Can you safely use tretinoin and hydroquinone during the summer?
Many patients at Neu Look Medical Spa are hooked on using the Nu- Derm skincare system by OBAGI Medical. A common question that arises as summer approaches is, “Can I safely use tretinoin and hydroquinone during the summer?” and the answer is yes! That not only applies to using the Nu- Derm system, but all other medical grade tretinoin and hydroquinone as well.
Obagi Nu-Derm Backed By Science
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 states: “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 Nu-Derm 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 Nu-Derm 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.”
Helene Geigelman ,CHC, from Rizzier Medical Spa joins into the conversation adding, “In addition to using a sunscreen, incorporate a topical antioxidant into your morning skin care routine. Antioxidants help in the fight against free radical and sun damage. They help stabilize collagen, which helps reduce the aging effects the sun inflicts on our skin. Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid is believed by many experts to be the most stable and effective in protecting skin. Obagi Medical offers a full portfolio of vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) products: Pro C formulas 10%, 15% and 20% as well as Pro C Peptide Serum, C Exfoliating Day Lotion and Pro C Suncare SPF 30, all of which contain vitamin C. Apply a few drops, first thing in the morning, after cleansing and toning.”
Stick To a Prescribed Skincare System
In conclusion, not using your Nu- Derm system may indeed leave you vulnerable to get additional photo damage that will need to be treated as well. The best way to take care of your skin and complexion all-year-round would be to stick to your prescribed medical grade skincare system that is recommended by your personal medical facility or medical spa, such as Neu Look. You want to protect your texture, complexion and all of the other important skin concerns as well – not just worry about hyperpigmentation.
Contact Neu Look Med Spa & Skin Center in San Diego Today
If you have any questions regarding finding a skincare system or OBAGI Nu- Derm, call 858-538-5665 to speak with any of our educators at Neu Look Medical Spa.
Edited by Gita Izadi, Nurse Practitioner