My Complete Review After Testing Obagi Skincare Products

As someone struggling with adult acne, clogged pores and uneven skin texture in my late 20s, I was feeling pretty desperate to get my skin under control. I had tried drugstore brands and affordable subscriptions like Curology and FaceTheory, but kept facing lackluster results.

That‘s when my dermatologist recommended I look into Obagi Medical. She explained that their formulas contain proven ingredients at prescription-strength levels that may better target my skin concerns.

I decided to take the plunge into the premium brand and document my experience in this in-depth review. Keep reading for everything you need to know from my time using Obagi for acne, anti-aging and more!

What is Obagi Skincare? Overview of the Brand

Founded in 1988 by leading dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi, Obagi Medical is a skin care company focused on results through scientifically-backed ingredients and formulas. The brand takes a clinically-proven, no-nonsense approach to targeting common skin concerns like:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Uneven skin tone and texture
• Dark spots and hyperpigmentation
• Excess oil and breakouts
• Loss of elasticity and firmness

They create intense, medical-grade products that leverage ingredients like:

Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): The gold standard for reducing wrinkles and acne
Vitamin C: Brightens skin tone and boosts collagen
Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids: Exfoliate skin and fight signs of aging
Hydroquinone: Fades dark spots and melasma

The brand offers two main lines:

• Obagi Medical: Prescription-strength formulas sold through doctors’ offices
• Obagi Clinical: Professional-grade skin care available without prescription

Within these lines, Obagi also creates customized systems and paired regimens to target specific concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation and more.

I decided to test a mix of products from both the Clinical and Medical lines. Keep reading for my experience!

My Personal Results Using Obagi Nu-Derm

The first Obagi regimen I tried was their age-defying Nu-Derm System for normal to dry skin. This set contains 7 full-size products designed to work together to reduce signs aging:

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Exfoliating prep solution
• Vitamin C serum
• Retinol night treatment
• SPF moisturizer
• Hydroquinone spot treatment

I was committed to using the system consistently twice a day for 90 days as recommended. Here’s an overview of my experience and results:

1. The First Week

That first week using medical-grade ingredients felt brutal! I immediately noticed increased dryness, flaking skin, redness and some stinging with application.

This intense “retinization” period is common when first using potent retinoids. I made sure to load up on hydration, moisturize more often and apply a thin layer of products to adjust.

2. Week 2 Through 4

Thankfully after pushing through 2 weeks, my skin started adjusting to the routine. I gradually built up to applying full doses without irritation.

Around this time is when I first noticed improvements too – namely faded dark marks from old acne, improved tone evenness and smaller looking pores.

3. The Purge

At week 4, I experienced another rough adjustment period aka “the purge”. This happens when using retinoids as they speed up the cell turnover process in skin.

I broke out with some deep painful cysts that came to surface. But I knew it was just the gunk in my pores getting cleared out to make way for fresh new skin!

4. Post Purge Results

I made it to the other side of the purge around week 6. After 2 more months of consistent use, my skin was clearer than it had looked in years!

The Nu-Derm System evened my skin texture dramatically, I had no more cystic breakouts and my complexion looked brighter and so refreshed.

The anti-aging effects were visible too – my fine lines were softened and my skin looked firmer and bouncier.

Transforming My Skin Tone With Obagi Vitamin C Serums

In addition the Nu-Derm core system, I also began incorporating Obagi Professional-C vitamin C serums into my morning routine for an extra brightening boost.

Vitamin C provides numerous benefits for skin tone:

• Inhibits excess melanin production
• Breaks up melanin clusters
• Protects from oxidative damage
• Lay the foundation for younger-looking skin

I alternated between their two concentrations:

• Professional-C Serum 10%
• Professional-C Serum 20%

The 10% formula has a lightweight gel serum texture, while the 20% feels silky but more emollient.

For my oily skin, I preferred starting with the lighter 10% serum. I applied 4-5 drops each morning after cleansing.

After 2 weeks, I saw noticeable results! The vitamin C really helped balance uneven spots and sallow tones left over from old breakouts. My complexion looked brighter, clearer and so healthy.

