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Almost Melasma Free - Los Gatos, CA

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I never thought I could go without 4 layers of...

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MonicaR1967
WORTH IT$362
I never thought I could go without 4 layers of makeup out in public again. But I am starting week 5 and it is nearly completely gone. My doctor says it is a 3+ month process but I started seeing results the very firat week.
I am using the Obagi NuDerm line afree seeing my friends results and I couldn't be happier. I did a few twists of my own with the products and I think that is what sped up the process.
Whe washing Imy face I used a spin face brush to be able to fully exfulliate the layers of skin. I toned, then proceeded with the clear and exfoderm forte in the morn and the clear with blender / RetinA at night. I made sure I used vaseline to protectumy eyes, nose and lip areas.
Here are my results before and after. Can't wait until my journey is complete. Only downside is it can be quite painful. Burning and redness but all I wear is mascara, brow filk in and lipstick. Tell me what you think.

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Dr. Liu

MonicaR1967

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Replies (60)

December 17, 2013

OH MY GOODNESS- you look amazing.  Your results are stunning.  Is that your entire regimen?  Do you do anything else or use any other products?  I'd love it if you wrote a review update and listed anything and everything.  So many of our Community Members struggle with melasma and would love to hear every detail.  Thanks for sharing!

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December 17, 2013
Thank you Jill, I will be starting my 5th week or so I thought. My doc said to pull back and let me see what developes. My skin was starting to feel very thin, was very red amd getting irri. I have been mixing the hydrated moisturizer by Obagi and some vaseline. Still use sunscreen and try to avoid as much sun as possible. I yhink I will go a week to see how my skin looks and if any pigmentation returns. Then I will spot treat. I'm still peeling...so moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. And when you wash your face use a spin brush for at least a minute.
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December 17, 2013
***getting irritated
December 18, 2013

Keep us posted on what happens when you go the week.  The peeling has got to get annoying.

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November 10, 2014
Wow this is incredible! My package of Nucelle 15% mandelic acid just showed up. I'm excited to start using it. I'll try Obaji if I don't see results with this. You must be so happy!
March 9, 2015
Just. Bought Nucelle. How did it work for you ?
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April 10, 2015
hi! Ya I've been using for a couple months but it dries my skin out quite badly. Not sure it's fading any melasma either. They said wait 6 months for results so... I don't have oily skin anymore, and less acne so this is good. Still doing ultra perks every couple months as well.
March 4, 2015

Hi, i am 30 years old and i am suffering form malasma can you give all detail about this product name and brand and how can i use it please let me know. i am so worry about it. if possible please write me .. ***@gmail.com

March 12, 2015

hi, can you suggest me which NuDerm product i should use for black malasma on face because i finding many product of Nuderm so i am not able to identify which should purchase, and how will use this product. you can send me mail - *** really thank to you giving suggestion.

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March 16, 2015
Kamal your email isn't showing...I can send you what I did step by step I would be happy to do so. But your gmail account is showing as ***@gmail. You can text me with it if you wish. My cell is 408-504-5313. Believe me I know how horrible it is to live with melasma. ..I cried every day and didn't want to look in a mirror. But this worked for me. And I am so grateful my girlfriend told me about it. Hope to hear from you soon. Monica
March 20, 2015
Hi Monica! I am long time sufferer or Melasma and I too would like to know which product did you get as well, thank you so much in advance for sharing
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December 4, 2015
Hi Monica, I am another melasma sufferer. Going through very tough time since it spread on my upper lip now. I would really appreciate if you can tell me how you manage keeping your melasma at bay. how often you use obagi? what do you do for maintenance since you can't use clear/blender for over 3 months. please give full details on your skin care routine in the last 1 year or so. thanks
March 21, 2015
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August 3, 2016
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September 12, 2016

I've removed some comments sharing email. As per RealSelf's Community Guideline, please do not share your personal contact information in public threads. Thanks all! 

