Road to No Wrinkles

DAY1

My friends at Spa 7, that fabulous new med spa inside Burke Williams in West Hollywood (there is one at the Pasadena Burke Williams also) have sent me on the road to diminishing  wrinkles. Today I have begun my 8 week journey to new skin. Very Exciting.

I met with Bobby, the office manager and my consultant. He started off my program by handing me a giant white and powder blue box of goodies from Obagi Medical Products. The box top lifts up to reveal 6 beautifully packaged potions.  He carefully instructed me on how I am to apply each of the creams morning and night. There are various combination’s of one through six for day and night depending on your skin type. Then he handed me a tube of a power packed cream called Tretinoin.  When mixed with a dab of the contents from tube 5, aptly named blender, it is going to rid me of my old tired top layer of skin.  Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative. It works first by increasing the cell/skin turnover rate, and second, it boosts collagen synthesis.  They tell me it will diminish the fine wrinkles on my face and eliminate dispigmentation, or color differences in the skin. IE, all those freckles I earned as a teenager when I did nothing but tan. It was my “job” afterall! I didn’t look good unless I  had that sunkissed look and I spent hours laying by the pool. Now my face is paying for it.

Bobby, who is this beautiful young man at least half my age swears by the stuff! Lord  knows why he needs it..but I am not here to judge.  “First you are going to get all flaky and peel,  maybe a little red but then your new skin is going to look amazing!” he promised.

In two weeks there is a follow up appointment and a CO2 skin resurfacing treatment. I am committed.I firmly believe if there is a medical treatment or procedure that isn’t going to kill me but might absolutely help make me feel better about me. I’m there!

I will keep you posted.

Day 2 – btw. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Last night slathered on  my Tretinoin cocktail. My skin is definitely feeling delicate this morning, but no sign of peelage.

Day 5 – My skin is feeling a little dryer than usual…but no signs of peeling. I’m a resilient lizard.

Day 6 – I’m beginning to see signs of peeling around the edges. product #3 is pretty strong stuff.

Day 10 – At this age I never thought I would have pimples again in my life. But I do. More like red bumps than pussy pimples, but red spots nevertheless. They started appearing about three or four days ago. I called Vishi, the Obagi rep, to inquire. She not only answered all my bumpy questions, she is so knowledgeable about medical skin care, she is like a one woman Obaji cheerleader…I am excited about the prospect of my skin transformation because she is excited for me. I’ve never felt so good about skin care. What Vishi explained is that skin is three layers deep and in order to affect the most change, reach the freshest skin, will take three six week cycles. As each old layer is removed a new cleaner and collagen filled new one takes the top spot. The first cycle, which is where I am at the moment, is the harshest or most corrective, as she put it. Breakouts, blemishes, dryness and peeling is a result of the Obagi at work. It is getting rid of all the damaged old icky skin and replacing it with the healthy lower layer stuff. Vishi was so excited about the new skin that’s going to show up on my face I couldn’t help but get excited too. She said the product works from the inside out, it works it’s way deep into the skins recesses.  And my favorite quote, the one that made the most sense to me, “It’s like going on the best diet for your skin.”  Love that,  it totally makes sense.

Day 12 – I had lunch with my girlfriend today. She noticed my skin was glowing! Thanks Obagi..I’m seeing the blemishes but the world is seeing beauty. I am so excited.

Day 20 - Peeling and somewhat pimply..but I have definitely got a healthy rosy cheek AM glow. My skin is very sensitive to the touch.

Day 21 – IT’S AN OBAGI MIRACLE. I had a small raised brown spot on my face that developed over the last few years. It passed as a freckle event though it wasn’t. No matter what I put on my skin before the spot stuck. I am pretty sure short of going to the derm and having her burn it off with dry ice that brownie was sticking with me for the long haul. Well, it’s gone! The Obagi lifted it off!  I’ve got a little scab right now, well two actually, but they are healing. It is amazing!

Week 4 – So here I am at one month. I don’t think you can see the peelies in this picture, but they are there. My nose in particular. The brown sun spot on my left cheek is now just a tiny scab. My cheeks have taken on a ruddy complexion..I think I look a bit healthier.

Can I get props for posting a picture with no make-up!  I usually don’t even leave the house without it. In fact, sometimes I put make-up on and never leave my house! Vishi says that when I’m through my next two months of Obagi I’m truly not going to need make-up anymore. In other words make-up optional.  We’ll see.

Week 6 – I legitimately received a compliment on my skin today! My friend who has known me almost my entire life told me she can see the difference. WOW!!!!!!!! Obagi rocks.

Week 8. Can we see a difference? Here’s what I’m noticing. My skin is red and I’ve got a few red bumps, which I’m guessing are all the ugly impurities in the deep layers of my skin that are surfacing. But I am two-thirds of the way to perfection according to Vishi.

Check back in four weeks from now when I complete my Obagi treatment and see who’s skin is rockin a new look! Meanwhile, I  will continue to post uncomfortably naked face pix.

Week 12. Well I am finally at week 12. there should be a noticeable difference with my brand new layer of skin. I definitely can see a difference from day one to now. I have a much glossier glow. Rosier cheeks and smoother overall look.

what do you think??