Products - OBAGI Medical
How Skin Ages
Let the transformation begin!
Obagi is one of the most recognized names globally in skin health care and the preferred choice of Physicians around the world for prescription-strength product lines that Transform skin.
Over the years, Obagi Medical Products has developed prescription-strength skin health systems focused on preventing and/or improving skin conditions including photodamage, hyperpigmentation (chloasma, melasma, and freckles), acne, vulgaris and rosacea. The Obagi Nu-Derm System consists of topical products, which when used as a system, result in substantial improvement to these skin related conditions.
Find out about Obagi System skin care products and how they Transform your skin at the cellular level to look and act younger and healthier >>
What's Happening to my Skin?
It's a common question from patients concerned about the unwanted - and often premature - signs of aging skin. As you know, there are multiple factors contributing to these signs. The following is a quick review.
It's About Cellular Turnover
Skin's top layers act as a protective barrier for the body, keeping harmful disease and pollutants out and essential body fluids in. At the deepest layer, new cells are formed that begin to migrate up toward the skin's surface. There, they are eventually exfoliated.
In young, healthy skin, this cellular turnover process takes about 40 days: 28 days to reach the surface and 12 days to slough off.
In young, healthy skin, new skin cells are well organized, uniform in size, shape, pigmentation and structure.
The Changing Functions of Aging Skin
Over time, skin accumulates damage from many sources - such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, trauma, pollution and more. The functions of young, healthy skin start to break down.
On the surface, aging skin becomes discolored, lax, wrinkled, dry and rough. Cell turnover slows, reducing the availability of essential nutrients. Moreover, instead of producing healthy new cells, skin functions now produce cells that are abnormal.
Below the surface, collagen and elastin production slows. Collagen becomes disorganized, less dense and coarser and loses its uniform construction. This, combined with degeneration of elastin in the dermis, causes skin to wrinkle and sag. Less blood flow and moisture result in the dull, lifeless skin patients complain about.
Correcting the Signs of Aging Skin
Fortunately, transforming aging skin function is possible. Obagi System has been proven to improve skin functions and transform skin so that it looks and acts younger and healthier.
Take the Sun Smart Quiz - What age is your skin?
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How Obagi Nu-Derm System Works
The Obagi Nu-Derm System, a physician-prescribed skin care system, accelerates the cellular turnover. This System penetrates deep to improve damage in layers of the skin. It boosts functions of the skin at the cellular level to improve skin's cellular function to help it look and act younger and healthier. The System triggers our Therapeutic Cascade™ of actions that:
Pushes fresher cells to the surface faster, for smoother skin, reduced wrinkles and increased tolerance
Reduces mottled pigmentation (freckles and age spots) and helps prevent the appearance of new pigmentation
Promotes more uniform cells at the deepest layer for better skin structure and balanced, more even skin tone
Helps increase collagen and elastin for firmer, more resilient looking skin
Increases nutrients natural hydration and circulation for supple, healthy-looking skin
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Obagi Nu-Derm System Before & After Photo
The Obagi Blue Peel is used in conjunction with the Obagi Nu-Derm System to enhance the effects of the peel and to sustain healthier, younger-looking skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I use all the products in the System?
A: Each Obagi System is specifically designed to work together as a System. When used as 
a System, the formulas work together to effectively balance the pH level and penetrate ingredients to the layers of the skin--revealing superior results. As always, please follow the individual protocol designed by your Physician or Skin Care Specialist.
Q: Why are the Obagi System products sold exclusively from physicians? Can the products be purchased on the internet?
A: Obagi System skin care products are prescription strength formulations regulated by the U.S. FDA and can only be sold with a prescription through a physician, such as a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon. Obagi System does not endorse purchasing prescription products from the internet without a written prescription. Click here for the Physician Locator.
Q: What is the difference between the Obagi System products and the products purchased from department stores, drug stores, infomercials, etc?
A: Obagi System skin care products are prescription strength, or pharmaceutical quality products that work at the cellular level to improve the skin cell function. Products purchased from a retail store are Cosmeceutical products. When applied, they do not correct skin cells, instead they “mask” the damaged skin only on the surface of the skin for a temporary period.
