Obagi is Safe for Summer Use
Can I use the Obagi Nu Derm System (with tretinoin and hydroquinone) during the summer?
Absolutely! In fact, it is especially important to use your Nu Derm products during the summer when sun exposure is at its highest and skin’s susceptibility to sun damage is at its peak. If there was ever a time to correct and protect your skin with Nu Derm, SUMMER is that time!
One of the misconceptions regarding tretinoin is that it thins the skin and makes skin more susceptible to sun burn. Experts would disagree! Although this can appear true during your skin’s initial adjustment period (as skin can experience redness, sensitivity and irritation), with continued use of tretinoin, the epidermis is actually thickened and strengthened. While your skin is adjusting to your retinoic acid/tretinoin – as ALWAYS - it is important to use a SPF like one of your favorites from Obagi’s Sun Shield line that includes Sun Shield MATTE or Sun Shield TINT, available in Warm or Cool shades. With the proper protection, you can experience the benefits of great skin care, all year long.
What do the experts say?
Suzan Obagi, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery, Director, UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hears this question a lot:
“Many patients ask if they should take a break from using their skincare products during the summer months. This stems from concerns with sun exposure and increased outdoor activities. However, I have oftentimes found that patients that need the NuDerm product line most are those with pigmentation issues such as melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These are conditions that typically flare and worsen during hot, sunny weather. In order for patients to have adequate control over these conditions, I recommend that they continue to use their NuDerm products as instructed. This goes hand in hand with sun avoidance during the peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm, wearing a hat when outdoors, and reapplying their sunscreen after sweating, swimming, or every 2 hours while outdoors. Furthermore, while ultraviolet ray B (UVB, the burning ray) increases during the summer, UVA (the aging ray) remains constant all year. Therefore it is imperative to use a daily, broad-spectrum sunscreen such as Obagi Sun Shield, either tinted or untinted, daily. I recommend it even while driving or working under fluorescent lights, as these are sources of ultraviolet light exposure that most patients do not realize.”
Doris Day, MD, is also renowned for her expertise and is a leading expert on dermatology and aesthetic dermatology. Dr. Day is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and is a clinical associate professor of dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center where she was presented with the award for Dedication and Excellence in the Teaching of Dermatology. According to Dr. Day with regard to retinoid usage and sensitivity: "This is one of the biggest retinoid myths," says Doris Day, MD, (a tretinoin user herself). "The ingredient itself is sensitive to sunlight, which is why you should apply it before bed at night. A retinoid shouldn't make your skin any more vulnerable to UV rays than it would be after buffing away dead skin with a face scrub. Summer is actually a good time to start a retinoid: Humidity makes your skin less likely to dry out as it adjusts. Of course, apply sunscreen (SPF 30, at least) as diligently as you always do."
Stopping your Nu Derm products in the summer increases your chance of getting untreated photo damage - the very thing we are trying to avoid! During the summer months, it is important you continue use of your Nu Derm System of products keeping pigmentation in check (as well as improving texture, tone, and laxity issues.)
Confidently enjoy Nu Derm and wonderful skin all year long!
