My View On Obagi Clear

I've been hesistant to make a blog post about Obagi Clear, since I know my take on it may not sit well with people who use it, or have used it and gotten positive results. However, I've recieved a couple of e-mails asking for my opinion on it, and I decided to just post this.

This blog is all about helping people build a skin lightening regimen that is healthy, safe and effective. I do not recommend products that have hydroquinone, mequinol or monobenzone. Those three cytotoxic ingredients are not something I endorse for skin lightening. I am not naive, and I understand that in some cases, doctors and dermatologists prescribe hydroquinone products to patients, but never are they directed to use it as an all over skin lightener (on healthy normal skin cells. People with vitiligo, it is another case).

I'm not going to go on a hydroquinone rant, because I go on enough of those over at The Bright Skin Forum. Most people know the dangers and risks of long-term and even short-term hydroquinone use. It's long term use has not been verified as either healthy or incredibly dangerous, but the studies I have read, and just the chemical composition of the substance is enough for me to completley not use it, and never suggest it to anyone.

Obagi Clear (for those who do not know) is a 4% hydroquinone solution that is desgined to clear up all forms of hyperpigmentation, acne marks, freckles and melasma. It comes in a set called the 'Obagi System'. The Obagi Clear is the star product, and is the only product that should be purchased in the kit, since the others are expensive and not worth it.

According to Obagi (and dermatologists, and me LOL) it's best to use it with a Rx retinoid like Retin-A. Retinoids and hydroquinone are a powerful synergy. Together they rapidly replace old dark, damaged cells with lighter, less melanin-filled skin cells free of the 'damaged-DNA' code. Obagi Clear is best to be used at night, since it is applied with a retinoid.

That is some basic information about Obagi. My view on this whole thing is this: I do not recommend Obagi Clear. I like to think prevention is the best medicine, and healthy products are the way to go. Using Obagi Clear means you are exposing your skin to a cytotoxic substance that is not to be taken lightly. Many people who are using it don't know that beyond 6 months of use, they are putting themselves at risk since studies show HQ use has 'unknown effects' on the body after that point.

Also because getting rid of hyperpigmentation takes a long time, it is most likely it will take more than 6 months to get full results, which means people will have no choice but to continue using it for long periods of time. I don't approve of that at all.

There are so many alternatives to hydroquinone use now. Using hydroquinone was a skin lightening method from years ago. Now, it's been proven that plant botanical lighteners, topical antioxidants (copper peptides, Vitamin C), peels (AHAs) all have the ability to equate to the level of results that hydroquinone produces. The process may not be as rapid, but at least you know your skin isn't being damaged and in fact your skin is only getting healthier.

Now, I've read reviews/stories on Obagi Clear where people are raving about how it lightened 85% of their hyperpigmentation in 2 weeks. That is great. I mean, like I stated earlier, I know and understand the effects of retinoids + hydroquinone together, it's very powerful. But having said that, like everything else in skin care and in life, that is something someone else has experienced. Just because someone saw their skin lighten drastically in a short period of time, doesn't mean it will happen to you. Also in that short period of time, your skin was absorbing a substance that has been linked to cancer, damages collagen fibres, and makes skin incredibly sun sensitive. Especially when coupled with a retinoid (which makes skin sun sensitive as is). I also find it funny that in despite of articles and studies showing that hydroquinone should ONLY be used on localized regions (like spots, melasma patches) Obagi has directions stating to use as an all over face treatment. Hmmm...

If you are interested in using hydroquinone, and using Obagi Clear - I cannot stop you, but please read some of my previous posts on my blog. I try to blog about several effective products that are great at lightening skin, acne marks, freckles, discolortation, everything. They may not bleach out your dark spots in 2 weeks, but they are products that can be used for life and will benefit the look and feel of your skin. You will get lighter with the products that I suggest on my blog, I can assure that.

If you've read the products that I recommend and review on my blog and still are compelled to try Obagi Clear, all I can tell you is this: use with a retinoid at night, wear HIGH PPD sunscreen during the day (check out my posts on PPD, and sunscreen use) and never use more than 6 months, and do not use it all over your face. Just on targeted areas that need treatment.

Mileena
=)