Q: How often should I contact my Physician/Skin Care Specialist?
A: It is important to contact your Physician or Skin Care Specialist as directed by them, usually once a week for the first three weeks or anytime you have a concern which was previously not discussed as a normal part of your Transformation. Be prepared to inform your Physician or Skin Care Specialist about your progress.
Q: Can the products be applied around the eyes, neck and chest?
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A: With the exception of the Obagi Nu-Derm System Eye Cream and C effectives 5%, you should avoid using products around the eye area, as that skin area is thin and delicate. The products can be used on the neck and chest, however, the skin on the neck and chest is different than that of the face. Thus, you should consult with your Physician or Skin Care Specialist on dosage and frequency. |
Q: Can the products be used during pregnancy?
A: The non-prescription products are safe to use during pregnancy and nursing. The prescription products which contain Hydroquinone and Tretinoin are rated Category “C” for women who are pregnant or nursing, and should not be used.
Q: Can the products be used if in the sun (i.e. at sporting events or at the beach)?
A: Keeping in mind that extended sun exposure damages the skin, it is suggested to avoid prolonged sun exposure without protection. Always wear a sunscreen like the Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35, Obagi-C Rx SunGuard SPF 30, or Obagi Nu-Derm Physical UV Block SPF 32. While on the system, you can participate in normal outdoor activity, however, your skin may be sensitive to the sun and heat. It is very important to apply sun protection every few hours while exposed to the sun.
Q: What happens if I stop using the products?
A: The skin is your largest living organ and is constantly in the process of renewal. Skin cells mature and migrate to the surface approximately every 28 to 40 days. The dead cells remain on the surface for another 12 days before sloughing off. When you stop using the products, you have interrupted the healthy cell renewel process. Eventually, the improved healthy cells will revert to where you started with abnormal skin cell function. You will begin to see diminishing results within weeks.
Q: What does the Obagi Nu-Derm System do for aging skin?
A: As skin ages, just like the body, it loses the ability to properly renew itself. The Obagi Nu-Derm System is a prescription strength skin care system that is physician monitored to accelerate skin cell turnover so that it looks and acts younger and healthier.
Q: How quickly will I see results when using the Obagi Nu-Derm System?
A: The prescribed protocol and frequency is determined by your individual skin condition. By carefully following your Physician or Skin Care Specialists customized protocol, you can expect visible improvements in 4-6 weeks.
Q: What can I expect while using the Obagi Nu-Derm System?
A: You may experience several phases of Transformation. In the first phase, “Out With The Old”, the System accelerates dead cell exfoliation, so expect flaking and peeling, revealing fresher, smoother skin. In the second phase, “In With The New”, your skin will begin to build tolerance to peeling and flaking. During that time the System is working at the cellular level to continually transform skin cells. In the third phase, “Healthy Glow”, histologically, collagen and elastin are increasing production and skin will feel supple and resilient. Uneven color and pigmentation begin to even out. In the fourth phase, “The New You”, you keep your skin looking and acting younger and healthier.
Q: Why is Vitamin C important?
A: Vitamin C belongs to an important group of antioxidants which fight the free radicals that age the skin. Studies have shown topical Vitamin C, in the most effective form (L-ascorbic acid), can help improve sun protection, repair sun damaged skin, reduce fine lines, stimulate collagen building and potentially reduce discoloration of the skin.
Q: How is the Obagi-C Rx System different from other Vitamin C products?
A: The Obagi-C Rx System is the first and only prescription-strength Vitamin C System of products in the U.S. Its patented formulation, using proven ingredients, provides a simple to use system for brighter, more radiant skin. While many Vitamin C products simply moisturize the skin's surface, the Obagi-C Rx System penetrates to all layers of the skin, effectively delivering more Vitamin C than other brands.
Q: Why are there two C-Exfoliating Day Lotions?
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A: There are two C-Exfoliating Day Lotion options. One has a sunscreen with SPF 12 and the other does not have a sunscreen. Some patients already use sunscreen, dislike the sunscreen smell or are prone to irritation or breakouts caused by sunscreens. Other patients need the extra sunscreen or want the added convenience of a sunscreen built into their lotion.
