How does OBAGI work? Hydroquinone mechanisms of action and info about tretinoin.

In this post, I'm just going to address the hydroquinone mechanisms of action:

Topical application of hydroquinone produces a reversible
depigmentation of the skin by inhibition of the enzymatic oxidation
of tyrosine to 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) and suppression
of other melanocyte metabolic processes.

There's also Tretinoin in the complete OBAGI system.

Below is copied from a response Dr. Wu had written in a question posed on RealSelf.com

Just a little more about Retin-A:
Retin-A / Tretinoin provides a light form of chemical peel that exfoliates the skin, enhances collage production (minimizes wrinkles), and evens skin tone (a treatment for hyperpigmentation).

Retin-A is the brand name for Tretinoin and is a topical prescription medication. Retin A can make your skin more sensitive to the sun; thus sunscreen/sunblocks are highly recommended adjuncts. Avoide sunlamps and tanning beds. We recommend avoiding areas of wounds, eczema, and muscosal areas such as the eyes, mouth, and nose. We also have our patients use tretinoin at night instead of in the morning because of the increased sun sensitivity during the day. When we start a patient on tretinoin, we usually have them start every other night for the first 2 weeks then increase to every night. We would like to personally monitor a patient's progress with this medication. We carry a skincare line in our office - Obagi - which utilizes tretinoin.

Our most common dosages of tretinoin that we prescribe in our Modesto, California office is 0.1% or 0.05%. Tretinoin is also available as a 0.025% strength.

Retin-A/Tretinoin works by thinning the outermost layer of the skin - the stratum corneum, while cells in the epidermis are stimulated to produce a thicker epidermis layer. Collagen production and cellular growth in the dermis layer also increases. These changes are fully appreciated after about 2 months of continued use. At that time one would see improvement with acne, hyperpigmentation, pore size, and texture. Continued daily use is recommended to keep these improvements, and some skin care specialists recommend a modified maintenance route with Retin-A/Tretinoin.

Retin-A has been used to treat acne and for skin rejuvenation purposes. It is not known whether Retin-A is harmful to an unborn baby or nursing baby. Talk to your doctor in person about using Retin-A, especially if you are pregnant or just delivered your baby.



Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto.

I'm still using OBAGI... no peeling or major redness for me

I guess it is now safe to say that I didn't get much peeling or noticeable redness. This is unlike some of the others I've seen who have started OBAGI. So, not everyone gets peeling or redness. Obagi has become a routine and I look forward to using it. Yes... sunblock is very important.


Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician face to face. This disclaimer applies to our other web pages as well – visit at your leisure: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

OBAGI Open house event!

We are planning on discounts, prizes, food, and time to socialize! Come to our open house!

Surgical Artistry, Inc is going to have an open house event mostly centered around OBAGI medical skin care products and skin care topics on Thursday, Nov 5, 2009 (first Thursday of November) from about 9am till 4pm. We will have raffles/prizes/food and BIG discounts on OBAGI skin care products. Dr. Wu, Dr. Lee, and Surgical Artistry staff, and OBAGI staff will be present and available to answer questions at this event. For a list of other products that we carry (list isn’t complete) visit: Retail Products at Surgical Artistry and call (209) 551-1888 for any questions. Surgical Artistry staff and doctors will be available to talk in general about their entire range of services and products. This event is free and open to the public.

Date: November 5, 2009 (Thursday) 9am-4pm
Place: Surgical Artistry / Tammy Wu, MD Plastic Surgery office - 2336 Sylvan Ave. Suite C, Modesto, CA 95355, Next to post office on Sylvan.

More details: Obagi Open House


Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

OBAGI - I guess I didn't peel or turn too red.

I guess it is true. Not everyone who uses Obagi will get noticeable (negative) reactions in the beginning of the "out with the old" segment. Some people get some redness and some peeling. I on the other had haven't gotten much of any reaction to the product at all. This was also true for my mother who had started on OBAGI several years ago. I'm glad it was relatively painless (visually and physically) for me to start on OBAGI - I'm very happy with the product so far and have been seeing visible results!


Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

OBAGI - VISIA Improvements at 3 weeks

I've been on the Obagi Nu-derm system (their top of the line skin care product line) for about 3 weeks. Mostly improvements noted on the VISIA machine (skin care anlysis by computer) and some worsening of other parameters.

I decided to do a 3 week follow up VISIA skin analysis on the left side of my face. The comparison is from 9/18/09 to 10/10/09

VISIA IMPROVEMENTS:
I had improvements already in: Spots, Wrinkles, Texture, and Pores.

Spots went from 29% to 33% (improvement!)
Wrinkles went from 11% to 40% (big improvement!)
Texture went from 5% to 9% (improvement!)
Pores went from 2% to 3% (slight improvement)


VISIA "Step back" (worsening results):
Red areas and Brown Spots got worse! But keep in mind this is only 3 weeks of using the product and we are in the first stages of getting used to the product.

