Obagi Nu-Derm System

Obagi Nu-Derm is a complete skincare system that is available in the UK in two forms (Fx and Rx). It is an advanced system designed to work on all skin types and tones. The Obagi Nu-Derm skin transformation system is supposed to help correct hyperpigmentation, dark spots, melasma, smooth texture and treat the appearance of aging skin.

The Kit Includes:

• Gentle Cleanser
• Toner
• Clear
• Exfoderm
• Blender
• Obagi Hydrate
• Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum

Obagi Nu-Derm System Transforms Your Skin From the Inside Out

The Obagi Nu-Derm System helps transform your skin’s appearance. This Dermatologist recommended treatment works by evening out skin tone, smoothing texture, and treating wrinkles. The end result is supposed to be younger and healthier-looking skin. Nu-Derm is ideal if you have:

• Age spots
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Rough skin
• Erythema (redness)
• Sallowness (yellowish complexion)
• Melasma or hyperpigmentation (discolouration)

The system is available for either normal-dry or normal-oily skin. It comes in two variants. The Nu-Derm Rx (POM) is available by prescription only because it contains 4% Hydroquinone. The Nu-Derm Fx system is available over the counter and contains Arbutin. Please note, that only a medical practitioner such as a doctor or nurse can provide treatment with the Obagi Nu-Derm Rx system. They would check which (if any) is the best system and safest for your skin and provide a protocol and monitoring.

What’s the Difference Between the Obagi Nu-Derm Rx (POM) and Nu-Derm Fx Systems?

The main difference between the Obagi Nu-Derm Rx (POM) and Fx system is it contains 4% hydroquinone. This means that the Nu-Derm Rx (POM) is a prescription only system in the UK. You can treat the same skin concerns with both systems. However, the more potent hydroquinone found in the prescription system may work better in severe hyperpigmentation and for more pigmented skin tones. Patients who use the prescription system may start to see progress in as little as 6-8 weeks. The Nu-Derm Fx system contains arbutin, which is gentler and so more suitable for sensitive skin. As such, it can take as much as 24 weeks to see noticeable results.

How Should You Use the System?

Every one’s skin is different. We believe that you can get the best results out of the Obagi Nu-Derm system through a customised treatment protocol. This not only allows you to reduce the risk of irritation when you start the treatment but our doctor should adapt your routine over time to adjust to how your skin responds. Some people can also get significant benefits if integrating a retinoid like Retinol or Tretinoin into this protocol. These accelerate skin cell turnover and boost collagen production. Retinoids work synergistically with the Nu-Derm system to fade hyperpigmentation and reduce visible signs of ageing like skin laxity and fine lines. This may also help build on your results and maintain them once you have finished your Nu-Derm treatment.

Where Can I Get Obagi Nu-Derm System in the UK?

There are a couple of ways you can get Obagi Nu-Derm in the UK depending on what type of treatment you need. The most common is through a bricks and mortar aesthetic clinic. Here, after a review, they can advise whether you should its best for you and if you would benefit more from the Fx or Rx system and order it for you. Since the Obagi Nu-Derm Rx (POM) system is prescription only, this consultation would have to be done by a doctor, dentist or nurse prescriber to assess whether it is appropriate for you. You would then need to attend follow ups in clinic for them to monitor your treatment. The second is through online skin clinics which normally provide a video or form consultation with a medical practitioner. It is also possible to directly buy the Obagi Nu-Derm Fx system as this is not a prescription product. You can do this through a number of medical spas as well as online. However, you should check that they are authorised to sell Obagi products since there are many counterfeit products on the market.

Safety Guidelines for Rx System – Clear & Blender (containing 4% hydroquinone)

People who’ve previously exhibited sensitivity or allergic responses to this formulation or any of its components should not use it. In addition, the suitability of hydroquinone in pregnancy, breastfeeding or children under the age of 12 remains unconfirmed. Hence should not be used in these individuals either.

Critical Alerts:

• Avoid direct contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or lips should. If unintended contact occurs, immediately rinse the affected area with water and seek medical advice.
• Consistent sunscreen application is vital during hydroquinone treatment. This is due to the heightened melanocyte activity with even minimal sun exposure.
• This system contains sodium metabisulfite. This is a type of sulfite that can lead to allergic reactions. These might range from severe anaphylactic symptoms to milder asthmatic episodes. This reaction is more prevalent in individuals with asthma, although its overall occurrence in the population is likely rare.

Precautionary Measures (see Critical Alerts too):

It’s recommended to apply the treatment to limited skin areas initially. This is because certain users have reported temporary skin redness and a slight burning sensation. However, such reactions don’t necessarily indicate the need to halt treatment.

Potential Risks & Side-Effects:

While the Obagi Nu-Derm Rx (POM) system offers transformative results for many, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects. Inappropriate or extended use, especially without proper guidance, can lead to complications. This includes rebound hyperpigmentation, where the skin darkens beyond its original tone post-treatment. Additionally, there’s a risk of ochronosis, a rare side effect of hydroquinone that manifests as bluish-black discolouration on the skin.

Are there any Dupes or Alternatives to Obagi Nu-Derm?

Nu-Derm is one of the most famous skincare system for hyperpigmentation and skin ageing. However, it’s only available through approved providers (to stop counterfeit versions and ensure proper use). All this means that Obagi Nu-Derm can be quite expensive with kits typically costing anything from £450 upwards depending on where you buy it and if it’s the Fx or Rx version. Although there obviously aren’t any real dupes for it, you can easily find teh active ingredients it contains in a lot of other skincare products. Check out our skin ageing for some over the counter alternatives.

We used to offer Obagi Nu-Derm through our online clinic in the UK and it was great for treating hyperpigmentation and sundamage. However, as with any off-the-shelf solution, we were limited with how much we can personalise it for our patients. As such, we developed our own personalised skin ageing, melasma and hyperpigmentation treatments. These allow us to adjust the ingredients and formulations to suit the needs, goals and wishes of our patients. It also means we can provide lower cost alternatives and reduce risks by tailoring the exact preparation to our patients.