What Is Obagi Nu Derm

If you're like most people when it comes to your skin, you'd like nothing more than to turn back the clock. According to Dr. Zein Obagi, founder of Obagi Skin Care, it is possible to reverse many of the signs of sun damage and premature aging through the Obagi Nu Derm system. Dr. Obagi states that Nu Derm is, "beneficial in treating sun damage by exfoliating away damaged skin layers, repairing damaged DNA at the cellular level, and renewing healthy skin cells."

Dr. Zein Obagi, a dermatologist, created the Obagi Nu Derm system in 1988. With Nu Derm, Dr. Obagi sought to do more than simply enhance the appearance of the skin. Rather, he wanted to improve the underlying health of the skin. To do this he created Nu Derm, a system that he claimed could penetrate the skin's surface. According to the company, this system helps the skin heal from the inside out.

The Obagi Nu Derm system is designed to address the needs of the individual. The system includes 14 different products, with most people using between six and nine products on a twice-daily basis. The system includes toner, cleanser, several skin lighteners, moisturizers and sunscreen. Tretinoin, a topical retinoid, is considered an integral part of the system, but unlike the other components, it is prescription only and must be purchased separately through a physician.

According to Dr. Obagi, the Nu Derm system is a process that consists of the repair stage, the improvement stage, and the final stage. The repair stage is a period of intense exfoliation lasting approximately six weeks. The improvement stage occurs when the old skin sloughs away, revealing smoother, firmer skin underneath. The final stage is your healthiest skin, soft and supple, with a nice even tone. It takes roughly three consecutive six-week cycles (with a week or two off in-between) to reach the final stage.

Obagi Nu Derm uses tretinoin and hydroquinone to achieve results. Tretinoin is a topical form of vitamin A that works to reverse signs of sun damage. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightener, and its purpose is to even out skin tone and fade freckles and brown spots caused by sun damage.

People are often taken by surprise at the intensity of their response to these drugs. For this reason many people find it beneficial to consult their dermatologist during the initial weeks of the program.

Of course, the real question is whether Nu Derm actually delivers on its promises. With $60 million in sales in 2008, it would seem the public believes it does deliver. However, the efficacy of Nu Derm has been proven in clinical trials as well. According to a study published in the April1996 edition of "Cosmetic Dermatology," Dr. James H. Herndon Jr. concluded that Obagi Nu Derm, "provides significantly greater improvements in wrinkles, laxity and mottled hyper-pigmentation than other systems tested."

The initial six-week cycle is intense and you may have days where you'd like nothing more than to hide your red, flaking face under the covers. It would probably be wise to plan on avoiding weddings and other social events during this time.

Also, tretinoin causes sun sensitivity and, if you are not careful, it is possible to get badly sunburned while using it. Apply sunscreen every day and top it off with sunglasses and a hat whenever possible.

As of 2010, the Nu Derm system costs anywhere from $300 to $450, depending on where you get it, and exactly which products you purchase. Obagi sells smaller travel sets for around $200 though, and this might be a good bet if you want to try it without breaking the bank.