Obagi Skin Care

The Obagi skincare products are some of the most effective and popular treatments available through a doctors office. They are specially formulated and contain prescription strength agents not available in over the counter products. They are designed to improve the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation (age spots or melasma), and sun damage. They stimulate collagen formation and healthy skin production, and give the skin a smoother, more youthful glow.

Let's start with the fact that all skin products are not created equally. That is why you need a skin care specialist and not a department store salesperson to advise you. Despite advertising claims of improved skin appearance, we need to look for scientifically proven products. That is products that have been scientifically tested and demonstrate repeatedly and consistently that they are beneficial on all skin types. For example, all sun screens are not the same. They have different protection levels-SPF's, that protect against UV-A but not UV-B or vice versa (both are bad for you), they may contain chemicals which may be irritating, or they may contain physical sun blocks such as Zinc oxide.

Many women ask for a moisturizer because their skin feels dry or they have fine lines. They don't realize why their skin feels dry. It is because the skin cells have lost their volume and need to be rehydrated. This is a restorative function that starts inside the cell, not on the surface. Moisturizers are simply emollient crèmes that coat the surface but fail to act where they are needed most, inside.

Another common misconception is that all retinoic acids (Retin A -Tretinoin) are the same. Retinols are chemically different from retinoic acids (Retin A -Tretinoin). Retinols are derived from Vitamin A and are used by the body, but only Retin A, is absorbed through the skin, increases the rate of skin turnover, and stimulates collagen production establishing a more youthful appearance. Collagen production and hydration are complimentary and are needed for youthful healthy skin. Using products that contain retinols does not produce the same result as retinoic acids(Retin A-Tretinoin). As we get older (that means 40's are for most and 30's for some) we lose collagen in our skin and the rate of cell turnover decreases. We are not producing new cells as rapidly, and the older cells are hanging around longer. This can manifest itself as patches of uneven pigment or dry skin. Only Retin A-Tretinoin can stimulate cell production and collagen production restoring a more youthful baseline.

Some women apply heavy foundation to cover irregular pigmentation. Certain skin care products can reduce the irregular pigmentation associated with melasma and sun spots. Again, not all products are created equally, so they don't all work the same. We need to lighten and lift the skin by reducing the amount of natural pigment produced and preventing additional pigmentation caused by the sun.

We are facing the need to restore and to prevent ongoing damage caused by the environment. What is required, is a system that addresses the needs of the cellular metabolism - to increase cell turnover, to increase collagen production and to increase cellular hydration -not just the effects of the cellular metabolism-dry skin, uneven skin color and fine lines.

It can be difficult to mix and match different systems or products from different manufacturers. Doing so may be counterproductive in that we may unknowingly irritate our skin. Since it is difficult for a consumer to understand all of the potential interactions of myriad of products that are available, it is best to stick with one product line and maximize all of its benefits. Dr. Obagi knew this when he created the program. Everything that you need to maintain your skin health is available.

Younger individuals require sun protection and not much more because their skin is functioning normally. Ideally, cleansers (not soaps), sunscreens and antioxidants such as Vitamin C (not all Vitamin C products are alike). Once we hit our 40's we need to start thinking about restoration, in addition to protection. Since our natural protective skin mechanisms are working more slowly, we need to add 1) alpha hydroxy agents to help exfoliate or remove the old skin, 2) Vitamin C which reverses some of the damaging effects of the sun, 3) agents which will help to even out skin color and 4) agents which stimulate collagen. Collagen is a protein naturally found in the cell that helps to create a youthful appearance. We have known this for years, and in fact Collagen was the first filler used to restore facial volume (but more about that in another Blog).

The Obagi Skin Care products provide all the ingredients for healthy skin. These products are compatible with one another and can used on all age groups to create healthier skin. Dr Friedlander will be able to recommend the skin care program which is best for you to keep your skin healthy and looking your best, at any age.

We provide the following Obagi systems:

-Nu-Derm System -can be used by most people

-CRx System-can be used by someone who is not ready for Retin A or is intolerant to it. This system has the added benefit of Vitamin C built in to it.

Elastderm Decolletage System- compliments the other Obagi systems and provide further improvement to the orbital and chest areas.