Obagi Nu-Derm System

Obagi is one of those luxury beauty brands I’ve used for a long time, and in spite of all the product testing I get to do, I usually have something from its lineup in my beauty cabinet. Its Nu-Derm System kits are one, for good reason.

• What Is It: A complete skin care system.
• Why buy: The kit comes with four full size essential Obagi products and a smart toiletries bag.
• The Details: Obagi Nu-Derm System costs rrp $229.80 and comes in two types - normal to dry and normal to oily, available from www.obagi.net.au and from cosmetic clinics, dermatologists and plastic surgeons nationally.

Road Test

Dating back to 1988, Obagi is a clinical skin care line specifically designed to treat a variety of skin problems and conditions from dry or oily, to acne and sensitivity. Although they have a high price point, its products are top quality, they are sold by skin care professionals, and they do what they promise. Just think of a product you enjoy using every day, whether it’s a creamy cleanser or a powerful retinol serum, and Obagi will have it. In recent years, however, Obagi has put together Nu-Derm Systems to take some of the guess work out of what you should be using on a day-to-day basis. Containing four essential products, they’re great for newcomers to the brand, or as maintenance for anyone who has been through Obagi prescription treatment. But they’re also ideal for travellers to take with them on the road. There are two kits, each of which contain four key products to use in a four-step skin care program - normal to dry, and normal to oily - and I was sent a normal to dry to road test. First up is Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser, which is designed to cleanse and sooth the skin twice a day, and has a luxurious formula leaving it feeling soft and comfortable, which is great for dry or sensitive skin. To use, simply apply to a damp face with moistened fingertips, massage in gently and rinse off. Obagi recommends that only lukewarm or cool water should be used with its cleansers, as hot water can stimulate oil secretion in oily skin or dry out and irritate the skin. The skin should also not be rubbed hard with a towel to dry off. 

Next in the system lineup is Nu-Derm Toner, which you can apply with a cotton ball or your fingertips, and which is non-drying, it aids the pH balance of your skin, and it preps your skin for better absorption of your serum and moisturiser - this is also used twice a day. Exfoderm is unique to this kit, and a lightweight lotion which gently exfoliates the skin over time to give you smoother, brighter complexion. The formula contains phytic acid, which is more gentle than AHAs to exfoliate, and has a soothing base to smooth and tone rough or damaged skin. Exfoderm is ideal for dry, thin, or sensitive skin, and should be used  in the morning, however if you’ve had your skin analysed by an Obagi professional you may be able use it more frequently. The final step in this four step program is Hydrate, a lovely, hydrating moisturiser which soothes the skin especially any areas which are dry or tight. It’s non-comedogenic, it provides up to eight hours of moisturisation, and has a lineup of proven ingredients to combat skin dryness including shea butter, mango butter, and avocado oil. These Obagi kits are ideal for use at home or on the road, and a little goes a long way, so don’t be put off by the price tag, and you can buy the same products individually if desired. They say that you get what you pay for, and this can be true of many skin care products, so if you’re getting serious about your skin, and any specific issues, these kits are a great way to start tackling them.

UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves 

• The products do what they promise.
• A little goes a long way with Obagi.
• They are great for maintaining your skin after Obagi prescription treatment.
• The toiletries bag is made from faux leather and very useful.