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Communicating With Your Hairstylist
Communicating with your hairstylist is a two way street. You need information and understanding from your hairstylist and your hairstylist needs information and direction from you. To avoid any misunderstanding, ask your stylist to explain exactly what he/she has in mind, what the effects on your hair will be and what your hairstyle or hair color will look like. Ask to be shown a picture, or even better have a look at yourself on the computer with Virtual Computer Imaging (if available). A picture is worth a thousand words. Moreover, providing as much information as possible will help your stylist make the proper decision about the right hair cut, hair style or hair color.
What Is Damaged Hair
Hair is considered "damaged" when the cuticles start to lift up. However in this state your hair is still healthy enough. There are different degrees that the cuticle can protrude. When the cuticle has deteriorated to the extent that it exposes part of the inside of the hair, the hair loses some of its protein (amorphous protein). Hair in this condition is truly damaged. In this state hair can and will break off on some parts of the head, generally an inch away from the scalp. (The reason for this is that the hair is the healthiest the first inch). Remember it is not falling out. It is breaking off. The cause is usually bleaching and coloring your hair every four weeks to achieve platinum blonde hair colors. Truly damaged hair will have lost its elasticity and bounce and it won't bend, won't hold a style because it has lost too much of its protein. It is the protein which gives hair its elasticity and bounce.
Shampooing Your Hair
Which shampoo do you think is better - a shampoo that suds a lot or one that doesn't? Well, many people think that the shampoo that suds a lot is better. However, the fact is that it is not any better. So, you might ask what are suds for then? The only function of suds is to spread the cleansing agent evenly over the entire head. Manufacturers have become aware of the consumer's preference for sudsy shampoos and market shampoos that are highly sudsy. The consumer feels that this kind of shampoo is of better quality. Actually a very sudsy shampoo has two disadvantages. First, the extremely sudsy shampoo takes much longer to rinse out of your hair, resulting in excessive use of water. Secondly, with so many suds the hair doesn't seem to get as clean.
The proper way to shampoo your hair is to rinse it first. Then deposit the shampoo into the palm (in the amount of a twenty-five cent piece) of your hand, distributing it over both palms and throughout your hair to ensure that it is evenly applied. Now massage your scalp. By the way, how hard you rub your scalp has little influence on how clean your hair becomes.
The interaction between the water and the shampoo will remove oil and dirt particles from your scalp and hair. The first shampoo accomplishes most of the cleansing. If the hair is dirty, there will hardly be any suds. If this is the case, you should rinse and apply a second shampoo. This time you will need half the amount of shampoo. Most of the time shampooing once is enough.
Rain water by itself is not able to clean your hair. You need the action of a shampoo to accomplish that.
A shampoo with wheat germ does not add to the cleansing action of the shampoo nor is it of any use to your hair.
Custom Tinting
Permanently lightens, darkens, and changes natural hair color: lasts 4 to 6 weeks.
Custom Highlighting
They give hair special effects by weaving, slicing, or ribboning multi-dimensional colors throughout the hair, lasts up to 4 months. This process takes approximately two hours to apply.
How long does a highlight last?
Even though highlights will grow out natural looking, they are still
a permanent hair color that should be touched up every 3-6 months depending
on the amount of highlights that you have in your hair.
Is permanent makeup better than regular makeup?
Yes. It's better for a natural everyday look. It can't be beat for the look of natural beauty. SofTap® is famous for it's natural look. Most people desire a simply lash enhancement, an improved lip definition, or a subtle brow color.
What type of permanent cosmetic makeup do you offer?
- Eyeliner
Permanent eyeliner make up enhances and defines the beauty of the eye. It makes lashes appear thicker when not wearing mascara.
- Eyebrows
Permanent eyebrow make up can help eyebrows that are naturally too light, too thin, sparse or nonexistent be beautifully enhanced and improved with micropigmentation. Enhancement is important because eyebrows frame the eyes and give the face expression.
Who benefits from permanent cosmetic makeup?
Everyone, from the young to the elderly, who desires a soft and natural enhancement to their appearance will benefit from permanent cosmetic makeup.
