Dr. Lorrie Klein’s Blog

In response to numerous comments and questions about Vivite Vibrance, this week’s product of the week is an Obagi product that works very well with Vivite Vibrance, Obagi C-Clarifying Serum.  Obagi C-Clarifying Serum contains Vitamin C plus 4% hydroquinone, the highest prescription strength of hydroquinone commercially available.  As mentioned in previous blog entries, I prefer to mix a hydroquinone-containing product with Vivite Vibrance for optimal lightening of brown spots.  My personal “recipe” is to mix a dropper full of Obagi C-Clarifying Serum with 1-2 pumps of Vivite Vibrance in my palm then apply it to my face, neck, hands or wherever I want to lighten my skin, twice daily.  This mixture seems to work better than either product alone.

Vivite Vibrance is available without a prescription but only through physicians.  We have it at both of our spas, my office and on our website for purchase.  Obagi C-Clarifying Serum is not sold through our website as it is prescription strength and therefore illegal to sell via the internet without a prescription.  It is available at my office for sale however.  You can also call us at 949-363-1788 for other purchasing options.

Purchase both of these products through my office and save $20 through 10/31/08.  Call us at 949-363-1788 or stop by and mention this blog special.

These are tough economic times.  But we still want to feel good about ourselves and to look our best.  While many of my patients can still afford to do whatever they want to do for themselves, I have many patients who would love to do more for themselves than they can currently afford.  Luckily there are still many great cosmetic procedures you can do as a second choice treatment.  You can always put the first choice, best treatment on your “wish list” for the future.

Here are some common cosmetic treatments and their less expensive alternatives:

Instead of a:

Nose Job - get a filler nose job with Radiesse or Artefill (it takes just 10 minute and looks good immediately)

Face Lift - get a Liquid Face Lift or Fraxel CO2 re:pair laser treatment

Botox Crow’s Feet or Frown Lines - just get a Botox Brow Lift

Photo-Facial (IPL) for texture and brown spots- get a series of medical microdermabrasions

Microdermabrasion- get a series of light glycolic peels

Light Peels - use physician-strength skin care products

Vivite Complete Skin Care System - use Vivite Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30

Obagi Nu-derm System- use Vivite Vibrance with Obagi C-clarifying serum

Fraxel CO2 re:pair Laser - get a series of Fraxel re:store laser treatments

Fraxel re:store Laser - get a series of Photo-Facials (IPL) 

Juvederm lip plumping - get a half size syringe and just outline and define your lips 

Juvederm/Radiesse/Artefill treatment for wrinkles - get a smaller size syringe and treat the most important areas 

Laser Hair Removal on legs - just laser your underarms or bikini areas for now

Eyelashes Extensions - use Lumigan at home (it’s also better than extensions since it grows your own eyelashes)

Any comments from my readers and patients?

This week my favorite product is Obagi’s Elastiderm Decolletege System.  ELASTIderm Décolletage System consists of 2 patent-pending technologies that use Penetrating Therapeutics™ and are clinically proven to work. Used together, this clinically proven therapeutic system diminishes the signs of aging, helping to restore elasticity and contribute to more flawless, youthful-looking skin on your décolletage in as little as 4 weeks.  It also helps lighten brown spots.

The Skin Lightening Complex - Formulated with 4%, hydroquinone, a treatment well known for reducing hyperpigmentation (discoloration) and age spots on the skin

The Wrinkle Reducing Lotion - Formulated with ELASTIderm’s Restorative Elasticity Complex.  Contains a unique bi-mineral complex to help replenish elasticity and build collagen for increased skin strength and resilience.  Includes malonic acid to help stimulate the production of healthy skin cells

Special this week: today through October 19: purchase this kit online or from my office and receive $20 off, use coupon code obagiD online when checking out or mention this Obagi ELASTIderm Décolletage System blog special at my office.

Allergan’s Vivite line just came out with a great new product: Vibrance.  This is a product which lightens discolorations and pigmentation on the skin, including melasma and sun spots, without hydroquinone.  I like hydroquinone but not everyone can use it, plus it’s great to use with a hydroquinone product, such as Obagi Nu-Derm Clear. Since the best hydroquinone products like Nu-Derm Clear are by prescription only or sold only through physician offices, we sell those in my office but not on-line.  However, Vibrance is available both on-line, in my spas and in my office.  It’s a great product, I use it myself along with Obagi.  We are offering a special through 9/30/08 on this product.  Just mention this blog special at any of our locations and receive $20 off.

See my skin care tip of the week here.