Obagi-guide

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Obagi Guide

Obagi Medical is one of the most known medical skincare brands in the world. Founded by Dr Zein Obagi in the 1980s, the range is built around a small number of scientifically-backed actives. These are delivered through structured multi-product systems. In the UK, the brand is available through aesthetic clinics, pharmacies and authorised online sellers depending on the product.


We used to provide Obagi through our old physical clinic. Whilst this remains one of the most premium brands, we’ve since moved to offering instead to give our patients better targeting at a lower cost. However, Obagi remains a legitimate and option for many people. This guide explains how each of the main Obagi systems works, what’s in them, who they suit and alternatives. Please note, we no longer use Obagi products. We’ve kept this guide updated as we believe the public deserve clear, evidence based information about all of their options.

What is Obagi Skincare?

Obagi is a collection of (multi-product routines) each designed around a skin concern. They also provide a number of standalone supporting products that you can use alongside these systems or your own skincare routine. The brand’s reputation rests on three things. These are the use of prescription-strength actives like and in some systems, the step-by-step protocol the patient follows and professional supervision. Broadly speaking, the Obagi range breaks down into three multi-product systems and a set of separate products. The three Obagi systems are:


Whilst you can buy individual products from each system on their own, the recommendation from Obagi is to use the whole kit. Obagi also produce a range of that you can use on their own or layer alongside the main systems. The most popular examples of these are:


Beyond the main systems and standalone products, Obagi also have a number of newer launches and clinic only treatments that round out the range. These include the recently launched , the , the premium sub-range, the for hair density, a dedicated and a . For in-clinic use, Obagi offer the , a based on lactic, salicylic and glycolic acids. They also offer the facial treatment which combines exfoliation, extraction and infusion of Obagi serums.


Across all of these, the common thread is that Obagi delivers familiar dermatology actives through standard formulas and protocols. What differs is the active ingredient, the structure of the protocol and whether the product is for at home use as part of a system, on its own or as an in-clinic treatment.

Obagi Nu-Derm System

The Obagi Nu-Derm System is their most famous range and probably what most people mean when they refer to "Obagi". It targets , , age spots, dullness, redness and the early signs of . Nu-Derm comes in two versions in the UK:


Both systems can be used to treat the same concerns and the kits contain seven products. The Rx version is more potent and tends to be used for moderate to severe hyperpigmentation and . Initial results may be visible from 6 to 8 weeks. The Fx version is gentler and better for sensitive skin, but typically takes 16 to 24 weeks to deliver noticeable .


The full Nu-Derm protocol involves seven products twice daily over 12 to 24 weeks. The exact formula varies depending on whether your skin type is normal/dry or normal/oily, but the core routine typically includes:


Patients are also typically also started on a separate retinoid (either or ) by their clinician to layer alongside Blender or Blend Fx in the evening routine. The is not part of the Nu-Derm kit so you have to buy it separately.


In practice, Nu-Derm works because of three things happening at once. The retinoid speeds up skin cell turnover and increases collagen production. or arbutin suppresses melanin production through inhibition of the enzyme that makes it. The exfoliants speed up the resurfacing process. As such, Nu-Derm is best for:


That said, Nu-Derm has some real limitations. The protocol is complex (seven products as well as a retinoid applied in a specific sequence twice daily). The hydroquinone strength is fixed at 4% in the Rx version regardless of your skin type, tolerance or response. The combined cost of all the full sized products plus the retinoid is typically £ for the initial course, with maintenance products needed afterwards. As the formulas are fixed, there is little flexibility to adjust the routine mid-course to accommodate your skin’s response without buying additional or different products.

Obagi-C System

The Obagi-C System is the brand’s antioxidant and brightening range that is built around . The kit only 5 products but like Nu-Derm, it comes in two versions in the UK:


The protocol follows the same general structure as Nu-Derm (cleanser, toner, active serum (mornings) or lotion (evenings) and sunscreen (mornings). The vitamin C day serum and night lotion which also contain either hydroquinone (Rx) or arbutin (Fx) do all the heavy lifting. Almost always, retinol or tretinoin is also added as a separate product to boost the benefits. The Obagi-C System is best for:


Like Nu-Derm, the C System has the same fundamental constraints. Firstly, the protocol is fixed and so the vitamin C and brightener strengths do not adapt to the patient. A full course of either version and the retinoid typically costs between £ .

Obagi Clenziderm M.D. System

The Clenziderm M.D. System targets . It is a three product system available by prescription through authorised Obagi UK clinics. It is built around (a that exfoliates and unclogs pores) and (an antibacterial that kills and reduces inflammation). The Clenziderm protocol involves three steps applied morning and evening:


For optimal results, Obagi recommend using the system alongside a separate prescription retinoid (such as ) for at least 8-12 weeks. Some users may see significant reduction in breakouts and within 2-4 weeks of regular use. In general, Clenziderm is best for:


However, Clenziderm has notable limitations as a complete acne treatment. The system itself does not include a , so patients seeking the full benefit need a separate prescription. There are no anti-inflammatory antibiotics like , which can make a meaningful for inflammatory acne. Nor is there an anti-androgen agent like or for . The protocol is also rigid with the same three products regardless of whether your acne is . It also doesn’t address , .


For mild to moderate inflammatory acne in oily skin, Clenziderm can work well, particularly when combined with a retinoid. It is less effective for more complex acne, including hormonal acne, post acne dark marks or acne needing multiple treatment angles.

Alternatives to Obagi

Obagi is far from the only good skincare option for , and . If you’re considering Obagi but want to weigh up other approaches, the main alternatives in the UK fall into five broad camps:


Each of these has a place. The right path for you depends on what concerns you’re treating, how bespoke you want the approach to be, your budget and how much complexity you’re willing to take on day to day.



At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate About Laser Hair Removal for Men custom skincare. We offer safe and effective custom skincare treatments using ingredients like , , , , , , and others where appropriate through our online skin clinic. Our doctors treat , , , and . To start your personalised plan, book a or use . The journey towards great skin .



This article is for informational and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions about prescription-strength skincare should be made in consultation with a licensed medical professional after a full skin assessment. Always use SPF 50 sunscreen daily when using prescription actives like tretinoin and hydroquinone and any pre-existing conditions, allergies or medications with your doctor before starting any new skincare regimen.



Is Obagi prescription only in the UK?




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Does Obagi Nu-Derm contain tretinoin?




Can I buy Obagi online in the UK?




How long does an Obagi course take?




Is Obagi worth it compared to other prescription skincare?




Can Obagi be used in skin of colour?




What's the difference between Obagi Nu-Derm and Obagi-C System?




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