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.

• Obagi Nu-Derm System accelerates cellular turnover for skin with moderate to severe sun damage.
• Obagi-C Rx System is for brighter, Photolumines skin with mild to moderate sun damage.
• Professional-C Serums are potent vitamin C serums for maximum daily antioxidant protection.
• Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. is a three-step acne therapeutic system. It is formulated with proven acne-fighting ingredients, including a breakthrough, liquefied form of benzoyl peroxide that is clinically proven to penetrate pores deeply and clear acne quickly.

Common Questions about the OBAGI System

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: 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?

A: With the exception of the Obagi Nu-Derm System Eye Cream and Cffectives 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, Photolumines 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: Can Tretinoin be prescribed along with the Obagi-C Rx System?

A: The Obagi-C Rx System is specifically designed to work together as a System to deliver a radiant, Photolumines glow to your skin. Adding Tretinoin or other products is not recommended, but it is important to discuss your individual skin care needs with your Physician and Skin Care Specialist.

Q: Why are there two C-Exfoliating Day Lotions?

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.