I’ve been working with the Obagi Nu-Derm range for some time now, and have had the opportunity to see its effects at first hand on many of my clients. If you are considering trying the range yourself, I thought it might be useful to talk through some of the science behind the results: how and why does it work?
The first thing to know about the Nu-Derm range is that it contains prescription-strength products. For this reason it is only available through dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other skin care professionals.
Nu-Derm is the ‘gold standard’ Obagi range, designed to treat the signs of ageing: fine lines and wrinkles and hyperpigmentation such as chloasma, freckles and age spots.
The range contains two main active ingredients: hydroquinone and zinc oxide. The Nu-Derm range contains 4% hydroquinone. This is the ingredient that makes it prescription-only. Hydroquinone works by blocking the process in the skin that leads to discolouration: suppressing the melanocyte metabolic process. The zinc oxide acts as a sunscreen: it deflects the sun, providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Zinc oxide is known for it’s non-irritating and non-allergenic properties, and protects the skin while the hydroquinone takes effect.
Obagi Nu-Derm also contains a number of other ingredients to nourish and improve the skin, including glycerin and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). You can see full details of the ingredients here
Nu-Derm works to transform skin from the inside out. The formulation carries the active ingredients deeper into the dermal layers, creating real (and lasting!) change:
- Boosting skin health at the cellular level, resulting in a longer-lasting improvement
- Targeting common signs of ageing including: skin damaged by sun exposure, wrinkles, and changes in texture and tone
- Combating causes of acne through better sebum control and cell metabolism
The diagram below shows the different layers of the skin. Each of these plays an important part in the overall appearance of the skin:
Is Obagi Nu-Derm the right product for me?
The Nu-Derm range is highly effective on a number of skin problems, including:
- Age spots (also known as liver spots)
- Melasma (also known as chloasma – brown patches on the face)
- Sallow skin (a yellowish complexion)
- Hyperpigmentation (discolouration of the skin due to an excess of melanin)
- Erythema (reddening of the skin, where injury or irritation has caused dilation of the blood capillaries)
This before and after picture is an excellent example of the product’s effects on hyperpigmentation:
The Nu-Derm skin care range is available in two formulations, one suitable for normal to dry skin, and one for normal to oily skin. The kit contains a range of products all designed to work together to improve the skin’s appearance, including cleanser, toner, corrector cream, exfoliator, skin lightener and blending cream, moisturiser, and a broad spectrum sun shield with an SPF of 50. To further enhance the effects, I also include Tretinoin (also known as Vitamin A or retinol, find out more here) and the Pro C serum, which has antioxidant properties.
In addition, three further sun-protection products are available, with SPFs ranging from 15 to 35.
As with any prescription product there are some instances where it may not be suitable – for example, if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients it contains, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. That’s why it is important to have a consultation and create a programme personalised for your needs before embarking on a new skincare regime. We will discuss all of the details and make sure that this product is right for you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information, or to book in for a consultation.
And if you want to find out more, why not take a look at this wonderful piece written by one of my clients, who kept a diary about her experience with Obagi Nu-Derm.
You can also read more about the system on the Obagi website – which includes some fantastic real life experiences from users.