What are the benefits of permanent cosmetic makeup?
- Enhances your appearance
- Perfect for contact lens wearers
- Ideal for alopecia or chemotherapy patients
- Great for women who suffer from visual impairment or unsteady hands
- Great for those with make up allergies
- Won’t rub off
Why should I use all the products in the System?
Each Obagi System is specifically designed to work together as a System to Transform your skin. When used as a System, the formulas work together to effectively balance the pH level and penetrate ingredients to the layers of the skin--revealing superior results. As always, please follow the individual protocol designed by your Physician or Skin Care Specialist.
Why are the Obagi System products sold exclusively from physicians? Can the products be purchased on the internet?
Obagi System skin care products are prescription strength formulations regulated by the U.S. FDA and can only be sold with a prescription through a physician, such as a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon. Obagi System does not endorse purchasing prescription products from the internet without a written prescription. Click here for the Physician Locator.
What is the difference between the Obagi System products and the products purchased from department stores, drug stores, infomercials, etc?
Obagi System skin care products are prescription strength, or pharmaceutical products that work at the cellular level to correct the skin cell function. Products purchased from a retail store are Cosmeceutical products. When applied, they do not correct skin cells, instead they “mask” the damaged skin only on the surface of the skin for a temporary period.
How often should I contact my Physician/Skin Care Specialist?
It is important to contact your Physician or Skin Care Specialist as directed by them, usually once a week for the first three weeks or anytime you have a concern which was previously not discussed as a normal part of the Transformation. Be prepared to inform your Physician or Skin Care Specialist about your skin’s progress.
Can the products be applied around the eyes, neck and chest?
With the exception of the Obagi Nu-Derm System Eye Cream and Cffectives 5%, you should avoid using products around the eye area, as that skin area is thin and delicate. The products can be used on the neck and chest, however, the skin on the neck and chest is different than that of the face. Thus, you should consult with your Physician or Skin Care Specialist on dosage and frequency.
Can the products be used during pregnancy?
The non-prescription products are safe to use during pregnancy and nursing. The prescription products which contain Hydroquinone and Tretinoin are rated Category “C” for women who are pregnant or nursing, and should not be used.
Can the products be used if in the sun (i.e. at sporting events or at the beach)?
Keeping in mind that extended sun exposure damages the skin, it is suggested to avoid prolonged sun exposure without protection. Always wear a sunscreen like the Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35, Obagi-C Rx SunGuard SPF 30, or Obagi Nu-Derm Physical UV Block SPF 32. While on the system, you can participate in normal outdoor activity, however, your skin may be sensitive to the sun and heat. It is very important to apply sun protection every few hours while exposed to the sun.
What happens if I stop using the products?
The skin is your largest living organ and is constantly in the process of renewal. Skin cells mature and migrate to the surface every 28 days. The dead cells remain on the surface for another 12 days before sloughing off. When you stop using the products, you have interrupted the healthy cell renewel process. Eventually, the improved healthy cells will revert to where you started with abnormal skin cell function. You will begin to see diminishing results within weeks.
What does the Obagi Nu-Derm System do for aging skin?
As skin ages, just like the body, it loses the ability to properly renew itself. The Obagi Nu-Derm System is a prescription strength skin care system that is physician monitored to accelerate skin cell turnover so that it looks and acts younger and healthier.
How quickly will I see results when using the Obagi Nu-Derm System?
The prescribed protocol and frequency is determined by your individual skin condition. By carefully following your Physician or Skin Care Specialists customized protocol, you can expect visible improvements in 4-6 weeks.
What can I expect while using the Obagi Nu-Derm System?
Your skin will experience several phases of Transformation. In the first phase, “Out With The Old”, the System accelerates dead cell exfoliation, so expect flaking and peeling, revealing fresher, smoother skin. In the second phase, “In With The New”, your skin will begin to build tolerance to peeling and flaking. During that time the System is working at the cellular level to continually transform skin cells. In the third phase, “Healthy Glow”, histologically, collagen and elastin are increasing production and skin becomes more supple and resilient. Uneven color and pigmentation evens out. In the fourth phase, “The New You”, you keep your skin looking and acting younger and healthier.