UPDATED FROM MonicaR1967
29 days post

more photos

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MonicaR1967

Replies (21)

December 19, 2013
Wow! That is awesome! The pattern of the melasma you had looks just like mine, but more spread. What I noticed is that you also had the same areas on either side of your nose that were not darkened. I have always wondered what is different about this area that it does not darken... perhaps a question a doctor can address. Congratulations on your success! I may indeed try Obagi Nuderm, as nothing else has helped and your melasma not only looks like mine, but we also look a bit alike!
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December 24, 2013
I hope it works for you too. I took a few days off, 4 to be exact because my skin dried out so much but had to go back because I started noticing a hint of color returning. Back to the old regimine. The doctor did say it was a 3-6 month process, I just thought I would be the lucky one who only needed a month. Its ok I can be patient...I just want beautiful skin again. Keep me posted on your progress. Monica
December 30, 2013
I too have melasma that is finally disappearing. All I did was get prescriptions for tretinoin, mometasone and hydroquinone. Put a dab of each equal parts on my palm and mix with my finger. I started seeing results in 2 weeks. These 3 ingredients is what they use in these more expensive treatments only difference is that they are already mixed...
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December 30, 2013
Did you peel a lot as well? My skin peeled layer after layer and was getting papaer thin. Not so much anymore and everything is gone except my forehead. Thq t is still patch but quite a bit lighter.
December 30, 2013
Before using these creams I used to get profession peels but they did nothing at all. My face is much clearer than 2 months ago with with these creams including my forehead. As skin is thicker on forehead it will take a bit longer there. These creams is what they use in more expensive treatments like Tri Luma etc. I prefer using these 3 instead as they are pure with nothing else added.
March 31, 2014
Hi - what does momentasone do? Is this a steroid?
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March 31, 2014
Im sorry...I didn't write that Yathome did. . You will have to ask her.
January 1, 2014
Nothing works for me
January 7, 2014
What is the Obagi NuDerm line "afree" line? Is it specific for melanoma? Thanks!!!
January 7, 2014
What is the "agree" line? What face brush do you use? You look great!
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January 7, 2014
Hi Mmblackmarr, Thank you. I am really happy so far. The Obagi NuDerm line doesn't burn as much now, my skin is ua e to it now. Everything is now clear except my forehead. That is still patchy but has lightened considerably. As for the brush, I'm use a spin brush from a previous clensing kit that I had. It looks a lot lime the one sold by Oyl of Olay. I don't understand your question about the "agree" line? I didn't write anything about an agree line.
UPDATED FROM MonicaR1967
4 months post

3 month update

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MonicaR1967
Well have been doing the Obagi Nu Derm now for just over 3 months and it is still going great. I've received several compliments on my skin and people can't believe I only use mascara and lipstick. No foundation (yeah) anymore.
I am using the products every other day now and have been for about 3 weeks with no dramatic changes, so that is wonderful. On the days I'm not using Obagi clear, exforte, blender and retinA I still use the wash, tone, Vaseline, and moisturizer. As well as my sunscreens yes both sunscreens. The Obagi and Neutragena SPF 55. It blends well with the Obagi. I took some update pics. If you have questions feel free to comment. Thanks I look forward to hearing from you.

Replies (33)

