Tania,
Since you're using a glycolic wash, I hope you're using sunscreen every time you go out in the sun, because glycolic acid is a an AHA and increases sun sensitivity which can lead to hyperpigmentation/dark patches IF you don't wear sunscreen.
And with Obagi, you need to apply an effective sunscreen as well.
Actually in general, always wear sunscreen 15-30 minutes before leaving the house.
Re: Acne & Retin A
RV, I was looking online and went to the Obagi website and it seems like I have to find a physician to recommend me to get the product. Is that right?
RV, I was looking online and went to the Obagi website and it seems like I have to find a physician to recommend me to get the product. Is that right?
Yes, it can only be prescribed by a physician because the hydroquinone in Obagi products is 4% which exceeds the 2% limit found only in commercial products. Since it's considered a cosmetic rather than medical treatment, insurance won't cover it.
But go to a dermatologist instead of a family doctor. My family doctor was clueless about Obagi and when he learned about it, he wasn't sure if he should recommend it for me, LOL. I got mine from Advanced Dermatology, it's a chain of dermatology centers located in various statles. You can check if there is one in Chicago. Also, i would recommend that you see a reputable certified desi dermatologist because they understand desi skin better than doctors of other races. The one downfall of Asian skin is that it has thicker scarring, but on the plus side, it ages really well, AH. My sis shadowed a desi dermatologist who had so much knowledge about the qualities of various skin types according to race. It was pretty cool.
Re: Acne & Retin A
Thank you RV! Im just wondering, are you noticing results? Do you like it? Ive got some spots that are leftover from acne and I want to get rid of them, do you think this is a good idea?
I believe it does help PS. When I put it on new pimples that are red, they flatten out considerably and the redness is reduced so that it doesn't spot. And you'll notice that in about 4 weeks, previous spots will fade. But you have to use regularly.
How is your skin PS? Do you break out a lot? If it's only a few spots that you're worried about then just get the lightening serum/cream from the Obagi system.
The BOTTOM LINE is that it's the HYDROQUINONE/VITAMIN C concentration that fades out the spots. So, also consider asking the derm about OTHER lotions that contain hydroquinone that can vanish your spots.....if you find Obagi to be too pricey (which it is). Doesn't hurt to ask.
And Ps, you mentioned that you have gotten glycolic peel before. I found that they reduce spots as well. So, if your wedding is coming up soon and you feel that you don't have the time to wait for a product to work.....then ask the derm about how many chemical peel sessions it will take to fade the spots out (if you're looking for a quicker treatment).
Re: Acne & Retin A
My pimples have gone down considerably and now Im just left with a couple of tiny ones here and there. I break out if Im careless with my skin and eat the wrong things or even change my makeup. The main problem now that the major acne is out of the way is the spots that are left behind. Im scheduled for one more peel this Friday and am going to speak to my derm about Obagi too. Hopefully she will work with me and write a prescription otherwise…you can to www.skinwest.com and order it through them.
Im actually considering just getting the hydroquinone/vitamin c serum like you said if thats all I need. Do you use their night cream too? I already use a high SPF sunscreen and started using glycolic wash as a cleanser.
I went to the Advanced Dermatology Center and the aesthetician was a smooth talker and told me to get the whole Obagi system because all the products transition into one another. And that’s what I ended up doing cuz I was new to the skin system. But later on I read that many users just buy the important ingredients. I don’t know how persistent your derm will be, but yes, if you get recommended the CRX system, just buy the clarifying serum and night cream cuz these two products are the only ones that both contain hydroquinone.
By the way, what brand and SPF factor sunscreen do u use?
Re: Acne & Retin A
Awesome! I think Ill do that. Clarifying serum and the night cream.
I use Clinique's SPF 40 everyday. Its tinted a little bit so the white caste that sunscreen gives you is lessened considerably...seems good so far for me. :)
Re: Acne & Retin A
hey I am prescribed retin A to be used every night......pea sized amount rubbed all over the face.....n washed off after an hour.......
will it help???
i dun have ALOT of acne just 3 4 pimples....and yes scars and marks of previous pimples ....
will it help???
Re: Acne & Retin A
why would you wash retin a after an hour?
Re: Acne & Retin A
^ I dont understand that one either...
Retin A takes effect within 20 minutes.. people with sensitive skin and active acne are advised to wash it off (without facewash/soap) after an hour.
Re: Acne & Retin A
yes i guess gina is right. and my doctor probably knows how sensitive my skin is...
i can see new pimples on my face... but then again its just the start......my doctor told me it will cause lots of pimples initially and then in d 3rd week it will start clearing up your face and marks
GINA: does retin A helps with acne scars too?? as in the little red spots?
No.. the red scars eventually turn into a pale/dark brown.. and that's when retin a can be prescribed by derms.
Re: Acne & Retin A
ohh... so dt means it wont effect my red spots?? :S well those were the major issue i went to the doc for :(
Re: Acne & Retin A
I have never ever heard off this washing off buisness and i have been to several derms over the years. Why not just use it every other night and start with teh slowest strength until your skin builds maturity to the product?
Some people have extremely sensitive skin and can't tolerate keeping it on all night long.. Retin A is very drying and may cause blistering, swelling or crusting on very sensitive skin.
Many derms after carefully doing a skincription decide the time it should be left-on for. Retin A gets absorbed into the top-most epidermis within 20 mins of application.
Retin A has worked for me really well in the past. I got acne after a year or so again. My derm recommended it again. It didnt work for me at all. May be i needed to give it more time. All my skin was just peeling off and I cudnt even hide it through makeup. I used mositurizers and sunscreens upto the point that made my skin look oily and really dirty. I hated those days and stayed underconfident about my skin condition.
It might not be Retin A’s fault for not working. I do not have patience that I had last year when I was using it. May be cuz i am getting married in 6 months.
I bought this cream ‘terminator 10’ from cvs pharmacy, from over the counter. I used it just or a while but switched to retin A just becauz I had my Derm’s prescription that was expiring. After having bad skin days with retin A, I swtiched to terminator 10 with no hopes.
The name of this cream made me feel funny about it. but I used it anyway since it had 10% benzol per oxide in it.
Trust me guys this cream is divine. I have switched to it since last 7 days. I have had acne and darkest acne scars on my right cheek which I was unable to get rid of even on my graduation. Within one week my darkest acne spots have shrunk to smaller size. they are not dark anymore, they are in light fading pinkish tone now.
This cream also made my skin peel off. But not as bad as retin A. It makes the spots dry and makes the skin dead which starts leaving your face. I just peel those spot of driest skin rising above. This is usually the skin that was a dark spot. So I am left with the lighter spot.
Retin A’s process on your skin is the same. It also peels your skin off. But I am not even kidding. I am seeing the difference ( i swear a visible difference) in just about 7 days. You need a prescrption for Retin A, and its more expensive. I have purchased a retin A pump, which last for longer. But I am not even touching it. " Terminator 10" is about 5 to 6 bucks and is available without any prescription.
This was my review for this product… you can actually check out how it worked for other people over here.
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ID=61042/AcneFree-_Acne_and_Blackhead_Terminator/0/Treatments/
Re: Acne & Retin A
and yeh the cost of this acne treatment is so low. Its worth giving it a try.
Re: Acne & Retin A
well i am still on retin A its my 2nd week. my skin is peeling and i just broke out again :( uwain anyhow......my doctor told me to give it 4 weeks. but if it doesnt help then i might ask him to switch me on this one
by the way is it available in pakistan too???