Hi All-
I've been using the Obagi regimen regularly since December, and I haven't peeled at all! I'm using .025 Retin-A with Blender at night, Exoderm Forte in the morning, and I'm using the Obagi sunscreen. I'm also using the Elastiderm cream morning and night. I stopped using the Clear after a week or so, because I noticed that it seemed to be "exploding" my olive-toned pigment into a million little dark spots--and we don't want that to happen! My skin looks brighter overall, but I see no real difference in terms of lines (I'm 52) or uneven pigmentation. Maybe it doesn't work on Italian skin?
Does anyone have any advice?

0.25 is a very low dose. Retin-A (tretinoin) goes up to 0.1%. I would have the retin-A dose increased first, and I would also add the Cellulex C-serum. I am not olive or dark skinned, but I am a "tough skinned" fair person, and I use the 20% C-Serum. C-Serum would be added to the morning regimen.

Hi Melasmagirl!
I just wanted to thank you for the tips--I upped my retinoid dosage to 1%, and now use the Vitamin C serum (but only 10%--I'm very cautious when I start anything, I guess!). I am peeling in sheets! And my skin underneath is looking great! Thanks again.

likely 0.25% is too weak for your skn thickness.

to note, if you are olily, or have acne, vitamin c is going to hurt not help much, especially for fine lines.

(also, obagi-c products have a better depth of penetration vs. other vit-c serums... food for thought). If you can't use vitamin-c, try to use another antioxidant though!

best, M

KadeeBell Would the Obagi C serum work as well as the Cellulex to help penetrate? I am on the Obagi system for about 2 weeks now and would like to start peeling a bit more.
Thanks
MK

NOt peeling is OK - not everyone peels. If you are using the products as recommended, you'll be getting the benefit. The vit-c either way won't increase peeling. But, as a note, the obagi pro-c is one of the best on the market for penetration.

Question for KalleBelleMD regarding peeling.Why do some not peel?
I also am not peeling, actually nothing seems to be happening except that my cheecks are red. I was considering upping the tretinoin to 1% from .05%.... or using it am and pm. I really want that beautiful luminiounessient's to shine through..

Be happy that you're not peeling. Your skin most likely peels off amounts of skin that are not visible to your eyes and those of others, which is great. Why would you want to have visible dry, peeling skin?

I had always been worried about my post acne spots...& definitely peeling doesn't helped me..