Why is Vitamin C important?
Vitamin C belongs to an important group of antioxidants which fight the free radicals that age the skin. Studies have shown topical Vitamin C, in the most effective form (L-ascorbic acid), can even improve sun protection, repair sun damaged skin, reduce fine lines, stimulate collagen building and reduce discoloration of the skin.
How is the Obagi-C Rx System different from other Vitamin C products?
The Obagi-C Rx System is the first and only prescription-strength Vitamin C System of products in the U.S. Its patented formulation, using proven ingredients, provides a systemized treatment for brighter, more Photolumines Skin. While many Vitamin C products simply moisturize the skin’s surface, the Obagi-C Rx System penetrates to all layers of the skin, effectively delivering more Vitamin C than other brands.
Can Tretinoin be prescribed along with the Obagi-C Rx System?
The Obagi-C Rx System is specifically designed to work together as a System to deliver a Photolumines glow to your skin. Adding Tretinoin or other products is not recommended, but it is important to discuss your individual skin care needs with your Physician and Skin Care Specialist.
Why are there two C-Exfoliating Day Lotions?
There are two C-Exfoliating Day Lotion options. One has a sunscreen with SPF 12 and the other does not have a sunscreen. Some patients already use sunscreen, dislike the sunscreen smell or are prone to irritation or breakouts caused by sunscreens. Other patients need the extra sunscreen or want the added convenience of a sunscreen built into their lotion..
Why is the Obagi Nu-Derm System used in conjunction with the Obagi Blue Peel?
Those seeking skin resurfacing procedures (Blue Peel) usually have unhealthy skin. By improving important skin cell functions with the Obagi Nu-Derm System prior to the procedure, post-procedure care is enhanced and down time is reduced. Further, the post-procedure variables such as sensitivity, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, erythema and scarring are reduced. Early recovery of normal skin structure and function will ultimately boost satisfaction with the procedure.
How long should the Obagi Nu-Derm System be used before getting a Blue Peel?
It varies based on the skin type, skin condition and depth of the Blue Peel. Usually, a minimum pre-conditioning program lasts 6 weeks. Skin with more pigment or hyperpigmentation requires 12-18 weeks.
Why is the Blue Peel different and better than a TCA peel?
Because TCA is a clear aqueous solution, over painting and uneven penetration can easily occur leading to unsatisfactory results. The Blue Peel is a unique procedure enhacing control of the depth of TCA. The blue mixing base helps to ensure consistent results with every patient and every procedure for the Physician.
What should be expected during recovery?
Depending on the depth level of the Blue Peel, healing time is between
3 and 10 days. After the procedure, you will experience light swelling
and your skin will begin to peel within 2 to 3 days.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser
A modality that uses high-energy, pulsed beams of light to target intracellular
water and precisely vaporize small areas of tissue, layer by layer. A
number of passes are made to reach the desired depth. A CO2 laser has
leveling effects and tightening effects because of the heat-mediated thermal
shrinkage.
Collagen
The major structural protein of the dermis. Manufactured by fibroblasts,
the arrangement of collagen fibrils into small groups of fibers which
then come together in thin, wavy, fiber bundles. These bundles are then
arranged into a mat-like pattern - resulting in great tensil strength.
Dermis
The tough, connective tissue matrix found immediately below the epidermis.
Design blue peel
Application of extra Blue Peel solution to selected areas for penetration
up to the Immediate Reticular Dermis (IRD).
Elastic fibers
Fibers, composed mostly of the protein elastin, found in a network in
the dermis. These fibers maintain normal skin tension, and give it the
ability to snap back after stretching. Alterations in the elastic fiber
network are responsible for looseness and sagging of aged skin.
Epidermal sliding
The ability to wrinkle the skin with a slight push when the TCA peel solution
has reached the level of the papillary dermis. It occurs because the TCA
has separated the epidermis from the dermis.
