old, I have no acne but do have sun spots and ruddy discoloration on face. By day 3 of treatment my face was really, really red and peeling like crazy from my forehead to my neck. Very dry and tight with cracking around the corners of my mouth (just kept putting moisturizer on corners and it really helped). Like so many others, I thought of giving up as it looked so bad, but have continued on faithfully and will continue until treatment is complete. By day 7 the redness finally subsided as well as the extreme peeling. Now just a little redness (it comes and goes) and still peeling but in a much more manageable way. Today is the first day I have been able to wear foundation again without seeing all the flaking. So much more encouraged now! No major changes that I can see yet in the discoloration but the texture of my skin is pretty amazing. Very smooth and glowing. It’s the first time in years that my face looks good without makeup. Too many great reports on this product to give up, so just try and take it one day at a time. The worst will be over before you know it and then it will be just the excitement of watching the improvement each day.

I have been on the Nu-Derm system for just over 3 weeks. I am 1/2 Filipino & 1/2 Mexican so I am not dark skinned but not fair. I would say a light olive. I am using 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 in the morning and 1, 2, 5 & .025% tretinoin cream at night (every night & applied separately not blending the two together). So I still have peeling/cracking especially around my mouth area and I have a white ring around my lips as I have avoided trying to get any of the creams on my lips. I can tell it has lightened up some of my old acne scarring, but I just wish the peeling would stop or only do it at night! I am hoping that the peeling stops soon as I have a wedding I need to go to in a few weeks and I would hate to have gross scaling skin. I also have only had peeling around the mouth and on along my neckline and only a tad bit on my nose. Is that normal? I have used Philosophy’s microdelivery exfoliating wash in the shower on days I need to go somewhere but sure enough a few hours late my face begins to peel and it is so embarrassing. I wonder if it is ok to use a deeper scrub to take the dead skin off? Oh one word of advice is to really avoid the outer corners of your eyes, mouth and nose, the cracking hurts a lot. One thing I have found for my naturally chapped, dry lips that really seems to work is Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment. It seems weird that you would use this but it works. I haven’t tried it on my cracked corners only because I’m not sure how it will affect the Obagi creams. One thing is how has everyone avoided the burning at night from when your eyes tear? When I am falling asleep my eyes water a lot and then my face burns I think one it get in contact with the Retin-A. I do have another question…has anyone used the creams on their eyes? I only go as much as to my eyebrows since I had some scarring from trying to dig out little hairs with my tweezers and under my eyes. But my eye lids are discolored too especially since using Latisse but I am too scared that the creams will be too harsh on my eyes. Has anyone tried it? I will be taking some pictures of my face so I can do a comparison to really see any results. I hope that this really does work for me because I am so tired of always having to wear foundation to cover up my scarring, acne & uneven skin tone! If you have questions about my trip thru this system pls feel free to contact me. My email is justina1218 at aim dot com.

Shelly, I use the Aquphor Healing Ointment on my lips for the chapping where previously only Vaseline seemed to help but Aquaphor works soooo much better I am glad I changed. So I am sure that it probably is better, but I’m not sure if it counteracts the effectiveness of the system?

been using obaji for acne scares for under 2 weeks now… Dispite the peeling the scare have reduced and pore are smaller. I wish i had done this earlier! I have suffered with scares and acne for ten years now. Word of advice…fight the acne from within in aswell as with obagi. I have gone on the pill to control the acne as its hormonial for me and now i see great results from obaji. The side effects are worth it. Be patient.

I know a few who have had the nu derm treatment and their results are very good…but they did not tell me. Funny! “great stuff should be shared”.

I have been using the Obagi Nuderm system for a couple of weeks now. The flaking is getting better and I had a small brown spot that is almost gone away. I am going to continue to use this as long as I can afford it. I really do think my skin is improving!

Hello Obagi users,

I am currently using the obagi nu-derm exfoderm forte in the morning and I was wondering if it’s ok to apply make-up on top of this? I’ve always wear make-up all my life so I can’t imagine leaving my house without any make-up.

