Best Obagi Products: These 5 Extraordinary Products Will Give You Back Your Baby Skin
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Discovering the perfect skincare brand is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. However, if you’re a reader of Vogue or Forbes, you’ve likely come across some of the best Obagi products in recent features. We’re lifting the lid on the Obagi best sellers, or rather, their super sellers and most iconic products. We’ll be sharing 5 Obagi products that are worth the hype, come with an impressive cult following and backed with thousands of raving reviews, to make your search for the best Obagi products as stress-free as possible.
Stay tuned till the end as we’ve also included a few bonus Obagi products that we felt were worth an honourable mention too.
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Obagi Skin Care
Obagi is an award-winning and ground-breaking clinical grade skincare brand known for its science-driven approach to skincare, focusing primarily on promoting skin health. Obagi products have been a firm favourite for many years among dermatologists and aesthetic doctors for their patients for good reason. Read on to find out why!
Obagi makes a bold promise to give you back your ‘baby skin’ by working within the deepest layers of the skin to repair years of damage caused by environmental factors. Dr Zein Obagi, the dermatologist legend behind the brand, described how the “future of skincare is to treat skin at a cellular level”.
Dr Zein Obagi makes some fascinating statements about skincare. He believes sensitive skin doesn’t exist and rather is caused by our own doing. It is up to us to stop our skin from getting ‘lazy’.
So how on earth can the largest organ of our body possibly get lazy? Well, in past interviews Dr Obagi has compared our skin to a wall. He explained that when that wall is crumbling we are basically ‘painting’ it with mainstream skincare products merely so it looks better, rather than focusing our efforts on actually rebuilding that wall from the ground up.
For example, constantly lathering moisturizer on our skin makes our skin lazier as our body will stop delivering as much moisture from within to compensate for the lack of moisture on our skins surface.
We’ve spoken to Aesthetics Doctor, Dr Kazim Dhanji to get his verdict on Obagi products and why he continues to recommend the use of Obagi products to his patients.
“I love the Obagi products because they really do have a product for every skin type and concern, which means that everyone can benefit from this fantastic range of skincare. The products are backed by science and extensive research, which means I can safely recommend them to my patients, to treat their skin concerns.”
To purchase any Obagi products in the UK or book yourself in with a consultation and/or treatment with Dr Dhanji, visit KHD Aesthetics. Dr Dhanji is also available for Private GP Consultations at The Birmingham General Practice.
So, can the best Obagi products really reverse the passage of time? Can these 5 hero products truly tackle free radicals and sun damage? We’ve answered all your burning questions right here in your very own exclusive access and VIP pass into Obagi Medical’s best sellers.
Our brand spotlight features aim to help consumers shop smarter with brands by showcasing their 5 ‘super-sellers’ so consumers can invest in the very best at the outset, thereby minimising the likelihood of wasted time and money from product regrets.
What is Obagi?
Obagi Medical is the home of “transformational, medical skincare” that is tested for all skin types and colours. The brand is highly regarded for its #skinclusion initiative, a global awareness initiative that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Obagi skincare was the first medical grade skincare brand to design its clinical research protocols by categorizing skin into 6 different types by examining the individual response of each skin type to ultraviolet light/the sun. Obagi Medical have since developed a range of high quality dermatologist-approved skin care products to cater for all 6 skin types that work from within to diminish the signs of ageing and skin discolouration.
If you’ve been struggling to find a skincare brand that caters to your skin type and concerns, we can almost guarantee that Obagi products will be the saving grace that your skin has been waiting for!
Take a look at any Obagi before and after image and you will see just why the brand is so highly regarded in the skincare community and is becoming increasingly popular year after year.
Obagi products work by awakening your skin cells from within by cleansing, stimulating and eliminating dead skin cells to pave the way for new and improved, fresh skin. We evaluated a number of the best Obagi products reviews (including customer and expert reviews), and found that the brand is a market leader in addressing and reducing visible signs of skin conditions such as skin discolouration and hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun damage, ageing and acne.
What is Obagi Known For?
