THE PROBLEM
The skin, like other living tissue, is subject to many factors both external and internal, which can lead to its deterioration:
• When pores are clogged or surface elasticity is lost, the result may be large pores and fine lines.
• Acne can result when oil glands produce excess oil.
• Brown spots will show with hormonal changes in the body and from sun exposure.
• Pre-cancerous lesions will appear after long and repeated sun exposure.
• Aging skin - wrinkles and less firmness - becomes pronounced as the skin loses collagen.
The ability of the skin to renew itself is weak in certain skin diseases and in aging. Disturbances in skin function, combined with other conditions, will eventually lead to the loss of “Skin Health”.
THE SKIN GAME
Unfortunately, most patients look for a short-cut method to healthy, younger-looking skin. They follow the route of "quick fix" cover-up skin creams which only treat the topical layers of the skin and don't really promote regular skin renewal.False claims and exaggerated promises have catered to this market. In providing customers with "cover-ups", cosmetic companies design products to cover, hide, and conceal surface impurities. Dermatological or OTC (over-the-counter) skin products usually treat only one skin problem at a time. Often cosmetic products sacrifice efficacy for elegance. In short, existing products are designed to make the skin look better, but they do not provide sufficient correction or stimulation to bring back Skin Health.Often, the philosophy of skin care encompasses only cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Though the products of this philosophy keep the skin clean, they do nothing to promote Skin Health .
THE SOLUTION
The thinking that emerged from Dr. Obagi's clinical observations and research in skin correction was to approach the health of the patient's skin the same way you would treat his or her body. Many Doctors, aestheticians, and cosmetologists have changed their attitude towards existing skin care, and learning the new Skin Health concepts. Achieving a clear, healthy complexion requires exercise in the form of consistent skin correction (removing or suppressing surface skin problems) and stimulation to build collagen. A patient's skin cells need to be activated daily in order for the skin to function and look its best.
The Obagi NU-DERM™ System is the leading program that effectively helps to correct and stimulate the skin. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid) alone cannot do it; they operate as mere exfoliants and have minimal stimulating effects. The stimulant, Retinoic acid (Retin-A®), by itself, can cause more irritation to the skin due to an uneven distribution of the Retinoic acid (Retin-A®) which can lead to uneven penetration (i.e. localize reaction zones - lips, upper and lower).The Obagi NU-DERM™ System combines the best effects of Retinoic acid (Retin-A®), Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Hydroquinone (a bleaching agent), Hydrocortisone (an anti-inflammatory agent), and the proprietary ingredient Mikuda Complex 272®, a plant extract from the family of saponins. This special ingredient provides a unique surface action which increases the skin's ability to absorb the nourishing compounds of the products. When used according to the instructions, these ingredients provide many benefits.
THE BENEFITS
The Benefits of The Obagi NU-DERM ™ System include:
• Keeping skin pH normal, which is important in achieving the correcting and stimulating effects .
• Stimulating collagen formation, a process that slows down during aging and one which can be reactivated. It can correct fine lines.
• Restoring normal activities of the skin which subside with age, thus slowing the aging process (and delaying the need for facelifts).
• Exfoliating the dead skin layers at the surface, thus removing surface damage. This ultimately leads to renewed surface skin.
• Opening and shrinking of large clogged pores, and removing blackheads and white heads which lead to a lessening of acne breakouts.
• Improving skin texture and circulation.
• Removing excess pigment and evening the color tone.
• Helping damaged pre-cancerous skin cells and replacing them with healthy cells.
• Protecting the skin from sun damage.
• Helping the healing process following surgical corrective procedures.
Some skin disorders are not suitable for the Obagi NU-DERM ™ System, such as benign tumors, sebaceous adenomas, syringomas, thick seborrheic keratosis, or fibromas; these conditions require other forms of medical treatment.The Obagi NU-DERM™ System can be used to restore healthy skin to all skin types. The System can also be used in areas other than the face, such as the hands, arms, neck, chest, and back.
THE PRINCIPLES OF SKIN HEALTH
The Obagi NU-DERM™ System is designed to restore Skin Health utilizing the mechanism of the active ingredients present in the creams and surface medications. The speed of improvement and the intensity of the process are determined by the patient's condition, motivation and lifestyle. The Obagi NU-DERM™ System is a skin restoration program; it is not like the cosmetic approach of the "beauty industry" nor like the conventional methods of light peeling with glycolic acid performed by some physicians or cosmetologists.Light peels with TCA (trichloracetic acid), in combination with Obagi Nu-Derm™ skin conditioning, will accelerate the skin renewal and correction process, with a significant decrease in the possibility of skin discoloration or “blotchiness” which can occur with deeper peels using TCA alone. Keep in mind that The Obagi NU-DERM™ System is not a peel; it is a correcting and stimulating process for the skin. The exfoliation which occurs during the early stages of the program is meant to remove the damaged layers of skin; these will be replaced by newer and healthier layers.
DEFINITION OF SKIN HEALTH
Healthy Skin is:
• Smooth and firm with even color tone.
• Free from damage or medical problems.
• Normal in function and tolerance.
To restore and maintain Skin Health requires a balanced program that takes into consideration :
• Natural skin acidity (pH).
• The ability of creams to penetrate the skin.
• The frequency of cream application.
• The amount of cream applied. (titration)
THE OBAGI SKIN HEALTH PRINCIPLES
Healthy skin can be obtained and maintained by following the Obagi Skin Health Principles. The conscientious following of these daily steps can keep skin clear, smooth, firm, tolerant and younger-looking.The steps are:
• Preparing
• Correcting
• Stimulating
• Protecting
• Controlling
PREPARING
Cleansing and Toner: In this step, you cleanse and tone to make your skin more receptive to the correction step.The proper cleanser will be selected for the patient from the listed products, according to the patient's skin type.
Astringent: If prescribed, is used to remove any bacteria from the skin surface, to reduce skin infections or acne break outs, and to help the efficacy of the creams by controlling surface oil.
CORRECTING
This step repairs the damage to the surface of the skin, correcting hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and smoothing skin roughness.
STIMULATING
This step repairs damage to the deeper layers of the skin. It restores skin elasticity by enhancing the production of collagen and elastin.
PROTECTING
This step prevents further damage from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
CONTROLLING
Sometimes, especially at the beginning of the treatment, your skin may be sensitive, dry or have a reaction. As time goes by, your skin will become healthier and in less need of control agents.
RESTING AND MAINTAINING
At the end of the Restoration process, you will have achieved your goal of healthy, younger looking skin. You can retain these improvements for a lifetime by simply alternating every other skin cycle (every 6 week period) between the Rest Protocol and the Restoration Protocol recommended by your physician.