Obagi and Acne Care

I may have already mentioned about Obagi Nu-Derm System can be used for acne treatment but I would like to go over it again here. However, if you suffer from severe acne problem, I strongly recommend you to consult your dermatologist before you start using Obagi. Obagi Nu-Derm System was created by United States dermatologist, Dr.Obagi and the system not only reduce acne formation, but also reduce scars and uneven skin tones and redness which were created by acne scars.
Obagi Nu-Derm system will restore the damaged skin by applying vitamin C, retinoic acid, chemical peels and hydroquinone in gradual steps, and it will take approximately 60 to 90 days to complete the procedure.

Here are some common effect of above ingredients;
Vitamin C - It is also called as ascorbic acid and it is a popular natural ingredient used in skin care cosmetics. There are two main commonly known effects. First,vitamin C is an essential component for collagen synthesis. Without adequate vitamin C,the collagen in your skin would be malformed and your skin would not heal properly. Second, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidant helps to prevent skin damage and wrinkles by soaking up harmful free radicals.

Retinoic Acid - It is a nutrient that that body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Retinoic acid is made in the body from vitamin A and helps cells to grow and develop.

Hydroquinone - It is considered to be the most effective skin bleaching ingridient today. It’s used by many to treat and fade liver spots, melasma, freckles, acne scars and other forms of skin discoloration.

During this treatment, you might experience some redness, minor skin irritation and peeling of skin. (I had such experience but my friends didn't. So I guess it totally depends on your skin type and living environment.) But this effect is still minor compare to some side effect caused by common laser treatment and Fraxel treatment.
If you are interested in purchasing Obagi products or want to know more product details, please visit Obagi Store.

Obagi Nu-Derm System: Part 3

I am going to talk about the third step 'Protect' in Obagi Nu-Derm morning routine. So far, we have taken the following step.

Step 1:Prepare
Use Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser or Nu-Derm Foaming Gel to clean your skin. After pad dry, apply Obagi Nu-Derm Toner.

Step 2:Correct
Apply Obagi Nu-Derm Clear on entire face avoiding eye area, followed by application of Nu-Derm Exfoderm (for dry, thin, sensitive skin) or Exfoderm Forte (for normal to oily skin).

Because Obagi reduce the production of melanin in your skin, you must try your best to avoid prolonged direct sun exposure. Now you need this step 3 to protect your skin.

Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF35
Healthy Skin Protection SPF35 is a critical element in the protection stage of Nu-Derm System which provides daily ultraviolet defense.
Apply in the morning under your makeup and reapply often while you are in the sun.


I forgot to do this 'step3' of Nu-Derm System and went for a walk couple of times, and I deeply regret it. I remember my skin felt very sensitive against the sun light...it was almost stinging. After a few days later, I noticed a few dark spots on my cheeks!
Sun protection is a core of anti-aging skin care and I recommend to use this superior sun screen at any time.

If you are interested in purchasing Obagi products or want to know more product details, please visit Obagi Store.

Amazing result of 6 months trial of Obagi Nu-Derm System
(Please click on the photo to see the larger image.)

Obagi Nu-Derm System: Part 2

I have talked about the first step of Obagi Nu-Derm System, 'Prepare' in the last post. You wash your face with either Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser or Nu-Derm Foaming Gel and finish off with Nu-Derm Toner. You will be doing this for both morning and night routine.

Now we are going to step 2, 'Correct'.
There is a slight difference in between morning routine and night routine in this step2. In the morming, you need to use both Obagi Nu-Derm Clear and Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm (or Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte), and you only need to use Nu-Derm Clear in the evening.

Nu-Derm Clear
Nu-Derm Clear is a very important component in Obagi Nu-Derm System. This lotion is formulated with 4% hydroquinone (a bleaching agent) as the active ingredient in an activating base to suppress the overproduction of melanin and prevent the side effect associated with hyperpigmentation.
Apply evenly to the entire face avoiding eye lids, extending to the hairline, over the ears and ending with a feathering motion from the jawline down the neck. A second coat can be applied over darker pigmented lesions.

Nu-Derm Exfoderm
Nu-Derm exforderm is a unique formulation that contains phytic acid that removes dead skin cells. Phytic acid is gentler than lactic acid and glycolic acid, which are used in Nu-Derm Exforderm Forte. Therefore Nu-Derm Exforderm is suited for dry, thin and sensitive skin and Nu-Derm Exforderm Forte is for normal to oily skin and less sensitive skin.
This process allows better penetration of the skin care products such as hydroquinone and tretinoin.
Apply Exforderm evenly over the entire face avoiding the eyelids area after the application of Nu-Derm Clear in the morning.

If you are interested in purchasing Obagi products or want to know more product details, please visit Obagi Store.

This is what happens after 2 to 3 weeks. Dead skins start peeling off from your face.