Obagi products are famous for using the highest quality ingredients in their most bio-available form. These formulas have an optimized pH level and concentration to deliver clinically proven results.
Unlike many other mainstream skincare brands that only work to improve the upper surfaces of the skin, offering only short term solutions, Obagi’s medical grade products work overtime to restore your skin’s natural cellular activity from deep within to return you to your baby skin days.
Obagi was the winner of the ‘Topical Skin Product/Range of the Year’ at the Aesthetic Awards in 2019. The brand claims to be the “number one physician-dispensed skincare range in the world…with over 30 years of clinically proven results”.
Is Obagi Over The Counter Or Prescription Only?
Although largely known as a prescription brand, there are now several non-prescription Obagi products (some of which have been featured in our top 5 round up below) available to purchase online or over the counter (in the US and UK) at a registered clinic.
The range of Obagi products is vast and it is easy to get lost amongst the myriad that they offer so if you are unsure where to start, it may be worth booking in with a licensed Obagi professional to discuss your skin concerns, so that they can provide you with advice and a bespoke skincare package.
How Long Does It Take To See Results From Obagi Products?
It’s hard to put a time frame on when you can expect to see Obagi results with Obagi skincare products generally. You’ll see different time frames mentioned in Obagi product reviews as it’s largely down to your skin’s condition and the individual product(s) you’re using.
It’s always best to read specific Obagi reviews to get a ballpark for when you can expect to start seeing results with a particular Obagi product that you’re interested in.
In any case, we’ve made sure to include time frames for seeing results in relation to our top 5 best Obagi products round up below, following our analysis of these Obagi products reviews.
Is Obagi Worth It? Why Obagi Products Are Flying Off The Shelves
A quick scroll through Obagi’s Instagram page will show you that Obagi skincare reviews are popping up in almost every major publication. Also, the increasing number of Obagi before and after pictures that the brand have been tagged in are a visual testimony to the actual effectiveness of Obagi products, proving that they actually do work!
The Obagi Nu-Derm Toner and SUZANOBAGIMD Intensive Daily Repair were recently featured in Vogue. Both products were included in a feature on Euphoria actress Maude Apatow’s skincare routine. With Euphoria being one of the most popular TV shows right now, it’s no surprise that Obagi skincare is becoming a name on everyone’s radar now more than ever before.
The 5 Best Obagi Products
So, what are the best Obagi products we hear you say? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you first land on the Obagi website. The brand has almost a dozen product ranges with most catering to specific skincare concerns. We’re diving straight into five of the best Obagi skincare products to cut your browsing time in half and make your skincare shopping for the best Obagi products so much easier!
1. Obagi Nu Derm
The Obagi Nu Derm System is one of the most sought-after Obagi products. This skincare range works to address hyperpigmentation and diminish signs of ageing. It’s an ideal system to use if you suffer from uneven skin, sun spots or melasma.
The Obagi Nu-Derm system contains 7 key products which include:
1. Foaming Gel (Normal to Oily Skin) or Gentle Cleanser (Normal to Dry Skin)
2. Toner;
3. Clear – A Skin Brightening Cream (UK) or Skin Bleaching and Corrector Cream (US);
4. Exfoderm – A chemical exfoliator;
5. Blend – A Skin Brightening Cream with Vitamin C and E (UK) or Skin Lightener and Blending Cream (US);
6. Hydrate – Moisturizer
7. SPF 50.
You should use the Obagi Nu-Derm system for at least 18 weeks as part of your morning and night-time skincare routine to see the best results.
Source: Obagi Medical
Obagi Nu-Derm before and after photos show that you can expect to start seeing results within 12 weeks.
Obagi Nu Derm reviews highlight the benefits and effectiveness of the product in smoothing fine lines, evening skin tone and texture, as well as visibly brightening your complexion.
Prescription/Over The Counter: The Obagi Nu Derm system is only available via prescription so we’d recommend contacting a registered dermatologist or your GP.
