Obagi • obagi skincare system • Treatments

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rtaw on 6/17/2013 11:28:00 PM more reviews by rtaw

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This is a great product. To give some background, I'm 20 years old and Caucasian and have very fair skin. Almost all my life I had perfect skin. That is, until I hit 18. For the most part, my breakouts usually only occur when I get my period, and only last about as long. Its generally just a zit here or there (although, I have a terrible tendency to pick and extract which tends to cause more problems). Anyways, all of a sudden at 18 I developed these small bumps under my skin on my forehead and the left side of my face beside my eyebrow. They weren't whiteheads or blackheads, just little bumps that would never extract no matter how hard I tried, and if I did they would simply get very red and enlarged, and nothing helped to get rid of them. Anyways, I've been using Obagi now for 5 days (washing once a day) with the dry/sensitive skin and its already gotten rid of almost all of them. I am pleasantly surprised! I have quite sensitive skin, and after reading reviews was scared about the burning sensation, skin purging and drying out and redness. However, beyond a little stinging (it can hurt, but it is definitely bearable) I have yet to experience any dryness, redness or purging (besides a couple blackheads). I've noticed beyond the amazing fact that the little bumps are gone, my skin looks brighter, looks even and there is almost no oil. In the past, in the lighting I could see the little bumps and oil on my forehead (even after using an oil control primer), but after only five days my forehead and beside my eyebrow are matte and flat! Also, as I mentioned earlier my skin can get very dry - the moisturizer included is awesome! Not too heavy but very very nourishing and unscented (I hate the greasy scented kind from the drugstore). Gotta love it! I bought the product off Amazon and managed to save about $60 too. I think that this skincare regime coupled with a healthy, all natural and wholesome diet and natural skincare products (sunscreen, makeup) will leave you with beautiful skin in no time!

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Cocoa90 on 6/16/2013 12:44:00 PM more reviews by Cocoa90

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I had a reaction to a product and ended up with really bad oedema and hyperpigmentation. My derm suggested Obagi nu-derm for the hyperpigmentation and damage which I have been using now for just over 2 months. The hyperpigmentation has definitely mostly gone but to be honest I really haven't noticed the improvement in texture or tone that I was hoping for. My biggest concern however is the amount hydroquinone that you have to use with the system. I'm a dark skinned black female but using Obagi my skin is currently very, very fair and it looks like I've just been bleaching my skin just for the fun of it as it's completely surpassed my own natural tone. I suggested cutting back on the Clear and Sunfader to my derm but she was convinced that I wouldn't be getting the full benefit of the system so I've soldiered on. However, I honestly think using the full system is just too extreme for some dark skin tones so I will be cutting out the primary bleaching agents for the rest of the time in the hope it still produces the same results. I've given this review a 4/5 because I'm still in the middle of the process and don't want to knock it completely but to be honest I think I could have found a much gentler solution for my hyperpigmentation and used retin a and still have the same results I have now.

I will update my review when I've finished and either improve or lower my score but right now I'm not overly impressed with Obagi and feel I could have got the same results at a fraction of the price and time.

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sosweetbr on 4/16/2013 1:22:00 AM more reviews by sosweetbr

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Dark, Warm   Hair: Brown, Kinky, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using the obagi clenziderm system for dry skin on my African American , hormonal acne. It has been 3 weeks, and it has been amazing. I have never had a problem with acne until now at 42 years old. I have tried all different kinds of acne products. Obagi is very painful for me. I have a really strong burning after daily application. I added the oily skin pore refiner as well. I combine it with my dry skin therapeutic lotion. It burns like hell, but is very effective. I notice that I perspire like crazy from the burning of my face. It seems to get better after about 15 minutes. The moisturizer is a nice emollient soothing treat! I will update after my vacation, as I will stop using the products for a week, while in Mexico! I highly recommend the clenziderm line. The dry skin line does not dry you out. The pore refiner from the oily skin line does. I also started using the toner at night. It feels hydrating to my skin, and doesn't dry, or irritate. Not sure what sunscreen I will use of vacay. I think I will get the vitamin c lotion.... Lets see what happens when I get off the system for a week! Wish me luck!

