The Obagi Protocols System Skin Care
The Obagi Protocols System offer you unique, unprecedented solutions for skin health and rejuvenation with impressive results.
Blemishes, acne scars, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and sun damage are all common conditions which affect your skin. If you suffer with any of these conditions or you just want healthier, smoother looking skin, there is now a new way to dramatically improve your complexion.
Following years of research, Dr Obagi, a Californian dermatologist, formulated a skin care regime which optimises skin conditioning and health.
The regime is simple and is tailored to each individual’s skin. Tretinoin 0.05% or 0.1% is used once or twice daily depending on the extent of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation patches. Following a set of simple steps of cleansing, toning, correction followed by exfoliation (mornings) or stimulation with Retinova® 0.05% (evenings) will result in increased cell turnover, correction of pigmentation problems and stimulation of collagen formation in the deeper layers of the dermis.
You will find that your skin is smoother and more supple with a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
Tretinoin vs retinol – information, side effects, contraindications
Topical vitamin A-based drugs called retinoids – the most used and most studied anti-aging compounds – reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Tretinoin, originally under the brand name Retin-A, was the first retinoid. It was used as an acne treatment in the 1970s, but researchers later discovered that it also fades sun spots, evens pigmentation, and speeds the turnover of cells on the skin’s surface.
Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin colour. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin. As your skin becomes acclimatised to tretinoin, it will function optimally becoming less prone to dryness without reduced need for additional moisturising. However, it takes three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent – and the best results take six to 12 months.
Tretinoin (eg. ketrel, stieva, amongst others) is a retinoid which is available only on prescription.
In addition, several over-the-counter products containing retinoids, such as retinol, are available. Because they’re not as strong (and therefore less irritating), they are not as effective in reducing wrinkles as tretinoin, but they do improve the appearance of photo-aged skin.
Instructions for use
At night time, apply no more than a “pea” sized amount onto freshly washed facial skin. Start with twice weekly use and build up over a six week period to alternate day use if tolerated. Avoid the delicate eye area, nose corners and the area immediately adjacent to the lips. A similar amount of this product can also be used on the backs of the hands and on the décolleté. The neck skin is more delicate and smaller amounts should be used less frequently on this area.
Side effects
Because retinoids can cause skin dryness and irritation, it is recommended that tolerance is built up gradually over several weeks. Side effects are expected and a necessary part of your journey to more youthful skin. These drugs must be used continually to maintain their benefits
Wear a sunscreen during the day, because retinoids increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
Use moisturisers initially as necessary to combat dryness
Contraindications
Prescription strength retinoids should not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women.