Dermatologist Review of Obagi

Obagi Medical Products, Inc. was founded by Zein Obagi, MD, a dermatologist in the early 1990's. Few personalities in modern dermatology have been as interesting and high profile as Dr. Obagi. During the early 90's, his revolutionary and controversial approach to cosmetic dermatology was rocked by brisk critical peer review and cynicism but is now accepted as safe and effective. Obagi has contributed to the science of cosmetic dermatology via development of skin care regimens for the treatment of uneven skin color (hyperpigmentation and dyspigmentation) and photodamage as well as in refinement of mid level chemical peel techniques (the blue peel). Obagi's approach to optimized therapeutic skin care entails a multi-step system that allows for selection of therapeutic intensity to suit each particular patient and skin condition. Obagi's regimen also allows for adjustment of treatment intensity as the patients treatment response and tolerance indicate.

Obagi offers two systems of therapeutic skin care. The Obagi Nu-Derm® System is a corrective system that contains seven components designed to 'transform skin'. The Nu-Derm System corrects moderate to severe photodamage by transforming skin at the cellular level. The Obagi-C System is a preventative system that contains five components designed to photolumines skin (create a healthy glow.) Both of these systems contain prescription and nonprescription components. In keeping with proper medical conduct and California Medical Board regulations, DermStore only offers the prescription components of this regimen with a current California prescription. However, DermStore does offer all of the nonprescription Obagi components, as well as suggested alternatives to the regimen's prescription components.

Obagi's Nu-Derm products are packaged in six numbered solid-container tubes and are applied in conjunction with a topical retinoid (vitamin A derivative/analog.) This overall skin care regimen promotes the optimized treatment of uneven skin coloration and photodamage. Topical retinoids are vitamin A derivatives or analogs and include Retin A, Tazorac and Differin. The Obagi regimen elements are numbered in order of recommended use and are also labeled to indicate whether they are to be used AM, PM or both. Although this multitude of products can be initially confusing, each product does serve a purpose and the regimen is, in the end, logical. Prominent placement of product numbers and AM/PM indicators on the packaging reinforce the programs product routine. This helps makes the regimen simple in spite of its many components.

Obagi's regimen has enjoyed great success because it combines the most potent ingredients available to treat uneven pigmentation and photodamage into an easy to follow daily plan. The Nu-Derm regimen includes all the essential ingredients for photorejuvenation: hydroquinone, tretinoin (a topical retinoid,) high SPF sunscreen, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and moisturizers. These potent agents work in harmony to create a 'therapeutic cascade' that results in younger looking and acting skin. The perception of many Obagi patients is that the product line lives up to its promise and can produce exceptional results. Our clinical practice experience confirms the value of Obagi's Nu-Derm System.

The Obagi C-Rx System is marketed as preventative therapy aimed at maintaining and enhancing skin appearance without the potential for irritation inherent in the more aggressive Nu-Derm System. The C Rx System consists of 5 essential parts - C-Cleansing Gel, C-Clarifying Serum, C-Exfoliating Day Lotion, C-SunGuard SPF 30, and C-Therapy Night Cream. The Obagi C-Rx System for Photolumines skin is available to patients who exhibit early signs of photodamage or dull lackluster skin. Other patients that fit the profile for the Obagi-C Rx System include retinoid intolerant patients, and patients currently using AHAs, moisturizers, and vitamin C cosmeceutical products.

In my clinical experience, both the C Rx and Nu-Derm Systems are balanced and well designed regimens that really do offer the potential for dramatic results. I have seen impressive patient results with both systems. Retinoids such as Retin A can be used with either system but are only promoted for integration with the Nu Derm System.

Obagi's two product lines offer proven results based upon incorporation of the most popular rejuvenation compounds - retinoids, glycolic acid, vitamin C and hydroquinone. The packaging is consistent and of good quality. The descriptive and indexed labeling facilitates learning and habituation of the regimens. I think these products are really quite excellent as a group.

In the interest of fairness and balance, there are a few aspects of Obagi's products that are, well, interesting. The Nu-Derm cleanser and toner as well as the C Cleansing Gel have somewhat more fragrance than most male patients might desire. The Nu-Derm toner serves the purpose of pH adjusting the skin prior to application of the key steps in the regimen. There seems to not be great value to this Nu-Derm toner step for some patients. Obagi's hydroquinone cream products in both regimens are preserved with sulfites. Sulfites are traditionally used to preserve hydroquinone products and impart a subtle odor to the formulations while creating the potential for irritation. Finally, the new bottles for the C Rx System (as of this writing) have somewhat large product dispensation openings which can result in occasional waste of product unless extra care is taken when dispensing for application.

Again, Obagi's products are excellent overall. I especially like the C-SunGuard SPF 30 and the Nu Derm SPF 35 Sunscreens which provide cosmetically elegant long lasting protection without eye irritation. These products are very water resistant too and are really top of the line sunscreens. Another great Obagi first is their development of stable vitamin C serums. Obagi's C serums do not oxidize and retain their clear color and potency over a prolonged shelf life. The new prescription vitamin C serum with hydroquinone is both unique and exceptionally well formulated.

In summary, Obagi Medical Products manufactures both prescription and nonprescription skin rejuvenation and protection products that are aggressively marketed to physicians and patients. The good news for Obagi Medical Products is that these products really work well for most patients and thus live up to their marketing hype.