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LizzieChang on 4/9/2013 6:45:00 PM more reviews by LizzieChang

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product. I started using it about 3 weeks ago. I decided to splurge after I got my new job. I went in to talk to my doctor about laser resurfacing and he told me about Obagi.
The issues I have with my skin are hyper-pigmentation, fine lines, and large pores.
The changes that I've noticed since starting this product:
My skin is smoother, brighter and pores seem tighter.
Side effects: My skin is dry and peeling. Some nights i skip the products and just use a lot of heavy cream to give my skin a break. The peeling is not too bad. I'm not prone to redness, but the little redness i do have is easy fixed with a little bit of concealer.

Overall, I'm a huge fan of this product. It requires being extra vigilant about sunscreen, but I typically am anyways. As long as I dont see any negative side effects, I will continue to purchase this product. Although, I think the heavy lifters really are the Clear and Blender/Retin A creams. The cleanser doesn't seem like anything special. I'm just as happy with my Cerave every morning.

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amanders277 on 3/26/2013 12:06:00 PM more reviews by amanders277

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I am 31 years old and was so excited to use the Obaji skin care line as I have always had redness, scaring from acne when I was younger. I purchased the Obaji line along with the .5% Refissa. I took weekly pictures of my skin for 12 weeks and am so dissapointed in the results. I have normal/oily skin and experienced no redness, drying, or any of the side effects I had read about that many people expierenced. If anything, this line has made my skin worse and have been more prone to breakouts! I've had (3) facial (very red and painful) cysts appear on my face which hasn't happened to me in 10+ years. With each one I ended up getting a cortizone injections not to mention has increased my self conciousness with my skin. I had such high hopes based on the reviews on this product but as of yesterday discountined using the line.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Goldcow on 3/24/2013 11:56:00 AM more reviews by Goldcow

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

After 25 years of rubbish acne prone skin with scarring plus some stuborn hyper pigmentation on cheeks and nose after my youngest baby I had pretty much given up on ever having decent skin. In the past I have had laser treatment, micro dermabrsion and every type of facial under the sun. I have used countless products but have found them to have little effect until I started using obagi nu derm 2 weeks ago. My skin is transformed In two weeks. I guess i am one of the lucky ones. I didn't peel or go red until the end of week one and now I have hit week two my skin is only peeling a little and is mildly pink (leaving a healthy glow) rather than bright red. My pigmentation has really faded to the point it is barely noticeable. I'm really happy today cos my husband has just told me how great my skin looks (first time ever). I have medium to fair south Asian (Indian punjabi) skin which can be stubborn to treat but I can honestly say obagi nu derm is amazing and a miracle for my skin. Thank you Mr Obagi!! I love you! It's only been two weeks so I can't wait to see what it looks like after two months.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

megancarnes on 3/23/2013 12:22:00 PM more reviews by megancarnes

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I have been using the normal/oily Nu Derm system (travel size) for two weeks. Lots of peeling, but I can see beautiful skin underneath which is very encouraging. I'm 49 and have hyper pigmentation on my cheeks. I have not really ever had acne or major break outs except during menopause. These products are working for me my face is soft and smooth in the patches where the peeling has been the most aggressive. My question is which products do I use in my under eye area? I've been avoiding that area completely, but I really would like to change that area a great deal. My under eye area has always been puffy with veining. Can I use clear on that skin? Exoderm Forte? Blender n Tritenol? Any direction woul be helpful as I did not consult a dr. I will continue to update my results

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Samhou on 3/16/2013 5:15:00 PM more reviews by Samhou

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I been reading reviews has this product worked on any African- American? Just curious I just started using the whole line ten days ago my skin is peeling unevenly and burns like crazy, please any inputs is highly appreciated.

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*TOP REVIEWER* JaneWhit99 on 3/10/2013 3:43:00 PM more reviews by JaneWhit99

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I have been on this skin care system for about 5.5 weeks right now. I was hoping to get that peeling that I get from retinol (only a little) to take off the very top lair of my skin to get those anti aging benefits but unfortunately I really am not seeing it :(

My skin feels tight which is a good thing but I see no difference. It doesn't feel good but Im not doing this for feel, I'm doing this for results. I wanted this to work so bad. I will continue treatment for another 5 weeks and if it gets better I will come back and edit this review to a better rating.