2. Obagi Vitamin C
Easily one of the best Obagi products and most wished for, the Obagi Vitamin C serum is no stranger to the press and appeared in Forbes online as one of their ‘Best Beauty and Skincare Products to Invest In for 2022’. Like most vitamin C serums, a little goes a long way.
Obagi Vitamin C is one of the best Obagi products for hyperpigmentation as it contains prescription-strength hydroquinone which reduces hyperpigmentation and evens out skin tone, giving you faster, more effective visible results.
The Obagi Vitamin C Serum works to instantly brighten your skin as a lightweight serum that smooths your skin’s texture. It’s one of the best Obagi skin care products for lightening melasma and discolouration caused by sun exposure and damage.
Source: Obagi Medical
You can use Obagi Vitamin C as part of your skincare routine after using your cleanser and toner. Every Obagi Vitamin C Serum before and after image highlights how the product minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Obagi Vitamin C comes in 3 strengths containing different concentrations of L-ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C):
1. Obagi Vitamin C Serum 10;
2. Obagi Vitamin C Serum 15; and
3. Obagi Vitamin C Serum 20.
Our review analysis of this leading vitamin C serum revealed that the Obagi Vitamin C 20 is best for oily skin and the most popular of the 3 strengths available to purchase.
The Obagi Vitamin C Serum 15% is suitable for all skin types and Obagi Vitamin C Serum 10% is best for anyone with dry or sensitive skin as the L-ascorbic acid tends to have a drying effect on the skin.
Prescription/Over The Counter: Obagi Vitamin C does not require a prescription and can be purchased online or over the counter at your nearest clinic.
3. Elastiderm Eye Cream
The Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream stimulates and regenerates the skin cells around the eyes and increases collagen production and elasticity all thanks to its formulation of malonic acid (a hero ingredient for reducing visible signs of aging) and blueberry extract which fights free radicals and repairs any consequent damage.
The Elastiderm Eye Cream is one of the best Obagi products for aging skin and is designed to tackle dark circles, rejuvenate your delicate under-eye area and diminish the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness and aging skin around your eyes.
Elastiderm Eye Cream reviews revealed that users started seeing results in as little as 2 weeks (or up to 8 weeks).
For anyone wondering when to use an eye cream in your skincare routine, the Elastiderm Eye Cream should be applied after your facial serum and before your moisturizer.
The Elastiderm Eye Cream is a white eye cream and has been ophthalmologist tested too.
Prescription/Over The Counter:The Elastiderm Eye Cream does not require a prescription and can be purchased online or over the counter at your nearest clinic.
4. Obagi Hydrate Luxe
The Obagi Hydrate Luxe moisture rich cream is one of the best-selling Obagi skin care products. This ultra-rich moisturizing cream is like a glass of water for your skin with its Hydromanil formula. It leaves your skin feeling like velvet thanks to its balm-like texture.
Obagi Hydrate Luxe is different from Obagi Hydrate as it contains more potent ingredients that double the product as a night cream. While you’ll get some of the same ingredients, Obagi Hydrate Luxe acts as a two-in-one product to reduce water loss and release moisture to your skin.
Obagi Hydrate Luxe reviews highlight that the product has been effective for oily skin, but it’s best suited for dehydrated skin. You can also expect this Obagi Hydrate facial moisturizer to last all day for 24-hour hydration.
Prescription/Over The Counter:Obagi Hydrate Luxe does not require a prescription and can be purchased online or over the counter at your nearest clinic.
5. Obagi Hydro Drops
A newbie but a goodie! The Obagi Hydro Drops is a luxury hydrating serum that anyone and everyone should consider investing in, regardless of their skin type or concern.
The Obagi Daily Hydro Drops work to instantly infuse hydration into your skin to unlock its inner radiance and is a great way to kickstart your journey with Obagi products. It contains a blend of skin-loving ingredients like vitamin B3 that leave your skin hydrated, smooth, and looking radiant. The Hydro Drops then come with abundant antioxidant properties from hibiscus and abyssinian oils (which smell divine!).