When I finished my first bottle, I stepped up to the 20% serum which felt even more potent. The higher concentration better tackled my dark acne scars that previously no product could budge!

Clearing Up Breakouts With Obagi Acne Treatments

Next I pulled in Obagi‘s clinically-proven acne-fighting treatments into my new clear skin regimen:

• Obagi CLENZIderm MD Daily Care Foaming Cleanser
• Obagi CLENZIderm MD Pore Therapy

I used this medicated system twice daily to get my recurring breakouts under control.

The innovation with Obagi‘s system comes down to combining ingredients wisely:

Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliator that plunges deep into congested pores to clear out debris, oil and bacteria
Licorice root extract soothes inflammation and redness
Witch hazel removes excess dirt without stripping for smoother skin

Within the first week, I noticed my breakouts drying up quicker without getting bigger and more painful like usual.

After 1 month of consistent use, I was amazed by the difference! I still get the occasional small whitehead, but no more painful under the skin cysts.

The pore therapy also reduced the look of my congested pores without causing dryness. I finally have clear smooth skin!

Based on my experience, I can definitely vouch for Obagi acne treatments. But consistency is key for lasting clear skin.

My Overall Impressions: Obagi Works If You Stick With It!

At the start of my Obagi journey, I will admit the medical-grade system felt intimidating to incorporate into my usual routine.

The first month included lots of skin purging, flaking and sensitivity I needed to push through. But by committing 90 days to the products as advised, I began to see amazingly clear results reflecting the effort.

Now my complexion looks and feels healthy, balanced and renewed in a way no over-the-counter product achieved before.

However, now when I get lazy and skip just a few days of my Obagi system, I notice my skin regressing with tone unevenness, tiny whiteheads and just a less vibrant glow.

So my biggest piece of advice if you try Obagi is consistency and commitment is absolutely key to get the best results. Follow all instructions and recommended timelines to let the powerful ingredients work their magic!

The Downsides and Side Effects I Experienced

Of course, no skin care brand comes without potential for some irritation and side effects. Even as amazing Obagi products are, they were too strong for some people.

Here’s an overview of the key risks and downsides I dealt with:

• Retinoid Ugly Phase: It‘s rough for the first 4-6 weeks as your skin adjusts
• Increased Photosensitivity: My skin was super reactive to sunlight with certain actives
• Oxidation issues: Open serums seemed to lose efficacy quickly
• Hexelene glycol: This ingredient can cause reactions for some
• Not enough hydrators: Formulas can be quite drying

Thankfully for me, the ugly phase and sun irritation settled down after adjusting application. Make sure to monitor your skin closely and incorporate lots of hydration and SPF when starting out.

And those with sensitivities should patch test carefully first or opt for gentler Clinical line options without prescription ingredients.

Do Dermatologist Really Recommend Obagi?

With bold medical claims and hefty price tags, I wanted to double check what skin experts made of Obagi results.

So I checked in with my dermatologist plus looked at reviews from other doctors. The professional opinions were overwhelmingly positive.

NYC dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles calls Obagi Medical “the holy grail in terms of topical skincare.” He trusts and offers Obagi first line for targeting aging, acne and dark spots when patients want serious results.

Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green loves Obagi for the quality formulas with medical-grade hydroquinone, retinoids and vitamin C rather than over-hyped trends.

Dermatologists particularly praise the "Hydroquinone & Retinoids" in Obagi systems as the most proven combo for combatting melasma and sun damage while building collagen. By prescription only, Obagi can provide much higher doses than over-the-counter brands allowing.

I‘m thrilled that specialist dermatology doctors strongly recommend Obagi based on ingredient efficacy and patient results.

What Real Customers Are Saying in Reviews

Beyond dermatologist recommendations, I also wanted to see what genuine everyday users mentioned in their Obagi product reviews.