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Q: Why is the Obagi Nu-Derm System used in conjunction with the Obagi Blue Peel?
A: Those seeking skin resurfacing procedures (Blue Peel) usually have unhealthy skin. By improving important skin cell functions with the Obagi Nu-Derm System prior to the procedure, post-procedure care is enhanced and down time is reduced. Further, the post-procedure variables such as sensitivity, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, erythema and scarring are reduced. Early recovery of normal skin structure and function will ultimately boost satisfaction with the procedure.
Q: How long should the Obagi Nu-Derm System be used before getting a Blue Peel?
A: It varies based on the skin type, skin condition and depth of the Blue Peel. Usually, a minimum pre-conditioning program lasts 6 weeks. Skin with more pigment or hyperpigmentation requires 12-18 weeks.
Q: Why is the Blue Peel different than a TCA peel?
A: Because TCA is a clear aqueous solution, over painting and uneven penetration can easily occur leading to unsatisfactory results. The Blue Peel is a unique procedure enhancing control of the depth of TCA. The blue mixing base helps to ensure consistent results .
Q: What should be expected during recovery?
A: Depending on the depth level of the Blue Peel, healing time is between 3 and 10 days. After the procedure, you will experience light swelling and your skin will begin to peel within 2 to 3 days.
The Obagi System Products
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Obagi Nu-Derm System
accelerates cellular turnover for skin with moderate to severe sun damage. The Nu-Derm System is the physician-dispensed, prescription-strength skincare system that can actually transform your skin at the cellular level. By addressing the signs of photodamage and restoring the healthy function of your skin cells, this system is clinically proven to result in younger- and healthier-looking skin. |
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Obagi Condition & Enhance System
is the essential component to improving the overall results of your facial rejuvenation procedure. As the #1 prescription-strength, physician-dispensed skincare system, the Condition & Enhance System utilizes Penetrating Therapeutics™. This system is clinically proven to address age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (discoloration), erythema (redness) and future skin damage, while transforming the quality of your skin on a daily basis. |
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Obagi-C Rx System
is for brighter, Photolumines skin with mild to moderate sun damage.
One system that does it all for young skin. The Obagi-C® Rx System intervenes to correct the early signs of aging and environmental damage, while preventing future damage and protecting the beautiful young skin you already have.
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Obagi Blue Peel System
is a peel performed in your physician's office, used in conjunction with the Obagi Nu-Derm System.
Your skin professional will apply the Obagi Blue Peel based on your level of damage and your desired level of Transformation.
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Professional-C Serums
Obagi Professional-C Serums offer maximum daily antioxidant protection and greater penetration than other Vitamin C products. The greater the penetration, the greater the antioxidant benefit to your skin.
- Prevent premature signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles
- Protect against future damage
- Stimulate collagen production for firmer, more resilient skin
- Lighten and brighten skin for more even tone
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Obagi CLENZIderm M.D.
is a three-step acne therapeutic system including a liquefied form of benzol peroxide that is clinically proven to penetrate deeply and clear acne fast.
- Exclusive penetrating technology that delivers BPO to the root of acne
- Clinically significant lesion reduction in 2 weeks, compared to the leading topical prescription BPO/clindamycin combination
- Availability of two distinct, prescription-strength formulations for a broad range of skin types
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Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Treatment
works to reduce visible fine lines and wrinkles and bring back the SNAP.
ELASTIderm is a one of a kind topical eye treatment clinically proven to help restore elasticity to your patients’ periorbital skin and reduce visible fine lines and wrinkles.
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Obagi ELASTIderm Décolletage
Introducing the ELASTIderm™ Décolletage System — A one of a kind therapy that really works to restore healthy, young-looking skin on your delicate chest and neck.
The 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.
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Information Courtesy of Obagi Medical
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The Dr. Obagi philosophy
provides a total approach to treating
and reversing skin conditions, from the
most common to the most challenging, by
repairing and restoring healthy skin function.
Obagi treatment programs are widely praised all
over the world for their effectiveness, and can be
used on all skin types, regardless of age, condition,
or skin color.
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