On another note, I do have a friend that really enjoys this so don't discount this system, everyone is different.

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cydg3 on 2/16/2013 3:17:00 PM more reviews by cydg3

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

I'm on my 2nd week. This is the 2nd time I 've tried obagi...Last time was 10 or more years ago and I was quite aggressive with it. It worked as I recall but I missed my freckles and still wanted a sun glow. Well 51 now and my freckles are not so cute. I noticed discoloration all over my face..natural redhead. My skin has been good for last few years...finally no break-outs. Ok I am using .025 tretinoin cream. I told my nurse I did not want the deep peeling and breakouts this time even though the more " reaction" the better. First week I liked my skins firmness...now it's dry and these rather large bumps are appearing but they are not deep and they seem to subside quickly. I put some ice on them and try not to squeeze. I mean I'm 51 ...ya think I could learn that by now. My nurse is great and for years I have gone to her. She is the first to say.." Not worth it" " don't waste you money" on products and procedures. She loves this and has great great skin. I appreciate all the comments on this site...none of us have had the same skin issues all of our lives o we cannot expect to experience the same results but tips and suggestions can be so useful. I think for some the less aggressive obagi path is the answer..might take longer but I am more willing to stick with it if I don't have major break outs and constant heavy flaking. We shall see...what does next week offer? I will keep you informed.

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crewsinc on 2/13/2013 2:39:00 PM more reviews by crewsinc

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I started this system in November using the Exfoderm Forte. I though my face was going to burn off. It hurt so badly, touch, water, even wind hurt my face. Plus I looked like a bright red lollipop. My plastic surgeon (where I got this from) gave me just regular Exfoderm to use instead. I waited until about three weeks ago to give that a shot. What a difference! I did have some minor peeling and burning, but it went away quickly and I wasn't bright red like last time.
Now, for the results, even after three weeks, I am happy! My skin already looks so much better! I am not using any type of foundations, only a tinted sunscreen from my plastic surgeon. Some days, I do have some major peeling towards the end of the day, but it is nothing that I can't deal with. My friends have noticed that my skin and brighter too. I can't wait to see my results within the next few months. This is worth every penny.

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sloris on 2/8/2013 2:05:00 AM more reviews by sloris

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

DO NOT USE THIS IF U HAVE DARK SKIN!!
it mad my hyperpigmentation worse, plus i have light sploches around where i applied it...so darker spot in the middle and lighter around...Now i have to use hella my Mac pot concealer!!Does anybody have any idea how to get rid of this terrible unevenness? Plzz let me know I hook like a friggin dalmation

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mdito on 2/6/2013 10:06:00 PM more reviews by mdito

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

So I'm starting my 5th week and must admit i'm getting very frustrated that my face is soooo red. I must add very frustrating!! It is a little comforting that it isn't only me that this is happening to. I'm embarrassed to look people straight in the eye when i speak to them because i know their wondering why my face is beet red. I need some insight on those who have passed this 5th week. When will this redness go away? I'm not peeling as much as I have been so thats good but I look like a tomato. I gotta add though that beyond the red i see that my skin is glowing and fresh looking and cant wait till this rough part is over.

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Thecouturejunkie on 2/3/2013 12:02:00 PM more reviews by Thecouturejunkie

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I've just started this product line about two weeks ago. It was recommended by my dermatologist. I'm 38 and "overly obsessive" according to my husband about my skin and wrinkles. I used strivectin for years and never really saw any results it just made me feel better to keep using it. I'm just newly introduced to Botox..which might I add, I'm in love with and works miracles! After starting the Obagi line, my dermatologist pre warned me by saying, you are going to want to give up on this by the first couple weeks..but don't, keep with it!! Boy, was she right, after the first week my skin was so flaky, sore and red. My husband says I looked like I was left out in a snow storm. I went back in and to my surprise, she said I look normal. After two weeks, still the same with the redness, dry and flaking. I'm horribly embarrassed to go out anywhere, even with make up. I'm going to keep going, especially since I have invested a good amount of money in this. It's definitely relieving to read these reviews and see that others have gone through this too and within a couple months their skin looks amazing! I'm excited to see my end results and to make my husband eat his words :). Look forward to posting more results as I go through the process and seeing others results too!

