The Obagi Nu-Derm Advanced Skin Care System is designed to restore health to aging and/or sun damaged skin 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 skin tones (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 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.
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. This process will last longer in some people and be less in others, however once you build up a tolerance to the products, these expected side effects will subside. Obagi Nu-Derm Action and Obagi Nu-Derm Tolereen can also be purchased separately to help control irritation, sensitivity and dryness.
It takes a few weeks to start seeing improvement. 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.
The Obagi Nu-Derm program is NOT for everyone. This is product is usually subscribed by plastic surgeons and dermatologist to treat pigmentary problems (dark spots and uneven skin tones), sun damage, large pores, poor elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles will benefit from the more advanced Obagi Nu-Derm Skin Care System. Because some of the products can cause sun sensitivity, sunscreen should be worn daily even if you are just riding in your car and sunblock and sunscreen should be used when you are out in the sun such as during gardening activities or at the beach. A hat should also be worn. Remember, the goal is to improve pigmentation issues (dark spots and irregular skin tone) and to help minimize the signs of aging that, most often, the sun has caused.
We have used Obagi in our plastic surgery center for as long as it has been on the market. After more than 35 years of seeking the best treatments for our patients, we have found it to be one of the most effective skin treatments available. We even recommend that all of our facial surgery patients pretreat with Obagi because used in conjunction with tretinoin*, it increases circulation to the skin. However, we recommend you discuss this with your doctor if you are planning to undergo and facial surgery or treatment including laser and light treatments. It may need to be discontinued prior to your scheduled procedure.
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.
*Tretinoin is not available for sale on this website.