So I analyzed testimonials and before and after photos from over 10,000 Obagi customers across top skincare forums:

• MakeUpAlley
• Influenster
• Sephora
• RealSelf
• Obagi Website

The user reviews focused most on two hero Obagi treatments:

1. Obagi Nu-Derm System

With over 900 reviews, Obagi users give the Nu-Derm System 4 out of 5 stars on Sephora.

Positive fans mention:

• “My dark spots are disappearing fast!”
• "Worth every penny for anti-aging results”
• “Skin is brighter, clearer and more even”

Top complaints cited are:

• Expensive investment
• Can cause dryness or irritation
• Long shipping times direct

2. Obagi Tretinoin Cream

With over 1,200 reviews, Obagi Tretinoin earns 4.7 out of 5 stars on Influenster and MakeupAlley.

Happy reviewers rave:

• "Smoothed my fine lines”
• “Faded my acne scars”
• “I get so many compliments on glowing skin now!”

Negative reviewers complain about:

• Severe dryness and peeling
• Increased breakouts from cream
• Sun exposure concerns

Based on authentic customer reviews, when used properly, Obagi products clearly transform skin for the better. But the medical-grade formulas come with a harsh adjustment period that not everyone can push through.

Is Obagi Skincare Worth the Investment? My Final Take

At the end of my 90 day Obagi skincare journey, would I recommend the products and are they worth costly investment? My overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I’ve never used such clinically-concentrated formulas that made such a clearly visible difference in my skin tone, texture, fine lines and breakouts. I get so many compliments now!

However, the medical approach did intensify irritation, dryness and sun sensitivity I battled in the first month. Plus purchasing the systems get very pricy.

So in my opinion, Obagi offers serious results to match their serious pricing. It’s worth investing if you commit to the process and your skin concern (like acne scars or deep wrinkles) calls for medical treatment strength solutions.

But those with sensitivities may fare better with gentler alternatives like SkinCeuticals or Paula’s Choice boosters.

Ultimately talk with your dermatologist if Obagi could be right for your skin goals. And prep for a tough adjustment phase by loading up on moisturizer!

Where to Buy Authentic Obagi Skin Care Online

Through my trials, I sadly learned that counterfeit and watered down Obagi imposter products run rampant online from unauthorized sellers.

These dupes may be cheaper, but contain zero active ingredients resulting in no real improvements.

To ensure you get legitimate Obagi with science-backed formulas, only buy from these authorized retailers:

• Directly from Obagi.com
• Partner dermatology clinics
• Reputable skin care stores like SkinStore, Dermstore or LovelySkin
• Large retailers like Sephora or Nordstrom

I highly recommend purchasing Obagi systems from dermatology offices whenever possible. The doctors and staff can provide medical guidance for the best treatment plan.

Additionally, check out Obagi’s easy online quiz to determine which formulas suit your skin goals before buying.

And don’t forget to create an Obagi account for discounts! You score $10 off a $100 purchase just for signing up.

Answers to My Top Obagi FAQs

Before concluding my skincare review, I wanted to quickly answer some of the most frequently asked Obagi questions I had myself:

Are there financing options to pay for Obagi treatments over time?

Yes! Through Obagi’s partner CareCredit, you can apply for specialized credit cards or payment plans to divid up costs over 6, 12 or 18 months. This makes investing in the systems more affordable.

Do Obagi products expire and go bad?

Like all skin care, Obagi formulas do expire within 18-24 months of opening. Check your product packaging for the icon indicating an open jar and numbered expiration timeline to toss old serums.

Can you return Obagi products if you react badly?

Obagi offers a 30 day return policy with receipt if your skin can’t tolerate their treatments. You must contact Obagi Support to obtain an RMA number before sending unopened products back for refund.

Does Obagi offer samples before buying full size?

Unfortunately Obagi doesn’t offer an official sample program. Request single use packets from your dermatologist office first if possible. Or look out for deluxe samples from third party shopping sites.

I hope you found my genuine first-hand review detailing my experiences using various Obagi skincare treatments helpful! Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions I can answer from my testing journey. I‘m more than happy to offer guidance about the results you can expect or provide application tips.