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Burbanosky on 1/17/2013 3:36:00 PM more reviews by Burbanosky

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I am on week 9 of the nu-derm system. I decided after paint so much I was going to use it religiously and give it a full hippiness try. I started using it after running into a lady with the most amazing skin that had been using it. I have small pores, pretty decent skin just dry and dull. Lacked a luster I was looking for. I am using the full system with a tretinoin of .05 %. I looked pretty rough the first two weeks. Very red and peely mostly in the mouth and nose and chin area. I did experience some breakouts. I'm assuming it was pulling out impurities from deal in the skin. After the first two weeks I started to see the luster start to unfold. My skin looked pretty good for about three weeks and I was getting compliments already and then the second wave hit again just like the first. Breakouts and dry and peely. Not as red the second time around. When I get out of the shower my skin across the top of my nose is so shiny and healthily looking. Like glassy but not oily looking at all. Just tight tight pores and a heathy shine. This gets me very excited because I'm sticking with this. Your not supposed to use moisturizers or liquid make up with this product. It is recommended use mineral makeup so I've been using the Laura Mercier. I still use a liquid occasionally because it makes the dryness look better but I think it just slows down the sloughing of the layers of skin so I try to stick with the mineral most of the time. I wouldn't give up. Every single person ive told I'm using this product that have they used it in the past all say "I love Obagi" or are still using it. I think once you reach what they call maintenance at about 18-24 weeks you are supposed to just use the system about three days a week to keep the results. I don't think you are supposed to stay on it indefinitely every day but I could be wrong.

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Kimbrili on 1/16/2013 10:48:00 PM more reviews by Kimbrili

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

It has been 7 months since my last review of the Obagi NuDerm system. I have to say my skin has never looked so good! I am constantly getting compliments about how great my skin looks and how I don't look my age. I know that when I first tried the Obagi system it was nit a pleasant experience, but I hung in there and I'm so glad I did. I've read reviews from other women who have tried it and are convinced it was created by Satan, and at times I might have had that thought once or twice, but as Dr.Obagi describes this system, it has to wake up your skin at a cellular level and that takes a little bit of time for the turn over to occur. I know it feels like your face will never get better, but not only does it get better. It will look amazing if you stick with it. Occasionally if I start to slack a little and miss a few days, my skin will react like it did in the beginning, but all I have to do is get back into my routine and it' s a glowing complexion once again. I am sold on this product. I Have friends who ask me what I use and I tell them, and maybe they have reservations about the price or the process, and go buy an over the counter product. But in the end they are not satisfied with their results and they all come back for more information. My advise, don't get discouraged by the negative reviews,they are from girls who couldn't or wouldn't hang in there long enough to see the amazing transformation this product can perform. Your sun damage did not happen over night and it wont be fixed over night, but in 18-24 weeks your skin will be brand new, healthy,glowing and you will be the envy of all your friends!vI will be a lifelong customer of the Obagi NuDerm system, My skin looks too amazing to not be!!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Straighttalk on 1/11/2013 12:35:00 AM more reviews by Straighttalk

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Just go ahead and stick your face in a blender then pour salt on it. That's a clue of how your skin will look using this. People can be so gullible getting talked into anything just because a dermatologist sells it to you. News flash...Even dermatologist make a commission on products. Ia skincare professional and have never thought to myself "Wow that girl using Obaji has great skin". I actually just want to throw holy water on the because they looked like they have been burned by the devil. Your skin will forever be dry irritated and flaky. Dead skin will fall off all the time and skin will be forever red while using this. There are sooooo many great products out there that will improve radiance firmness tone of your skin without causing so much downtime and irritation like this product. Natura BIsse makes a unbelievable product called Glyco Extreme Peel that even people with rosacea can use without downtime and irritation and greater result. Don't buy and use this just because your dermatologist recommends it. I see so many dermatologist that sell this in their office but see them buying Natura Bisse and LaPrairie in the store I work in. Please skip this if you love yourself. But if your into pain I guess try it.