Epidermis
The outer layer of the skin atop the dermis.
Erbium: YAG laser
A laser modality that is more superficial than the CO2 laser and requires
more passes to reach depths equivalent to those reached by the CO2 laser.
This is less effective for correcting wrinkles and scars and causes punctuate
bleeding when the dermis is reached.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches
of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This
darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces
normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect
the skin color of people of any race.
Erythema
Redness of the skin due to capillary dilation.
Exfoliation
Removal of various layers of the epidermis. Depth can range from the stratum
corneum to the basal cell layer. Any deeper penetration constitutes a
peel.
Keratinocytes
The principal cells of the epidermis. Keratinocytes form in the basal
layer and migrate upward to form the stratum corneum. They are eventually
shed through exfoliation in one skin cycle (approximately 6 weeks or one
skin cycle).
Melanin
The pigment present in skin that reduces the amount of ultraviolet light
that penetrates the skin. Increased amounts are formed during tanning.
Melanin determines skin color of racial groups.
Melanocytes
Cells in the basal layer of the epidermis that produce the pigment melanin
in their melanosomes.
Melasma
Melasma is a dark skin discoloration found on sun-exposed areas of the
face. Melasma is a very common skin disorder. Though it can affect anyone,
young women with brownish skin tones are at greatest risk. Melasma is
often associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It
is especially common in pregnant women, women who are taking oral contraceptives
("the pill"), and women taking hormone replacement therapy during
menopause. Sun exposure is also a strong risk factor for melasma. It is
particularly common in tropical climates.
Milia
Small, white cyst-like eruptions of the skin.
One skin cycle
One Keratinocyte Maturation Cycle - or about 6 weeks.
Papillary dermis
The part of the dermis that lies immediately below the epidermis. It has
vertically oriented connective tissue fibers and a rich supply of blood
vessels.
Pink sign (background)
The pink background to the frost present during the Blue Peel when TCA
has reached papillary dermis. It disappears when the TCA has reached the
IRD.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Hyperpigmentation or skin darkening that occurs with an inflammation-inducing
event such as a peel or laser resurfacing procedure.
Retin-A
Retin-A Gel, Cream and Liquid, containing tretinoin are used for the topical
treatment of acne vulgaris. Retin-A Gel contains tretinoin (retinoic acid,
vitamin A acid) in either of two strengths, 0.025% or 0.01% by weight
in a gel vehicle of butylated hydroxytoluene, hydroxypropyl cellulose
and alcohol (denatured with tert-butyl alcohol and brucine sulfate) 90%
w/w. Retin-A (tretinoin) Cream contains tretinoin in either of three strengths,
0.1%, 0.5%, or 0.025% by weight, in a hydrophilic cream vehicle of stearic
acid, isopropyl myristate, polyoxyl 40 stearate, stearyl alcohol, xanthan
gum, sorbic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, and purified water. Retin-A
Liquid contains tretinoin 0.05% by weight, polyethylene glycol 400, butylated
hydroxytoluene and alcohol (denatured with tert-butyl alcohol and brucine
sulfate) 55%. Chemically, tretinoin is all-trans-retinoic acid. Retin-A
is a registered trademark of Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition involving inflammation of the cheeks,
nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. It may appear as redness, prominent
spider-like blood vessels, swelling, or skin eruptions similar to acne.
Stratum corneum
A layer of dead but functionally important cells at the top part of the
epidermis. This layer acts as barrier between the body and the environment.
Telangiectasia
Dilated dermal blood vessels giving rise to a visible red legion on the
skin.
Tightening
Making skin tighter (less lax). Achieved by penetration to the papillary
dermis of the IRD.
Tretinoin
Topical tretinoin cream is a retinoid used to treat mild to moderate acne
and is the active ingredient in the prescription drugs Retin-A® and
Renova®. Although the exact of action is unknown, tretinoin appears
to affect skin cells by stimulating the cell turnover rate and cell division.
Shedding of skin cells then occurs in a more normal fashion, unplugging
blackheads and whiteheads (comedones), the initial changes in acne formation.
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