This is my 7th weeks, I am using it regularly, I did peel, now I am stop peeling. The sad part is I have a Hyperpigmentation, it is not clear yet. I am hoping for the best result, but its already 7 weeks. I think my hyperpigmentation is deep. I am Indian, I am wondering does obaji product is for Indian skin as well ? I think my skin should clear by now.

hi, i have been using the obaji nu derm system for about 2 and a half weeks, i too have suffered with the redness and flaking which i can cope with but reading comments above especially sandy’s i am becoming increasingly worried. I am 31 and the wrinkles under my eyes have increased soooo much, i look older, has anybody else experienced this?? and do they go?? im worried its drying my skin so much that there gonna be permanant? sum1 help me please as im very close to stopping the treatment

Did the wrinkles stay? This is the main reason I am using it, to get rid of wrinkles!

Thanks

tomorrow it will be 2 weeks since I stared on nu Derm, I was so dry yesturday i didnt put anything on at night or this morning, and today I am just so inchi, a lot and makes my face even more red with all this iching, should i keep going, i paid so much i want to stick to it but this is horrible, I still have to work and i just want to hide my face cause it so red, peeling and around my mouth seems like it just burn my skin, is this normal, please someone let me know thanks

I’m on my 9th week with Obagi Nu-Derm. I’m very happy with the result however I have a little disappointment as well. I’m very happy because my skin is glowing, no acne, no pigmentation at all, nothing. I thought it was just for advertisement before that people would comment someone’s face once the result is visible but it’s actually true – my friends, colleagues keep commenting my skin, they say it’s beautiful, looks fresh, glowing. One of the girls even wants to start the same treatment because she saw the result on my skin. So it’s great.:-) My disappointment is that this is my 9th week and the redness hasn’t gone 100% yet. I look like I have a nice tan and people actually think I was on the sun because of the weather but in the meantime I’m not really tanned so they can see the difference. There is also still slight peeling around my mouth. Nothing serious compare to the first few weeks but still not 100%. But I’m patient. I don’t need to wear foundation at all. I wear a little powder because my skin is still a little bit shiny because of the creams but that’s all. I’m actually curious if all the side effects will go completely by the end of the 12th week. But all together I haven’t regretted for a second that I started it and I look forward to a summer when the foundation doesn’t melt on my face in the hot weather.:-)

Kate – I am experiencing the same thing as you described. I am at 11 weeks now on the Nu-derm system and still get redness and some peeling around my mouth. It seems to worsen when I use the blender and trentinoin, but I only use it every other night. Otherwise, my skin looks amazing. I am wondering if trentinoin is too strong for my skin to tolerate as I am on the strongest strength. I also will still flake lightly all over my face when I use it.

Week 8

Skin softer than ever – still have ruddiness of skin but seems to now be fading. Still flaking mainly on chin and neck. Started using Obaji eye cream around week 4 and it really made a difference. Eyes much softer now and no peeling. Learned the hard way to really keep the Clear, Blender and Trentinoin away from eye area and around corners of mouth. Really cracks and dries them. Eye cream is a must!
I’m continuing with full cycle (18 weeks), every day, full routine. Hoping the peeling fully goes away soon, it’s the only negative.

Hi! I am 33 and recently discovered some melasma spots on cheeks and forhead.
I’ve just bought nuderm 3 and tretioin 0.05% cream from a dermotologist.
He mentioned i might experience some redness and flaking but i had no idea it would
be as bad as decribed in this forum. I am a professional model so i need to reconsider when
to start this process. If i decide to start with just the forehead as my hair covers that area,..
Will the colour of the skin be different after a few weeks? The idea is to target just the pigmentation spots.
I’m too scared to cover the whole face with this product now,.i have photo shoots lined up!
Thanks!

I started using the system in February and am on it off and on. I go off it when the peeling and the blotchiness gets too noticeable. Then I go back on until it is time to go off again. I probably will never get to the point where my skin gets used to it and the peeling and redness stops. But I will continue the system until I use it up and then will decide whether to buy more. Two questions – if I continue what I am doing (on and off) will new, fresh skin ever appear? And if I go off for good will my red skin blotches ever go away?

