IPL vs Obagi Nu-Derm system. What should I buy and why? (photo)

Hello GB.  For sun damage, we would always a recommend a light based procedure such as IPL or q-switched lasers.  Lasers or IPL has the potential to get rid of sun damage permanently (when done well), whereas topical products like Obagi can only lighten sun spots or sun damage.  Obagi is great for Melasma or even helping the skin look refreshed (mostly the tretinoin), but Obagi cannot get rid of sun damage, it can only hide it temporarily.  In addition, we find Obagi to be a bit overpriced for the alternative.  Retin A (Tretinoin) is typically around $100 and you can get hydroquinone products in the same price range.  But with Obagi, our patients have often spent $400 previously.  

Thanks for your question.  Every dermatologist will have a different answer for you, depending on how they feel about procedures, what they offer in their office, experience level, and your overall goals.  The foundation to keeping your skin young looking are the same principals of good health for your body.  Don't smoke, keep your weight stable, wear a sunscreen with a physical or mineral based broad spectrum protection such as zinc or titanium dioxide, and be consistent with a skin care routine.  In our practice, we do both IPL and offer the ZO Skin Health products, which include products from the old Obagi line that have been re-invented to cover more issues in fewer steps.  Retin-a and hydroquinone are both standard ingredients in many of the Obagi and ZO Skin Health products, so it might be possible for you to be able to do an IPL treatment and start a more tailored product regimen within your budget.  See a reputable board-certified dermatologist with experience in the cosmetic side of dermatology and you will be in the right hands.  Best of luck!

IPL is usually a single treatment which can target existing areas of dyspigmentation. The results can be quite dramatic. Obagi is a more long term treatment plan which changes the way your skin produces and deposits pigment. The results are not so dramatic in the short term but gradually improve with time. A skin care regimen like Obagi is also more effective for keeping hyperpigmentation away. IPL does not provide any protection against future dark spots or pigment changes. You may consider an initial IPL treatment to "wipe the slate clean" and then maintain your new look with the obagi line. Hope this helps!
Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

IPL (intense pulsed light) is a great treatment option for pigmentation and redness related to sun damage and photoaging. However, a series of treatments would be required for optimal results. Of course, I would still recommend at home skincare, even if you have IPL, to optimize and preserve your results. Sun protection, antioxidants, and retinol are a must in my opinion.