Skin Care Maintenance Programs
By Peter T. Pacik, MD, FACS

As a follow-up to our last educational email, I would like to elaborate on the Obagi Nu-Derm and MD Forte skincare maintenance programs. Generally, customers should use the full skincare program for at least 3 skin cycles (each full skin cycle is about 6 weeks x 3 = 18 weeks). For people using a less aggressive program or those who have more serious sundamage and/or pigmentary changes, 24 weeks may be optimal. At the end of the restoration process, you will have achieved your goal of healthy, younger looking skin. A maintenance program will help retain the improvements. This e-mail contains guidelines and general recommendations that can be adjusted to fit your own needs.

For customers on the Obagi Nu-Derm System, page 9 of "Your Personal Guide to Skin Health" outlines the reduced requirements to maintain healthy skin. For your quick reference, the maintenance program is as follows:

Obagi Nu-Derm Maintenance Program
(Daily except where noted)

Notes:
1. Obagi Nu-Derm Clear can be reduced to once a day, although customers with pigmentary problems may desire to continue this twice a day for 2-3 days per week or more. Apply Clear first, wait a few minutes, and then apply Exfoderm or Exfoderm Forte.

2. Our new recommendation for Blender and Tretinoin is to use them nightly to avoid the flaking that may occur with more infrequent use. The Blender and the Tretinoin are MIXED TOGETHER and applied. When measuring the Blender and Tretinoin, the recommended 1/2 gram of each product can be measured by squeezing the product from the tube the full distance from the last joint of your index finger to the tip of your finger (approx 1.5").

3. Sunfader contains hydroquinoine (lightening cream). If you did not have symptoms of hyperpigmentation before starting the Obagi program, you may discontinue the use of the Sunfader at this time. For those customers who have hyperpigmentation, continue using Sunfader on a daily basis.

4. The recommended Obagi Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35 should be used every day to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Everyone's skin is different, and by experimenting, you can choose the program that is most comfortable for you.

MD Forte Maintenance Program
For customers on the MD Forte Daily Regimen, there is no "formal" maintenance program. Once again, it is helpful to experiment. If the skin becomes red and irritated after a satisfactory program, the usual culprit is too much exfoliation from the glycolics and those products should be used less frequently. If my skin becomes red or irritated from over exfoliation, I simply eliminated the exfoliation products for two days and used Replenish Hydrating Cream alternating with Kinerase Cream. After two days, I am able to get back onto my maintenance program. Continue using your eyecreams every day as well, for best results.

As with any advanced skin care program, MD Forte or Obagi, it is essential to use sunscreens, every day, all year long! Exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to damaging radiation. We offer a number of "full-spectrum" sunscreens for sale through our Web site SkinCare-MD.com. As your skin's health is restored, it becomes defeating to create further damage from sun or smoking. Most smokers know they are damaging their hearts and lungs, but many do not know they are also damaging their skin too!

As always, customers living in New England can visit us at our office in Manchester, New Hampshire. Whether you would like a free skin care consultation with Lisa, our esthetician, or if you just want to review your skin care program, we are dedicated to helping our customers achieve the best skin possible. Feel free to bring a friend, we are always happy to advise!

Customers new to a skincare program living outside our area, are encouraged to communicate with Lisa via email or telephone before starting. Lisa is happy to talk to you about your skin type and condition and make a product recommendation based on your conversation. Our MD Forte and Obagi Nu-Derm Advanced Skin Care Programs are excellent skin care regimens for skin rejuvenation. Lisa can help you decide which skin care program would be best for you. She is available during office hours Monday through Thursday 9-4, Friday 9-3 EST at 1-877-415-0600 or (603) 669-0290.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Obagi Nu-Derm System Daily Regimen
The Obagi Nu-Derm Advanced Skin Care System is designed to restore health to sun and smoke damaged skin, as well as even out pigmentary problems involving the face and other areas of the body. The Nu-Derm system corrects surface discoloration and blemishes. It also penetrates into the skin to stimulate skin cell renewal, improve circulation and help rebuild collagen. The normal water barrier function of the skin is restored, making the skin less sensitive and better able to hydrate properly. The Obagi Nu-Derm System Daily Regimen will give you a step by step description and usage information. This system works best for uneven pigmentary problems with sun damage.

MD Forte 4-Step Daily Regimen
MD Forte is a physician strength glycolic line which provides total facial and body skin rejuvenation. MD Forte skin care products contain 2 to 3 times higher levels of glycolic compound compared to similar over-the-counter products. These MD Forte products work by gently exfoliating the outer layers of dry, sun-damaged skin. Using the MD Forte 4-Step Daily Regimen (Cleanse, Renew, Hydrate and Protect), you will see healthier, younger looking skin! This system works best for sun damaged skin that has normal even pigmentation.