March 7, 2014
Thank you for the update. Your skin looks beautiful and appears to have a glow. So grateful for your posts.
April 19, 2014
Amazing transformation! Do you have to use these products for the rest of your life?
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April 24, 2014
Yes, probably. Melasma never goes away just able to maintain. I am down to 2-3 times a week. And I always, always wear a hat.
April 27, 2014
Hello Is this the product that you used? Obagi Nu-Derm Starter Set (Normal to Dry) includes full size packs of the Nu-Derm System Thank you
April 27, 2014
I just got mine in the mail today! So excited to try it! Im only 24 and only have freckles here and there but i dont want it to get worse and plus i also have sun damage. I want to fix it before it all gets worse and harder to treat. I hope this works! :)
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April 27, 2014
if you want to know how much of the product and when I put them on just give me a call and I'd be happy to let you know. 408-504-5313. Monica
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May 11, 2014
Yes it is...the foaming wash and toner are 6.7 oz. And the other bottles are 2 oz each. If you need to know how much and in what order to apply call me. 408-504-5313. I'd be happy to help. Monica
May 11, 2014
Amazing!!!! I'm on week 3 and I'm already seeing drastic results myself. You skin looks great. My 6 year old son is sitting beside me and he seen your before photo and asked if that was me. So we have almost the same exact skin but I have some pretty severe acne scarring which I'm noticing a difference with already also. Anyway, if I look half as good as you in 3 months I will be a happy camper...
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May 11, 2014
I am so happy for you im sure you will be satisfied with the end result. Make sure to ALWAYS wear sunscreens and a big hat even in overcast weather. Happy Mother's day. Id love to see some pics later. Ok?
May 12, 2014
Hey dear Kimmeroo and Monica! Your results are awesome! I do also suffer from melasma on my forehead, cheeks and upper lip! I'm so desperate! My Wedding is in 3 month! Would you recommend me starting with the obagi new derm line? Did you also do the obagi Blue Peel First or are you only using the products of obagi New derm? Lovely greets And thank you so much for any answer!
May 12, 2014
Hey dear Kimmeroo and Monica! Your results are awesome! I do also suffer from melasma on my forehead, cheeks and upper lip! I'm so desperate! My Wedding is in 3 month! Would you recommend me starting with the obagi new derm line? Did you also do the obagi Blue Peel First or are you only using the products of obagi New derm? Lovely greets And thank you so much for any answer!
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May 12, 2014
Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. I wouldn't recommend any peels. People that suffer with melasma tend to make the problem worse with peels. Reason being that the area that is not effected clears even more and makes the melasma area stand out more. The nuderm job is to even out the tone. Call me if you want me to go over the amounts of the products for day and night application. Id be more than happy to help you. I am so happy with my results. I spent the weekend back home in L.A. this mother's day and ran into friends from way back. They said I hadn't aged. What was my secret. If they only knew what I had been through just last year. They couldn't see anysigns of my melasma. Super nappy. :-D
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May 12, 2014
Sorry I forgot to leave my cell. 408-504-5313. Monica
May 12, 2014
Hey Monica! Thanks for your answer- is it possible to write me the products because I'm from Europe... And do you know where i can buy these products? Have you ever tried products of dermaceuticals? Sorry that I do have so many questions...
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May 27, 2014
Sorry Sunsarah, I just realized I didn't answer your last post. I use the Obagi Nuderm line. I use the full line as I believe it all makes a difference. First the foaming gel, then toner. Make sure you Let each layer dry thoroughly from toner through last product. Then in the morning you apply the 3rd step...Obagi Clear, then Obagi's Exforte. Then Sunscreen..lots of sunscreen throughout the day. at night it begins again. Wash, tone and clear. Then a blend of the Obagi Blend mix with the RetinA otherwise known as tretinoin. You need a prescription for the RetinA. I use the .05 strength. Best of lunch on your wedding.
June 26, 2014
Dear please help me i have melasma in my both checks i am in UAE HOW can i get this cream here in uae?
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June 26, 2014
You can purchase the line on EBay. You will have to ask a doctor for the RetinA / Tretinoin. Prescription strength .05% is what I use. Wow you are in the U Arab Emeritus? Talk about hot weather. Very hard to get melasma under control in that heat. Good luck with your treatment. I completely understand your frustration.
January 18, 2018
your kind recommendations are priceless. Thank you so much. I really want to implement your routine exactly.
June 19, 2014
Can you tell me how your meals,a is doing now? Also do you know if yours was dermal or epidermal? Did yours spread over time or happen at once? Th ask so much!
