Obagi is a skin care company founded by Beverly Hills-based dermatologist, Dr. Zein Obagi, that produces several different lines of prescription and non-prescription products. Dr. Obagi's skin care philosophy stresses maintenance and prevention for overall skin health, and in order to get the best results, patients must use the products on a regular basis. Although some components of Obagi's treatment regimens can be purchased from any retailer, certain products require a physician's consult and prescription.
Obagi C-System
Obagi C System is a line of prescription skin care products that are designed as early intervention to correct minor pigmentation problems in young patients who have mild to moderate sun damage. Products may be purchased singly or as a system and include: clarifying serum with hydroquinine, cleansing gel, exfoliating day lotion, sunguard moisturizer and sunblock, and night cream. While a prescription is required for both the clarifying serum and night cream, the rest of the products can be purchased over the counter. The active ingredients in the Obagi C products even out skin pigmentation and improve clarity. Dermatologist, Dr. Craig Keffert notes that Obagi C products are "a preventative therapy aimed at maintaining and enhancing skin appearance without the potential for irritation inherent in the more aggressive...systems."
Nu-Derm
Nu-Derm is a line of skin care products that sold through medical spas and doctors' offices, and are designed to increase skin turnover and improve tone and clarity. The basic Nu-Derm system is meant to be used as a complete skin care regimen and includes cleanser, toner, clear---a skin-evening product, whose active ingredient is hydroqunine, an exfoliator, sunblock and prescription-strength tretinoin treatment. Nu-Derm is recommended for patients who wish to correct skin pigmentation problems, fine lines, skin clarity and blemishes, acne and photodamage. The packaging for each product indicates the order in which to use it, and the time of day, making the regimen simple to follow.
Rosaclear
The Rosaclear system is designed to treat rosacea and consists of a cleanser, hydrator and prescription-strength anti-inflammatory, metronidazole. The Obagi skin care website states that Rosaclear "helps to prevent the progression of the disease, reduce or prevent pustules and pimples, and reduce redness and does not have the skin-rejuvenating benefits of its other products."
CLENZIderm
CLENZIderm is Obagi's line of skin care products for treating acne and can be used on the face, chest and back. The three products in the CLENZIderm system are a cleanser, pore therapy cream and serum treatment gel. The pore therapy cream removes dead skin cells to help unclog pores and promote an overall improvement in skin texture and clarity. The treatment gel contains the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide, which attacks acne-causing bacteria. The Obagi website notes that users should expect redness, dryness and irritation in the beginning stages of treatment, and that improvement will be evident in three to six weeks of consistent use.
Additional Products
Obagi also carries several other treatments that can be used individually or as an adjunct to the other treatment regimens. The Obagi Blue Peel is a popular prescription face peel that is offered by medical professionals. It removes one or more layers of dead skin to decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes. Other products include the new non-prescription skin care line, ZO Skin Health, Elastiderm to tighten the skin around the eyes and additional eye care and sunblock formulations.
Considerations
Although Obagi products, particularly the NuDerm line, receives excellent reviews from dermatologists and patients alike, these products are not the best choice for everyone. First, those with highly sensitive skin may find the products irritating, particularly in the beginning stages of treatment. All patients, even those without excessive sensitivity, should expect some peeling, redness and itching for the first few weeks of use. Additionally, using an Obagi regimen such as NuDerm requires a commitment of time and must be used consistently to achieve optimum results. The cost of treatment with Obagi varies, dependent upon the product line and where it is purchased.
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