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nannap on 12/14/2012 5:34:00 AM more reviews by nannap

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I am currently on week 3 of obagi nu derm (normal/oily pack with prescription strength products) with tretinoin 0.05%. My face is currently very red and on certain days peels a lot (chin, cheeks, nose, under eyes although i dont apply steps 3-6 in eye area). I have noticed very slight improvement in my blackheads on my nose but overall apart from looking like a red lollipop (orange with makeup...red face+cream mineral powder=orange!). I have a lot of new under the skin spots that are making my skin bumpy so I hope they will filter out soon. I will update soon with further changes but so far I have not had the wow factor I am very much hoping for. I have very high hopes for this system so will carry on the full cycle. My partner and his mum think I have gone mad!

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mysbond on 11/5/2012 12:19:00 PM more reviews by mysbond

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Other    

I've been using the Nu-Derm system by Obagi, I started two months ago then got tired of the flaky skin, temporarily stopped using it so I wouldn't look so bad for a few events this past weekend. But the first thing I noticed was that it faded my brown skin spots I had from sun damage, even during the time (maybe 3 weeks) when I got lazy and didn't bother to use it, they didn't get darker, there are two spots that were really bad and they are almost gone. Before I had a hard time covering them with makeup, but now they are very light and easy to cover. I'm 45, fair skinned, freckles and history of sun damage, and have pretty serious wrinkles for someone my age- I don't expect miracles but really think I've seen an improvement already in the fine lines. It's hard to tell at first, because the outer layer of your skin starts flaking off (so I looked even older than before, at first), but it wasn't unbearable or anything. I did find that if you use a cleansing brush (like Clairasonic) in the morning it helps get rid of the flakes. After that, I looked "OK" but if I touched or rubbed my skin anywhere the flakes started showing again- so it's not pleasant the first few months. If I could afford it, I'd go with a laser peel, but oh well. I really love the way it cleared up my complexion of the age spots! Will post an update later

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possum on 9/23/2012 3:57:00 PM more reviews by possum

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

Review is for the NuDerm system for dry skin. I have been on the system for 20 weeks. I am in mid-40s, Asian and my skin was dehydrated even though I have a healthy diet and take fish oil and other supplements.


I'll start by saying that I got great results but it is like boot camp for your skin and I basically looked FUUUUUUUGGLY for months. Strangers were asking me if I needed to sit down because I looked so red like I was going to faint (especially if you exercise - you look beet red).


I am using the most aggressive regime meaning 1 gram 0.1% tretinoin and 0.5 gram of Clear, Exfoderm and Blender daily. Not using the Sunfader. Use distilled water mixed with apple cider vinegar (diluted 4:1) instead of the Obagi Toner as it accomplishes the same purpose - to bring down the ph level so that other products can be better absorbed. Use any cleanser as long as it is ph balanced with no alcohol and doesn't leave any moisturizing trace. I also use Skinceuticals C & E Ferulic before Clear for extra sun protection. Let all layers absorb 5-15 minutes before applying next product.


Never stopped being bright red or peeling even on the 20th week. Skin is tighter and melasma patches on the cheek area have almost faded. Crows feet definitely worse and skin looks very dry. Have not used any moisturizer except on eyelid (otherwise eyeshadow won't stick to the scaly skin). I can tell my skin is less dehydrated even though it looks drier than before I started Obagi. I am sure my skin will look good once I go on maintenance and can use some moisturizer.


The Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35 pills like crazy over NuDerm products. I use Skinceuticals Sport 45 as is not moisturizing and works well with no white cast.


Don't buy on eBay as there are a lot of fakes. I was sold two fake items and you don't want to stop your progress just to save some money. The bottles looked EXACTLY like the real Obagi products but the products themselves were clearly fake. I called Obagi and they said they see this all the time.


WARNING: Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally. Even with sunscreen, mineral sunscreen powder and a hat, my melasma returned slightly after just one day outside. I was applying mineral sunscreen every 2 hours and it still didn't protect me fully. 20 weeks of effort gone in one afternoon!

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