Red areas: went from 48 to 74 for a feature count
Brown spots went from 160 to 183 for a feature count

Taking a step back on these items in order to take steps forward. This is common as I've heard from our aestheticians that there are increases in Red areas - as there is some inflammation in this phase of "Out with the Old." I'm not sure why I have a worsening of Brown spots, but we shall see what the trend shows.


Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto,

OBAGI open house at Surgivcal Artistry (our office)

We have decided on a date for our open house!

It will be on November 5, 2009 (Thursday) from 9am to 4pm. We'll have it all day during the day so that we get too crowded all at the same time.

More info about OBAGI open house.

4 phases of Obagi Transformation: Phase 1 "out with the old"

From the Obagi website:

The Four Phases of Transformation

Phase 1

OUT WITH THE OLD (Weeks 1-6)

Nu-Derm System penetrates to the deepest layer of your skin to correct signs of premature aging and acne flares

Old, dead skin cells are pushed to the surface and replaced with fresh cells

Itching, dryness and redness are possible side effects as your skin adapts to the system

Expect: Pigmented skin cells to become regulated, creating a more even toned appearance

My notes at week #2 (Today would be Day #14 for me).

I am almost in the middle of Phase 1. I have minor itchiness and minor redness. I have noticed that I do have more acne breakouts. This, as I've been told by many OBAGI Nu-derm users, is completely expected. I have heard this phase as "purging" of the old facial skin.




Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

I made it to two weeks so far with OBAGI

I have to admit that I have skipped 2 "session/regimens" with OBAGI nu-derm. One was at night when I was just so dead tired, and another as I was late for an AM appointment.

As directed, I went on as if those "regimens" were done.

It really doesn't take that long as I've gotten more efficient with the system. Really just takes a few minutes. For many, this would be a worthwhile investment for healthy and good looking skin.

I hope to post some pictures on here - especially the visia photographs that I have done of the left side of my face.

My colleagues at work notice slight peeling, and some slight redness so far. I've already noticed that my skin is smoother and that I don't need as much OBAGI product on my hands to make them spread over my skin. Meaning: I used to use more product before, and now I don't have to use as much - just an observation that I had.

I will continue to keep posting.



Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

Day 12 - I started peeling a little bit on my face

Day 12 of using obagi. I finally started noticing a little bit of flaking/peeling of my skin by my chin and mouth area. I have very little discomfort from using the system, and I'm very pleased that it only takes me about 4 minutes in the morning and 3 minutes at night to get this system on my face.




Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

Day 7 - so far, just minor redness, no peeling (yet?)

Am I going to avoid peeling? I'm not sure... I've been cautious with the night time regimen. Maybe too cautious. (0.1% tretinoin every other day). I've been getting really minor redness and minor itches once in a while on my face. But I'm still waiting for some transformations. I haven't yet noticed any changes with my sun damage spots on the sides of my face yet. But this is still early. I'm still awaiting the peeling that some people talk about. But I've also heard that the clarisonic brush that I use with the foaming cleanser sometimes cuts down on the peeling. I will keep you informed of my progress.


Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

What's the difference between Clear and Blender prodcuts of OBAGI?

I was wondering this and I got the same answer from Dr. Tammy Wu, Plastic Surgeon, and our OBAGI representative. Basically the Blender product's hydroquinone was designed to penetrate even deeper - thus it works well with the Tretinoin. Each of the hydroquinones were designed to work at different levels of the skin. Makes some sense... I'm doing great with the product so far!



Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

Day 6 observations

I'm still waiting for the redness and peeling. So far just very minor itching on my neck, almost none on my face and so far no peeling. I'm using 1% Tretinoin every other day at night as with the original plan. And now it is only taking me 5 minutes each time I use the whole Nu-Derm Obagi system. So far so good!



Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

We are planning an OBAGI educational event at Surgical Artistry, Inc - Modesto, California

Stay tuned - we are planning an OBAGI educational event / Obagi open house early November 2009 at our office - November 5, 2009 (first Thursday of November) around 10am till 5pm. Feel free to come back to this blog or visit our Twitter website (http://twitter.com/wplasticsurgery) to find out more details. You can also call our office (209) 551-1888 for details.

There will be free raffle giveaways totaling several thousand dollars worth of prizes.

The focus will be on OBAGI products. It will be a great OBAGI sale!

There will be prizes, great discounts, and experts from OBAGI to help answer your questions. We can even do free VISIA skin care analysis.

Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

Day 1-2 observations

Really not much has happened to my face so far except that I have had really minor itching - it may be in my head. I've gotten a lot faster at putting the products on my face. The PM routine only took me about 5 minutes. I think the initial 18 or 19 minutes that I took was because I was double checking everything and reading over the directions and of course putting on and taking off my glasses because I'm practically blind without them.