Obagi Hydro Drops reviews often list the benefits of the serum tackling fine lines and wrinkles, as well as nourishing dehydrated skin. These hydro drops are lightweight and fit beautifully into every skincare routine. The Obagi hydro drops can be used morning and night to give your skin a dewy glow.
Prescription/Over The Counter: Obagi Hydro Drops do not require a prescription and can be purchased online or over the counter at your nearest clinic.
Other Obagi Products Worth An ‘Add to Cart’ Moment
These 3 notable Obagi products are worthy of an ‘add to cart’ moment or an impulse purchase that you won’t regret later.
6. Obagi Retinol
Obagi Retinol is quickly becoming one of the most popular Obagi products yet. You can choose between the Obagi 360 retinol 0.5 and Obagi360 retinol 1.0, depending on your skin type. The Obagi Retinol 1.0 is a high-concentration retinol that promotes cellular turnover to minimise signs of ageing.
Source: Obagi Medical
Obagi retinol is one of the best Obagi products for wrinkles (and we’re not surprised!). The majority of Obagi retinol before and after photos will show you how the product brightens your skin’s complexion and gives you a more youthful appearance.
“Retinol has long been the magic bullet in skincare and quite rightly so! I advise all my patients to try and incorporate retinol into their skincare regime as it helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, improves the texture and the tone of the skin. Obagi retinol 0.5 and 1.0 tend to have a higher concentration of retinol in them as compared to most brands available on the high street” – Dr Dhanji, KHD Aesthetics.
Prescription/Over The Counter: Retinol Obagi is only available via prescription so we’d recommend contacting a registered dermatologist or your GP.
7. Obagi Blue Peel Radiance
The Obagi Blue Radiance Peel is a professional chemical peel carried out by an accredited aesthetician.
This light superficial salicylic acid peel will exfoliate the skin, removing all dead skin cells and clearing out congestion in clogged pores. The Obagi Blue Peel encourages cell renewal leading to fresher and more youthful looking skin.
The Obagi Blue Peel Radiance treatment is ideal for people with oily and acne/blemish prone skin and works to reduce the appearance of scars, congestion, fine lines and hyperpigmentation, revealing a visibly brighter and smoother complexion instantly.
Obagi Blue Peel reviews rave about how the peel has made their skin glow after just one treatment.
Source: Obagi Medical
The before and after photos of the Obagi Blue Peel show skin that is visibly brighter, hydrated and with a smoother texture.
While the Obagi Blue Peel is a splurge, it can be a game-changer for your skin especially if a course of treatments have been carried out. Your aesthetician will let you know the best course of action and number of treatments needed for your own skin type and concerns.
For those wondering ‘is Obagi Blue Peel a deep peel?’ the answer is no. The Obagi Blue Peel Radiance is a light to medium strength superficial peel which is so quick (taking about 30 minutes with practically little to no downtime) and can even be performed during your lunch break!
Obagi do also have a number of other peels including the more intensive one-off deep peel ‘Obagi Blue Peel (Deep)’ which has a week of downtime as well as a do it yourself at-home facial peel ‘Blue Brilliance Triple Acid Peel’ (currently only available in the US).
8. Obagi CLENZIderm
Another Obagi range worth checking out is Obagi CLENZIderm which has been designed for anyone with oily and/or acne prone skin. The Obagi CLENZIderm pore therapy cleanser is a prescription-only product and part of the best selling 3-step CLENZIderm system which works magic for anyone with acne-prone skin.
The Obagi Clenziderm cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid that soothes irritated skin and tackles acne by cleansing and exfoliating deep within your pores. It is one of the best Obagi products for acne for this very reason.
Source: Obagi Medical
Obagi CLENZIderm before and after images are so impressive and clearly show the effectiveness of Clenziderm products that will transform your skin from clogged pores and breakouts to a clear complexion and smooth (baby) skin.
Prescription/Over The Counter: Obagi CLENZIderm is only available via prescription so we’d recommend contacting a registered dermatologist or your GP.
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I really need to try Obagi products! I feel like they’ll be perfect for my skin type.
I love Obagi products! The daily hydro drops are amazing!! This Obagi guide is so helpful thank you!