The Obagi Best Sellers, Ranked by What They Fix
Obagi is a brand with a reputation. It's the med-spa staple you never knew you needed until you walked into the counter, because it has enough treatments to keep even an enthusiastic newbie lost for days. But when it comes to the Obagi best sellers, it helps to stop thinking about popularity and focus on what you actually need: the concern that requires attention. Below, find a roundup tailored to your skin, from spots to sallow skin and more.
A brief word on what makes Obagi medical-grade: these treatments usually deliver much higher concentrations of active ingredients than your drugstore staples, which means their effects are potent and noticeable, but also require some caution and patience when integrating them into your routine. More on that elsewhere.
1. Dark spots and uneven tone
When it comes to dark spots, Obagi has the best spot treatment. The Nu-Derm Clear is a hydroquinone-based serum that specifically targets melasma, sun damage, and age spots. Its 4 percent concentration is a powerful inhibitor of melanin production, reducing the appearance of spots.
While hydroquinone is an extremely effective skin-lightening ingredient, it has a controversial reputation due to potential health implications of frequent use. It's best to consult a medical professional before using hydroquinone-based treatments, as they often recommend a cycle of use followed by a break. For a milder alternative to hydroquinone, the Nu-Derm Clear Fx uses arbutin and an antioxidant complex to gradually reduce the appearance of spots and even out the tone.
2. Dullness and antioxidants
When it comes to dull skin, vitamin C is your best friend. The Professional-C Serum 20% delivers on the high hopes with a top concentration of L-ascorbic acid. It gently yet effectively lightens the tone while protecting the skin from blue light and sun damage that makes the skin look tired and worn.
It's not the beginner-friendly serum, but the 10% Professional-C Serum still lives up to the same promises at a lower concentration. Either way, you should reserve it for mornings, as vitamin C's brightening effects are perfect under a moisturizer and sunscreen but not sufficient enough to replace them.
3. Fine lines and rough texture
The skin's texture is a notoriously difficult concern – but the Obagi Retinol Cream promises to smooth the appearance of fine lines and rough patches without the scary side effects of traditional retinoids. Encapsulated in a timed-release complex, its retinol derivatives gently exfoliate the top layer of skin, accelerating cell turnover every evening for visibly refined pores and a softer complexion.
The obvious side note to Retinol is to use it in moderation – start with a couple of nights per week and allow your skin to adjust to the new product. Also, remember to wear sunscreen every morning, whether you use Retinol or not; topicals make your skin sensitive to UV light. You may want to use a hyaluronic acid serum for extra moisture if you have a dry complexion.
4. Lack of firmness and elasticity
The ELASTIderm Facial Serum is a daily moisturizer and serum hybrid that promises to restore the elasticity of mature or dry skin. Its special Bi-Mineral Contour Complex visibly lifts the sagging skin, giving the face a more contoured and youthful appearance. As a gentle alternative to facial fillers, the ELASTIderm Advanced Filler Concentrate is a thicker-consistency serum that should be applied to the fine lines and wrinkles with a special topically applied tool.
5. What no one will tell you about Obagi products
Unless you're using some of the Obagi cleansers, which are mild enough to remove all traces of makeup without stripping the skin, none of the above products will be truly effective. The Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser is a great pick for most skin types. After cleansing, use your favorite Obagi moisturizer and finish the routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen – it is non-negotiable when using any topical treatments, so you should never skip it.
How to proceed from here
You probably don't need every single item on this list, and it's best to start with one particular concern that bothers you the most. Pick a cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen – those are the staples that let you use your Obagi treatments. Give it some time (roughly six weeks) before deciding if it has a noticeable effect or not. You may want to introduce another topical serum for fine lines and wrinkles or a vitamin C booster if the initial treatment didn't affect your concern.
Remember that most ingredients need some time to adjust to your skin, so if you feel uncomfortable, you can always consult a dermatologist about your concerns. This is especially important if you want to try more aggressive treatments such as hydroquinone, which only a professional can recommend.
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