I'm using 0.1% tretinoin every other day to start. Because today is my second night. I'm skipping the tretinoin/blender combo tonight.

Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

Our Mission Statement (why I should be using OBAGI)

I've mentioned that the reason I'm using OBAGI is that we've carried this product in our office for the past 3-4 years. We believe in trying everything ourselves. Everyone else in the office has tried OBAGI but me... so it's my duty to dive in myself. Here's our mission statement for our Plastic Surgery venture:

Mission Statement:


Our mission is to constantly improve ourselves, our company and our clients. We aim to provide the best and safest medical results. We utilize only the highest grade medical products and technology. We are committed to providing top notch customer service. We welcome our clients to be part of our medical family, and we communicate with them often. In addition to being a medical facility, we are an educational resource. We will actively pursue opportunities to provide education. We believe in practicing what we preach, thus our healthy and aesthetic goals for our clients start with ourselves. We endeavor to make our office feel comfortable like home and encourage each other to be happy and healthy. The five key ingredients of Surgical Artistry, Inc. are constant self improvement, superior medical results, outstanding customer service, providing education, and practicing what we preach.

Dr. Tammy Wu and Dr. Calvin Lee pictured above

Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto,

Why did I decide to try OBAGI - NuDerm skin care?

Well, I have pretty bad skin - according to our VISA machine anyway. I scored 2% on pores, and pretty bad on every other category. Sad but true. So I need the help. Everyone else in our Plastic Surgery Office in Modesto has been using OBAGI products and they love it. So I figured it was time to start. I'm also done with many of my public appearances, so if I peel, turn red or my face falls off (which it shouldn't) - I can take a chance on OBAGI now. I'm hoping for great results soon! Plus I also have a school reunion coming up. Maybe I'll look good in time for that... we can only hope.

We also try products on ourselves and part of our mission statement (more on this later). So - I need to get with the project! Wish me luck!

Another reason I wanted to start Obagi: Our office is going to have an OBAGI educational event in the next month or two and I wanted to get with the program and be a real expert on OBAGI - not just the science, but as a user. Maybe I'll have some redness and peeling to show off at the educational OBAGI event.

Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto,

How long did it take me when I first used OBAGI?

How long did it take me when I first used OBAGI?

18 minutes and 50 seconds. Almost 19 minutes is how long it took me to use OBAGI Nu-derm for the first time. I was taking my time, and reading the directions, putting my glasses on and off, and double checking many things. I suspect it would take most other folks about 15 minutes to start using it for the first time. I have heard from seasoned users of OBAGI that it takes them about 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes at night. I hope to speed up the process soon - otherwise I won't be getting enough sleep!

I also added some extra time for myself because I used the Clarisonic brush for 2 minutes with the cleaner to help the products sink in through my thick skin a little better.

Yes.... our office carries both Clarisonic brushes and OBAGI skin care products. You can call our office at (209) 551-1888 in Modesto, CA. (Plastic Surgery Modesto, CA) - we are located next to the post office on Sylvan Ave. in Modesto, CA.

Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto,

My start date for using OBAGI - NuDerm

My start date for using OBAGI - NuDerm

I’ve decided to start my first day of using OBAGI-NuDerm on. Saturday, September 19, 2009. I started in the morning with the AM routine. The day before, I did a VISIA skin care analysis right before I left the office in the afternoon. I’ll have more details of what my VISIA showed before using OBAGI. I remember that my pores scored 2% on the VISIA machine. That’s pretty bad. Only 1% is worse for pores.


Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto,

Where is our plastic surgery office?

Our plastic surgery / cosmetic office is in Modesto, CA. Where is Modesto, CA? <-- follow the link. I tried to spell out some highlights. Our address: Surgical Artistry, Inc 2336 Sylvan Ave. Suite C Modesto, CA 95355 We are located next to the post office on Sylvan Ave, Modesto, CA Our telephone: (209) 551-1888 Our website: Plastic Surgery Modesto, CA or another website: Modesto Plastic Surgery

Please stop by if you are in the area. And Yes, we carry OBAGI skin care products. We have great prices too!

Plastic surgeon: Dr. Tammy Wu, MD - board certified Plastic Surgeon

Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto,

My office carries OBAGI skin care products

For the last 3-4 years my office has carried just about the entire line of OBAGI skin care products including Rosaclear, CRX, NuDerm, Elastiderm products.

Everyone on staff currently uses OBAGI products and has had great results. I've decided that it's now time for me to take the plunge and give OBAGI a try for myself.

We believe in trying the products ourselves - so that also applies to me. So here I go.

It is now middle of September, 2009.

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Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto,