The Obagi Nu-Derm Advanced Skin Care System is designed to restore health to sun and smoke damaged skin, as well as even out pigmentary problems involving the face and other areas of the body. The Obagi Nu-Derm system corrects surface discoloration and blemishes. It also penetrates into the skin to stimulate skin cell renewal, improve circulation and help rebuild collagen. The normal barrier function of the skin is restored, making the skin less sensitive and better able to hydrate properly.
Sun damaged skin often shows early wrinkling, areas of uneven pigmentation, and areas of scaling (actinic keratoses which are precursors of skin cancer). Hormonal changes from aging, contraceptives, and pregnancy can also cause brown spots. Many of these problems can be improved by using the Obagi Nu-Derm system.
The Obagi Nu-Derm System consists of a group of complementary products containing active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, hydroquinones and tretinoin. Alpha hydroxy acids (exfoliants) are incorporated into the Obagi Nu-Derm System (Exfoderm contains the gentler Phytic Acid for sensitive skin; Exfoderm Forte contains Glycolic Acid) to promote exfoliation (removal of the outer layer of dead cells) and better penetration of the products. This results in improved hydration of the skin, and more rapid turnover of cells resulting in rejuvenation of the skin. The hydroquinones (lightening creams) correct sun damage, brown spots, uneven pigmentation and will even out color tone. The tretinoin (anti-oxidant Vitamin A cream—brand name Retin-A cream) of the Obagi Nu-Derm System improves the deeper collagen layer, by restoring health and thickness to this layer. This results in smoother, firmer skin.
The Obagi Nu-Derm System is easy to use because the products are numbered 1-6 and an Obagi Nu-Derm "Personal Guide to Skin Health" (included with every Starter Kit) instructs which products are used in the AM and PM. The Obagi Nu-Derm Daily Regimen will also give you a step by step description and usage information.
All products are available individually on this website; but can also be purchased in one of two starter kits. The Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser Starter Kit contains all the products in the Obagi Nu-Derm System of Skin Health Restoration recommended for Normal to Dry, sensitive skin type. The Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Starter Kit contains all the products for Normal to Oily, less sensitive skin types. These Starter Kits contains enough products for a 6-week supply. If purchasing one of the Starter Kits, it is strongly recommended that you also purchase the Obagi Nu-Derm Eye Cream which is used to soothe and protect the sensitive eye area. Two additional products, Obagi Nu-Derm Action and Obagi Nu-Derm Tolereen, can also be purchased separately to help control irritation, sensitivity and dryness.
When you first get started on the Obagi System, we will prescribe tretinoin (Retin-A) to use along with this system. . Patients new to the program usually use tretinoin 0.025% daily or every 2-3 days to condition the skin. Patients who need a more aggressive program, and who can tolerate the higher concentrations of tretinoin use 0.05% or 0.1% daily. A cream base tretinoin is preferred over the gel form. The Obagi Nu-Derm Blender (available in the Starter Kit) is mixed with the tretinoin to stimulate collagen and elastin. This combination of products corrects fine lines and wrinkles, smooths and tightens skin, and improves the overall function of skin cells.
Please call our office at 1-813-414-0908, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, for more details about tretinoin and its use.
A skin cycle usually lasts about 6 weeks from the onset of new cells to the time dead cells are shed. During the first 6 weeks of the program, peeling, redness, dryness and irritation of the skin can be expected. At about 8 weeks, when your skin has built tolerance to the program, results will be visible. As restoration and rejuvenation continue to take place, the skin takes on a healthy glow, becomes softer and tighter, and maintains its natural hydration with less need for moisturizers. At the conclusion of the program (usually 3 skin cycles or 18 weeks), the skin can be expected to have more even pigmentation. A maintenance program is then started which is also described in the Obagi Nu-Derm Personal Guide to Skin Health.
People with pigmentary problems, sun damage, large pores, poor elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles will benefit from the more advanced Obagi Nu-Derm Skin Care System. The safety of the Obagi Nu-Derm Skin Care System has not been established for pregnancy or nursing mothers; therefore, should be avoided at these times.
When used for the indications as noted above, I have found the Obagi Nu-Derm System to be one of the most effective systems that I have used in the past 15 years of dealing with difficult skin problems including pigmentary disorders. Each product works in conjunction with the other products, enhancing the benefits of this excellent program.
As always, we are here to help you with any questions you may have about advanced skin care and the Obagi Nu-Derm System.
Advisory: The safety of topical hydroquinoine use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established. As a result, hydroquinoine products should not be used in pregnant women. It is also not known whether topical hydroquinoine is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Therefore, caution is advised when used by a nursing mother. Some people are sensitive to hydroquinoines. If in doubt, apply a small amount of bleaching cream or gel and check in 24 hours. Minor redness is acceptable, however, itching, blistering or excessive inflammation would be reasons to avoid the drug. If no lightening is noted after 2 months of treatment, the medication should be discontinued.
Obagi Nu-Derm versus Obagi-C Rx Systems
By Peter T. Pacik, MD, FACS
About the Obagi Nu-Derm Advanced Skin Care System
 The Obagi Nu-Derm Advanced Skin Care System is our gold standard physician strength advanced skin care system, not available over-the-counter or through spas. This is because some of the products are available through prescription only. The Obagi Nu-Derm System is designed to restore health to sun and smoke damaged skin, as well as even out pigmentary problems involving the face and other areas of the body. The Obagi Nu-Derm System corrects surface discoloration and blemishes. It also penetrates into the skin to stimulate skin cell renewal, improve circulation and help rebuild collagen. The normal barrier function of the skin is restored, making the skin less sensitive and better able to hydrate properly.
The Obagi Nu-Derm Starter Kit is easy to use because the products are numbered 1-6 and an Obagi Nu-Derm "Personal Guide to Skin Health" (included with every Starter Kit) instructs which products are used in the AM and PM. The Obagi Nu-Derm Daily Regimen will also give you a step by step description and usage information.
Even the most severe sun damage will respond to the Obagi Nu-Derm Skincare System.
 
Before (left photo): Diagnosis -- severe hyperpigmentation, melasma and acne. Hyperpigmentation may be hormonal. After (right photo): Obagi Nu-Derm System for 26 weeks. Excellent results after 4 skin cycles. Patient now on maintenance program. Melasma has completed disappeared. Patient very pleased with the results of the Obagi Nu-Derm Advanced Skincare System.
About the Obagi-C Rx Advanced Skin Care System
 Obagi-C Rx Complete System is the only Vitamin C System that combines a patented formula of 4% prescription strength hydroquinone and professional strength Vitamin C to deliver superior penetration to all levels of the skin. This system uses a combination of well-known ingredients such as Vitamins C and E, hydroquinones, hyaluronidase, glycolics and sunscreens to correct sun damage, stimulate collagen production, even out skin tone and give your skin a glowing quality. The Obagi-C Rx System will also smooth and hydrate your skin. The Obagi-C Rx System is a less aggressive system and has fewer steps than the Obagi Nu-Derm System.
The Obagi-C Rx Complete System of products have been extensively researched and developed to work in sequential order to deliver key ingredients to all layers of the skin. To achieve maximum results, we recommend that you follow the Obagi-C Rx Daily Regimen.
 
Before (left photo): Diagnosis -- early signs of sun damage and mild hyperpigmentation. After (right photo): Clearer skin, more even skin tones. Excellent results after only 10 weeks on the Obagi-C Rx System. Photographs courtesy of Obagi Medical Products, Inc.
A summary of some of the differences between Obagi-C Rx and Obagi Nu-Derm Advanced Skincare Systems
| Regimen Name |
Initial Skin Condition |
Program Goals |
Program Results |
| Obagi-C Rx |
| · |
Early photodamage (fine lines, hyper-pigmentation) |
| · |
Minimal wrinkles |
| · |
Lack of skin radiance | |
| · |
Achieve brighter skin |
| · |
Prevent future aging |
| · |
More effective skin care products |
| · |
A simple and easy to use skin care program | |
| · |
Brighter skin with measurable radiance |
| · |
More even skin tone |
| · |
Smoother, more hydrated skin | |
|
| Obagi Nu-Derm |
| · |
Mild to severe photodamage |
| · |
Hyperpigmentation (dark spots) |
| · |
Fine lines, wrinkles |
| · |
Laxity of skin (loss of firmness) |
| · |
Possible acne | |
| · |
Look younger |
| · |
Smoother skin |
| · |
Smaller pores |
| · |
Even skin tone and reduce sun spots | |
| · |
Increased cell turnover resulting in younger and healthier skin |
| · |
More even skin tone and reduced sun spots |
| · |
Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles |
| · |
Reduced acne (if originally present) | |
Contact Us With Your Questions
As always, we encourage you to call our office and speak to "Mo" Kolosky, our licensed Nurse, if you have any questions. "Mo" is happy to talk to you about your skin type and condition and make product recommendations based on your conversation. Our Obagi Nu-Derm, Obagi-C Rx Advanced Skin Care Programs are all excellent for skin rejuvenation. Mo can help you decide which skin care program would be best for you. She is available at 813-414-0908. | |
|