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June 22, 2014
Peanut5, I would have to say both since I still have some melasma tone in mynskin. It is faint but I still notice it. It began dark and dirty, resembling a 5 o'clock shadow in some places. I originally had only one spot 24 years ago giving birth to my daughter. Small patch on my left cheekbone. Couple years ago my doctor put me on birth control pills to Aleve my migraine and it happened. It came on so fast and noticed if I was anywhere near the sun it just gi t worse. So I guess youcan say I have both. I do sstrongly recommend NOT doing any laser treatment. The heat associated with the laser seems to make it worse. From people who have the melasma deep down. But that is where melasma is deep down below the surface. What is just in the uppermost layer is sun damage
June 23, 2014
Thanks so much for the reply!!!! I'm struggling with trying to figure out what to do with this…so did you just use the obaji nuderm line and that took care of most of your melasma? Can you go outside still and enjoy doing things outdoors? I have two younger kids who look forward to summer and camping, swimming etc….I just want this gone :-( Thanks for any tips…I appreciate them more than you know…just wanted a "normal" summer so bad this year…a year and a half battle of a rare bone disease with my now 10 year old son has been very stressful to say the least. Thanks again!! Oh, are you on Facebook at all? :-)
June 23, 2014
@peanut6 her results do look amazing. I bought this system too. 300$ later, it was okay. Not a miracle worker though. I would reccommend you see a dermatologist. They can prescribe you things that are muuuch cheaper, and that do the exact same thing. Save yourself the money. I wish i had. I have an appointment w a dermatologist next month :) you should try that first :) hope this helped :)
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June 23, 2014
Brooke, I am sorry to say the sun is no longer my friend. I so miss looking up at the sun and feeling the warmth on my face. I still go out but always have plenty of sunscreen and a big hat. I must have 50+ hats now. I use the NuDerm line and you need to get a prescription for a .05% strength of RetinA. My whole regime was in my email. Im sorry to hear about your little boy. I hope everything works out for him and you.
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June 23, 2014
Peanut you didn't see any results? Did you use the products in conjunction with the RetinA? I would be interested how you used the Obagi line if you wouldn't mind.? Thank you
June 23, 2014
Thanks guys!! I use the obagi blender and trenoitin .05% at night. It hasn't made me peel or anything? I typically use a Mary Kay revitalizing mask a couple times a week but don't know if this would make the melasma worse? The derm also had me see one of their estheticians who want me to use skinceuticals CE Phloretin serum I believe it is called. I am having a hard time finding a good physical sunscreen for my face…they are having me try skinceuticals 50 physical but it makes my nose and around my mouth dry, which is weird because I am acne prone, very oily in my t zone but dry on my cheeks…so hard to find a even ground lol…I wish I knew what caused this so I could try and fix that…it isn't sun damage because I have always taken care of my skin and used good products…very frustrating. My son is doing great now, even back to hockey (which is scary lol) but we want to go outside and play and do things and I'm freaked to…I don't want this to spread over my whole face…the derm said she does't think it will but how would she know. She has a spot that comes out every year on the side of her face, she says it gets darker by August and then is gone for winter…I looked and couldn't even see a spot on her…she said it would for sure be out by August and that she was bad about using sunscreen sometimes herself (weird) and that she used a neutrogena 70 but when I went to get that, it was chemical based and she had just told me that physical was better so confused why she does't wear physical since she has a spot of melasma. She said hers never spreads either just gets darker towards end of summer….could I get that lucky? She also uses a bb creme but when I went to look at that it had chemical sunscreen in it too…frustrating.
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June 23, 2014
@peanut... you just use the blender and RetinA mix? What about the wash, toner, clear and exfoderm forte for morning and night time wash, tone, clear plus blend and RetinA? . It all works together in a sequence. If you just do a part you won't see results. One chemical sets off the next and so on. If you miss a step in baking a cake your end result doesn't come right. It is the same with treating the melanoma...no shortcuts. As a reminder...your skin will dry out at first, get very red, peel and be in pain but that shows it is working. It is peeling layer after layer to get to the new skin below. I will send you a link of people who have used the fill line and their results. You can see them on you tube.
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June 23, 2014
***melasma...my auto correct is really irritating me.
June 24, 2014
Thanks M that would be awesome! Do you use the whole line just on the forehead if that is the inky place I have it? The derm said just the trenoitin and hydroquinine (oabagi nuderm?)