My nails turned orange and it raised my liver enzymes! Went for a month thinking that I had liver damage. Love the product but not willing to do that to my body!

To all,

Back in Sept i started my Obagi nu derm skin care, and at first i was so scared and just wondering if i will experience all the peeling and redness. i was so ugly for 4 weeks and i had so many pimples on my forehead and side of my face. good thing i did not stop i was about to, since this website really help me to go through this trials…im so glad i went forward and now it’s been more than 6 months my face is so clear and look younger, a lot of people notice my face and i never had a very clear face in my life like now i really like the result. i will recommend to everybody…….just hang in there!

Try to use tea three oil daily on ur fingernails.

14th week. I have seen little result. I upped the tretinoin to 0.1 about two months ago. Still no peeling or flaking, minimal redness, although I am religiously using the full treatment. I have a few age spots that may be a tiny bit lighter, but not noticeably lighter. My skin feels tight and dry as if I hadn’t rinsed the soap off completely. And it’s a little shiny only because the treatment is shiny. Obagi is so pricey that I am quite disheartened. Obagi itself takes no responsibility for the efficacy of its product; that lies solely with the Obagi practitioner from whom I purchased it. Since Obagi will not reimburse her, I’m sure she’s not likely to reimburse me. If Obagi begins to work as it claims, I’ll let you know.

I’ve completed my second full week yesterday and along with the peeling, flaking and itchness, I’m now experiencing some light spots on my chin and cheek area. I haven’t read anywhere that this is one of the side effects so now i’m a little worried. Do any of you knw if this is part of the process or and I doing something wrong?

Hello, im thinking of starting these products. Im 18 years old though. am i to young?
i have oily skin that never seems to be clear, its very red around the cheeks with huge pores and i always have acne and scars from it also dark circles and dark freckles. am i qualified to use this? thanks!

Just started the system. I am at day 3 and am having peeling on my nose and on top lip so far. I find it very painful for about 10 mins after applying the creams but then it settles this is the worst part so far. My skin feels softer too which is nice. I found that having a bath helped to soften the dead skin and allows more to come off the face rather than just washing the face.

i started the obagi system 2 days ago, so far iv only experienced a little bit of red on my face. yesterday i did start to feel a bit dizzy and had a headache but not sure if it has anything to do with the product. i really hope this works for me. i havent got bad acne but use to get a lot of spots in my teens and still get a few but not bad ones. im 30 and the past year iv noticed iv got a dark patch on my upper lip that looks like a mustache. as iv always used a facewash for acne since my early teens my face has become dry with a few lines on my cheeks. iv always had a complex about my skin on my face an wear my hair covering my cheeks so i really hope this works for me. i will let u know how i get on.

Hi all,
The BIG qestion is, are the great resutls for this system premenant?

Am now on week 7 and I have to say my skin is looking 100% better. I did however, suffer the redness and the peeling. In fact people actually asked me what was wrong as it was so bad!!!!!
I did hit a problem, on week 4-5, I broke out in terible acne! I had very little skin on my face, that wasnt becoming pustular in appearance and the itchiness increased. I and my dermatologist thought I had an allergic reaction and stopped the tretanin, blender and began taking anti histamines. I lowered the tretanin to 0.5% and the redness began to fade and the acne decreased, although I am prone to the odd patch. I have never suffered from acne in my life. I did find the initial 6 weeks tough going, but Im determined to continue.
I think I actually was using too much product and since I have been more frugal with it, I have coped better!!!!!
Has anybody else, had the acne break out? If you read the laflet that comes with the tretanin, it actually states its possible in a few, well I was sure one of those few!!!!!

