The Obagi Nu-Derm Skincare System is a seven-piece skincare kit designed to treat hyperpigmentation (including melasma), uneven skin tone, age spots, and other forms of skin discoloration. It can also help smooth rough skin texture and address other signs of skin aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.
The star ingredient of the system is hydroquinone, which blocks the production of tyrosine, the enzyme necessary to make melanin.Â
There has been debate about the safety of hydroquinone, and the ingredient is banned in Australia, Japan, and Europe. However, the FDA considers it to be safe and effective and says there’s no evidence that it causes cancer in humans.Â
Obagi Nu-Derm Blender and Obagi Nu-Derm Clear, which are part of the Obagi Nu-Derm System, each contain 4% hydroquinone. A prescription is required for those two products.
However, the full system also includes these products, which don't require a prescription:
The Obagi Nu-Derm System comes in two versions—one for normal to oily skin and another for normal to dry skin. You can consult your physician to determine which is the right one for your skin type.
“By itself, Obagi Clear is no better than any other hydroquinone,” Dr. Robert Buchanan, a plastic surgeon in Highlands, North Carolina, says in a RealSelf Q&A. “However, when combined with the other ingredients in the Obagi Nu-Derm System, it is two to three times more effective in correcting pigmentary problems than anything else on the market.”
For those concerned about hydroquinone, Obagi offers the Obagi Nu-Derm FX System, which features Obagi Nu-Derm Blend FX and Obagi Nu-Derm Clear FX. Hydroquinone-free versions of the original formulas, they feature arbutin—a powerful skin brightening ingredient in its own right—as the active ingredient, as well as antioxidants and lactic acid.
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It takes about four weeks for prescription-strength hydroquinone to take full effect.Â
The Obagi Nu-Derm System has been tested for safety and efficacy only up to 24 weeks of use. If you don't see an improvement after 12 weeks, the manufacturer recommends discontinuing use.Â
At that point, you’ll want to discuss other alternative hyperpigmentation treatments, such as laser treatments, with your dermatologist.Â
After you’ve successfully completed the Obagi Nu-Derm System, you can transition to Obagi Nu-Derm Continuum, a skincare maintenance plan you develop with your doctor to maintain your results.Â
“I always use the analogy that starting a Nu-Derm kit is similar to starting a rigorous workout routine,” Dr. Denis Gonyon Jr., a plastic surgeon in Johnston, Colorado, says in a RealSelf Q&A. “There is an adjustment period in the beginning that can be hard to push through and stay motivated.” Your provider should have tips on how to ease the transition period.
In rare cases, hydroquinone can cause exogenous ochronosis, which manifests as blue-black pigmentation. This is typically due to long-term application of hydroquinone. For that reason, you should not use the ingredient for more than five months at a time.
The price you pay will depend on how much your provider charges for the prescription products, as well as how many complementary products you purchase.
Updated June 13, 2023