Pigmentation Issues Advice by Dr. Obagi

Dr. Obagi effectively treats melasma with Nu-Derm^® system and recommends when treating melasma, you treat the entire affected area, not just the dark spots. For maximum efficacy, extra cream should be applied on all dark spots. It is best for the skin to exfoliate, and it is common for the first 6 weeks to experience redness, dryness and peeling when beginning the Nu-Derm^® system.

Melasma often masks broken capillaries, so once the pigment is resolved, it is not uncommon to see capillaries where pigment was once seen. Capillaries are easily removed with one or more laser treatments.

Other conditions may make melasma worse and more difficult to treat. These conditions include oily skin, rosacea and acne. When treating melasma, other conditions must be addressed and treated simultaneously.

Attempting to treat of melasma with lasers or peels is not recommended unless skin has properly been conditioned with Nu-Derm^®, as these treatments may make melasma worse and more difficult to treat.

Dr.Obagi believes that bleaching agents alone are not sufficient to effectively treat melasma, making over the counter products ineffective for treatment. Medical supervision with a specialized treatment program is recommended to effectively treat melasma.

Hot water, steam rooms, and saunas are not good for the skin, especially when treating melasma and are best avoided.

Sun protection is essential when treating melasma, as sun exposure can trigger abnormal pigmentation.

To Effectively Treat Melasma, Dr. Obagi Recommends the Following:

• Step 1: Wash face AM and PM with:

• Nu-Derm^® Foaming Gel OR Exfoliating Cleanser by ZO Skin Health™ (for thick, oily skin).

• Step 2: Exfoliating Polish by ZO Skin Health™ AM or PM Daily.

• Apply small amount to clean wet face and massage gently for one minute.

• Step 3: Nu-Derm^® Toner.

• Apply to cotton ball and rub over entire face.

• Step 4: Te-Pads by ZO Skin Health™ FOR OILY SKIN ONLY use AM and PM.

• Step 5: Nu-Derm Clear^® AM and PM.

• Apply 1 gram to skin surface and then apply more to discolored areas.

• Step 6: Complex A and Nu-Derm Blender^® AM and PM.

• Apply 1 gram Complex A and 1/2 gram Blender^® to entire skin surface and then apply more to discolored areas.

• Step 7: Sun protection every AM using:

• Nu-Derm^® Healthy Skin Protection^® 35 SPF OR
• Oclipse from ZO Skin Health™ OR
• NuDerm Sunfader^® & Nu-Derm Healthy Skin^® 35 SPF:
  Mix equal parts of each and apply to entire face OR
• Obagi-C^® Rx Sunguard™

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