So, this is my 18th week which is supposed to be the last week however my doctor said I can carry on using the products. As I mentioned before I’m very happy with the result. I showed a “before” photo to one of my friends the other day as she didn’t want to believe my skin actually looked awful. Now she understands why I did the whole thing.:-) My skin is nice but I’m still not 100% happy. The reason is that I’m still not back to my original colour but still has some redness which looks more than a nice tan. My skin is glowing. I sometimes have little spots but nothing major that would bother. I sometimes still wear powder as my face is a little bit shiny from the creams. My other problem is that the area around my mouth still gets dry and sometimes peels slightly. I have now reduced the tretanin/blender around this area as I think that’s the main reason. All together I’m very satisfied. I agree that you need to hang in there as the end result is beautiful!:-)

Please help, I’m thinking of starting the nu-derm system for age spots and sun damage discoloration on my cheeks. I don’t understand why you apply clear#3 to your entire face. I just what to lighten up my dark areas not my entire face. Does anyone know if the product just targets over pigmentation or all pigmentation?

im starting week 5 of the treatment and im worried…no peeling! i have read that some people didnt peel at the beginning…but what happened?… i have had little, very little redness…. some improvement on my skin…. help ..anyone who has more experience !

I have been using obagi for five months now. I guess I should be going off the product. My skin is smoother but I have more brown spots than before. Any one else with this problem?

Hi kathleen.

I went through the same problem, with enlarged pores and oily skin. i aslo had unexpected breakouts. iv spent thousands on products and treatments but there was no long term cre. Im 25, im on the 12th week of the system and i must say that this is the first product to actually show signs of improvement. You have to give it about 20 weeks to see the difference, but if you stay with the regime then you will definatly see improvements. the first month is horrid, if youve suffered from acne it is very likey they will all be pushed up to the service, as well as peeling and redness. After this period your skin will start getting used to the products. my acne has completely gone, i did suffer from uneven skin tone with darker patches by my cheeks. now im on the 12th week i can see the new skin coming through and gradually fading the marks. i never was able to put suncream on as i always used to get a breakout but now my skin has gotton used to it and tehre are no side affects.
My main advise is to stick through it, it can be really tough in the early stages but if you hang in there you will see the benefits. Make sure you stick with the whole routine and dont miss steps otherwise this will just delay the teatment.

I just started for aweek…there were not any improvememnt yet…
so I wonder if our sking is reated more to living lifestyle, food consumption or ourely by product itself…I have tried both…I reallly hope this time nu derm system will work…
for a week already I ezperience itchy, pain and redness around my mouth and lower cheeek area…for its reallly not much improving yet…I m reallly worried too can I use make up along the way to cover up the side effect of my skin? if yes…can I use mineral powder/foundation?

please annwer me sooon…SOS

Hi it’s my 18 day today and I’m not that dry n peelin but I very very very very red. Which is really
making me worried if that’s alright?could someone please tel me is it normal to be so red as if I jst got a deep sunburn on my face..I’m thinking to stop obagi if this redness is gonna continue

I am on day 4 of the system. I am breaking out and red but no peeling at this point. My doctor prescribed a different tretinoin than the one in the kit. I am only supposed to use it twice a week for the 1st two before going to every other day. Should I scrub my skin when I use the cleanser? I don’t know how agressive I need to be about getting the dead skin off since I am not peeling as yet.

This is day 3 for me. It just feels a little flushed and warm like I got a little too much sun. I’m 30 and I would like to see a decrease in the fine lines underneath my eyes. Many people have asked about whether or not this contributes to more wrinkling around the delicate skin around the eyes… Does it eventually peel, then look better with decreased wrinkles, or is this skin too delicate for these creams. Not many people are commenting on this question.

Stick with it application around the eyes and they’ll look better after time OR keep products away from eyes??? Which is it? Please help ; )

hi i ve been using obagi nu derm 10 days now .so far i have hated this treatment ,my face feels so tight and very dry ,i have the same problem with peeling redness and sores a round my mouth.im 46 and look 60 ,im realy worried about the wrinkles around my eyes .im hoping next week i will be looking a lot better as for now i can t be seen out i look that bad .i will let you no how i get on

Does anyone know what the difference is between Obagi Nu-Derm system and the Obagi Nu-Derm Condition & Enhance system? I am using the Obagi Nu-Derm Condition & Enhance products, but really don’t see a difference in ingredients. Am I missing something?

