June 9, 2011
 Hyperpigmentation is a dark spot or patch on the skin that is typically harmless. The discoloration that appears on the skin occurs when there is too much pigment on the skin. Hyperpigmentation of the skin is caused by overactive skin cells called melanocytes which stimulate the production of melanin. There are different types of hyperpigmentation disorders.
One of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation is exposure to the sun. Besides being at risk for sunburns, premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, and skin cancer, ultraviolet rays can significantly increase the likelihood of developing hyperpigmentation. To avoid overexposure, melanocytes are stimulated to produce additional melanin to absorb UVA/UVB rays when the sun impacts the skin. When our melanin increases, our skin begins to darken. Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanocytes overreact and too much melanin is released. Some people will experience small spots (freckles), while others will experience large spots (age spots) as a result of hyperpigmentation.
The best way to avoid hyperpigmentation issues is limit your exposure to the sun and to use a quality broad spectrum sun screen which contains SPF 15 or higher.
Hyperpigmentation can occur with any skin type. Obagi Nu-Derm Sunfader with SPF 15 protection works to lighten freckles, age, and liver spots on your skin. This powerful and effective formula will provide protection and healing and will inhibit pigment cell production. You can find the Nu-Derm Sunfader as well as many other useful Obagi Nu-Derm products available at Skin Gift.
June 2, 2011
 The warm spring and summer weather draws many people outdoors to enjoy the glorious sunshine. Exposure to the sun at times may seem to be harmless as it often gives many people a sun-kissed glow. The tanned appearance generated by the sun is often associated with being healthy, when it fact, the sun releases harmful UVA and UVB radiation onto the skin.
UVA radiation is a more constant source of exposure than UVB radiation, without the variations occurring during the day or throughout the year. UVB radiation affects the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin), and is the primary cause of sunburns.
Exposure to ultraviolet light will have damaging results to your skin. It is widely believed by skin care experts that having one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than double a person’s chance of developing skin cancer in adulthood. Exposure to UVA/UVB from sunlight accounts for 90% of wrinkles as well.
It is nearly impossible to avoid sunlight throughout your lifetime, so it’s imperative to protect your skin before you venture outdoors. Obagi’s Nu-Derm Sun Shield is a broad spectrum sunscreen. This sheer long lasting sunscreen has SPF 50 and is safe for all skin types. You can find this great sunscreen and other fine Obagi products available at Skin Gift.
March 24, 2010
 Over the years your skin has been exposed to many things that damage the health of your skin. Photo damage from the sun reaches into the deepest layers of your skin and is the cause of lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, pigmentation and unevenness of the skin. Obagi Medical developed a revolutionary skin care system that will actually transform your skin at the deepest cellular level.
Aging of the skin and exposure to the sun break down the collagen (youthful fullness) and elastin (tautness of young skin) causing sagging, lines, and wrinkles. In addition, UV rays cause pigmentation and reddening of the skin. The sloughing off of old, damaged cells and replacement with new healthy cells slows significantly.
Obagi Nu-Derm uses prescription strength ingredients to actually transform your skin. Obagi Nu-Derm exfoliates old, unhealthy skin cells and replaces them with new healthy ones. Twice daily use of the skin care system will result in visible improvement in four weeks.
Over the course of 12 weeks, the time it takes to replace old damaged skin cells with new ones, your skin will be transformed into clearer, smoother, firmer, more even, glowing skin. Now you can have the skin you’ve always dreamed of. Have you lost layers? Obagi Nu-Derm will return your lost glow.
February 15, 2010
 The F.D.A. doesn’t require expiration dates on skin care. However, manufacturers voluntarily decide shelf life of their products. This can vary widely depending on the product and its active ingredients. Generally 18 to 24 months is the average. Most manufacturers don’t label their products with an expiration date. The exception to this is sunscreen.
Sunscreen is labeled as expiring three years after the manufacture date. Most skin care professionals would recommend throwing out sunscreen after one season. It is not worth the risk of a bad burn to save old sunscreen. Vitamin C is another product that can turn quickly. Vitamin C serum should be a light, golden color. If your Vitamin C is a dark gold or brown color, it should be thrown away.
Expiration dates can be tricky. A product may last longer than the expiration date or it may lose effectiveness long before the date. The factors that influence shelf life include exposure to high temperatures, exposure to sunlight, handling of product, and how long the package has been opened.
If you’ve had a product for over two years or there is a change in color or odor, the best rule of thumb is to start fresh with a new bottle.
February 11, 2010
Hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin caused by an increase in melanin. Melanin is produced by melanocytes in the lower level of the epidermis. UV light is the main culprit of stimulating melanin production. Sun damage, acne breakouts, inflammation, pregnancy, and certain drugs and diseases can all cause hyperpigmentation. Pregnancy can cause melasma or “the mask of pregnancy”. Melasma is dark, brown patches, usually across the center of the face. The most effective treatments use targeted ingredients, IPL laser treatments, and glycolic peels.
Some of the effective ingredients for treating hyperpigmentation include Hydroquinone, Tretinoin or Retin A, kojic acids, alpha hydroxy acids, as well as licorice extracts.
However, Obagi Nu-Derm System is one of the most effective skin care lines for treating hyperpigmentation. The skin care set contains six products that work together to remove pigmentation in a matter of weeks. The Obagi Nu-Derm System penetrates deep into the dermal layer to regulate skin cell functions and actually corrects sun damage at the cellular level. Specific doses and frequency of application that are recommended by your skin care professional will remove visible darkening and will regulate the melanocytes so they don’t throw out more pigment.
There are four stages the skin goes through during its transformation. During the initial stage the skin will be red and flaky. As you move through the stages the skin will shed pigmentation as well as old skin cells leaving your skin even-toned, healthy, glowing and younger looking. Clinical studies have shown 2-3 times greater improvement with Obagi Nu-Derm than with hydroquinone alone.
You don’t need to hide your pigmentation behind layers of concealer and foundation anymore. Now you can have even, toned, glowing skin with the proper treatment.
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