Hi Obagi Usuers,
Today I am on my 6 day of using these products and just like everybody else I also experience redness, thightness in some areas of my face particularly around my eyes and mounth and a lot of peeling all over my face. nevertheless, just like everybody else I want to continue using this product so, so this is how I am coping with some of the symptoms so far. For the itching I take benadryl by mouth, of course this is something that needs to be discuss with your doctor first. (some people are taking other medication and taking benadryl can cause other side affects). For my lips I use Lip Balm Medicated because it will have all the ingredients necesary like: menthol, aloe, vitamin e, petrolatum and analgesic to releif some of the pain around your lips. For my eyes, I use a lot of moisturizer, I prefer clinique (but those that sold Obagi products to you also have thier own Obagi moisturizer),this will keep your eyes softer looking and more radiant even when the rest of the skin is peeling. I am not denying that it is a very strong product, but I have to admit that my face even on my 6 day is already looking more clear and the sun spot are already looking very light as we speak. Considering the fact that I am almost 39 years old and a Puertorican who never believe in suntan lotion until I started getting my sun spots on my face a year ago. Well I will like to see how my face will look after the 6 weeks can’t wait. I will try to report every two weeks. See Ya!!!!

Hello Obaji Users,
I just read this entire post and just wanted to inform some of you that you may not be using this system properly which may be resulting in some of the negative side effects (blisters, worstening eye wrinkles, etc). I do understand that everyone may react differently due to their level of skin sensitivity, but some might be avoidable. So as an FYI, I have researched this product quite a bit and wanted to suggest going to the official Obaji website and reading the physician protocol for use yourself. I found that there is 2 basic protocols for use, the 1st is the normal skin protocol and the 2nd is geared for problematic acne skin. It does say that your physician can tailor this for your specific needs, but it may be safest to follow the maker’s directions in my opinion due to the fact that physician’s are not always telling you what may be best and safest. The first protocol says use step 1, 2, 3, 4, (skip 5 all together, choosing which cleanser and exfoderme) and 6 in the am and only use 1, 2, and 3 in the pm (skipping 4 all together). The second protocol is use step 1, 2, 3, (skipping 4 all together), and 5 mixing that with the tretinoin. Pay attention to the bottles as they will highlight which ones to use in the am or pm. Also noted it says NOT to use the Clear step 3 on the eyes and to avoid putting step 4 Exfoderme/Forte on the eyelids (so after reading that I would avoid putting 3 and 4 on top and bottom eyelids period). For those that want to treat the undereye wrinkles I would use the nu-derm eye cream for this after applying everything else to the entire face, only putting this eye treatment on such a delicate area which has retinol to smooth wrinkles!!! It makes sense to me and I also use the nu-derm Action moisterizer to help with the dryness/flaking after every application of my regimen and as needed throughout the day. The Aquafor doesn’t sound like a bad idea either because I’ve heard it is water-based, unlike Vasaline. Anyway, I have been using Obaji nu-derm for about 3 weeks and have experienced the very red/tight sunburn-like effects along with a tingling and burning sensation and moderate peeling, much like everyone else which I believe to be normal. Nothing I can’t handle, just a little embarrassing. To me the effects are just letting me know that it is working to regenerate new skin. Well I hope maybe this helps some of you and go to the Obaji site to read more about this system and their other products including the physician’s protocol for use (you never can be too trustworthy of your doctor’s advise). Good luck to all!!

I just stared the treatment today 7/31/10 wishhhhhhhhhhh me luck guys!!!!

I am starting my 4th week on obagi. I have noticed that my skin is dry and very rough. I’m not peeling at all nor is my skin very red. It hasn’t seemed to help my acne at all, it isn’t worse but it isn’t better either. I am not using retin A with the system, I go in next week for a follow up to see if he will add it. I’m thinking I will need it to get rid of the acne. I have noticed that my pores on my nose are much smaller and my blackheads are disappearing. I haven’t seen any lightening of my acne scars yet either.