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Using Obagi to Treat Hyperpigmentation
- April 14, 2022
We love Obagi. We use Obagi. And of course we sell Obagi!
So we wanted to write about one of the common conditions that Obagi resolves, hyperpigmentation. Using Obagi to treat hyperpigmentation is considered the gold standard by dermatologists and aestheticians around the world.
First, the What & Why of Hyperpigmentation. “Hyper” means too much!
Hyperpigmentation is a common condition in which patches of skin become darker in color relative to the surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when excess melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, builds up under the skin. When you glance in the mirror and see brown spots, also known as sunspots, on your face, chest, or hands, it’s an example of hyperpigmentation. Those areas can make you feel self-conscious about your skin since they’re hard to cover with cosmetics.
Melasma is a form of Hyperpigmentation
Melasma is another form of hyperpigmentation that manifests as dark patches on the skin. This skin condition can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. Hyperpigmentation is more common in people with olive and darker skin tones since their skin produces more melanin than fair skin. Hormonal changes often trigger melasma, such as the ones that occur during pregnancy, although it can also be caused by birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.
Sun exposure is a big part of the problem
While sun exposure, acne breakouts, hormones, and genetics all contribute to hyperpigmentation, they lead to a similar outcome – dark patches and uneven skin tone that keeps your skin from looking its best. Anyone can have hyperpigmented areas but they’re more common in people who spend time in the sun. Ultraviolet light from the sun is damaging to your skin in many ways. When it strikes your skin, your skin produces more melanin to protect itself, and makes these spots more likely to appear.
Other skin damage can lead to hyperpigmentation
Anything that damages your skin can lead to hyperpigmentation. Acne for example. Some people with acne develop excess pigmentation due to inflammation that triggers the skin’s melanin response. You’re more likely to develop hyperpigmentation from acne if you had cystic acne lesions in the past. Hyperpigmentation may develop due to repeated injury to the same area of skin, such as acne, cuts, scrapes, and scratching the skin.
Skin Care Products from Obagi that will Treat Hyperpigmentation
Fortunately, there are treatments for hyperpigmentation that can lighten those darkened areas. One acclaimed treatment is Obagi’s Nu-Derm Blender and Nu-Derm Clear, products that target hyperpigmentation at the cellular level.
Obagi Nu-Derm is a proven prescription skin care formulation for treating hyperpigmentation. This clinically proven line of products contains prescription-strength 4% hydroquinone to gradually lighten skin pigmentation by blocking the production of melanin. Obagi’s expertise is their deep understanding of skin biology which allows them to deliver the right ingredients in exactly the right way to be optimally absorbed.
The key to the effectiveness of Obagi Nu-Derm Blender and Clear is the skin-lightening agent hydroquinone at a high enough concentration to lighten pigmented areas. While some patients with hyperpigmentation may see improvement with over-the-counter products like brighteners that contain vitamin C or over-the-counter concentrations of hydroquinone, hyperpigmentation, particularly melasma, is often resistant to over-the-counter products. We sell only the genuine, prescription formulation of Blender and Clear.
Why do some other products not work as well as Obagi?
The concentration of hydroquinone in these products is too low, unlike the Obagi Nu-Derm system, which contains a concentration that dermatologists recommend. With the Obagi Nu-Derm line, you will see a gradual lightening of darkened areas and a more even skin tone. It’s a dermatologist approved ingredient proven in numerous studies to lighten pigmented skin. Although it’s available by prescription, you can gain access to this effective system through an online consultation on our website.
Can't Say it Often Enough - Use Sunscreen!
When using Obagi Nu-Derm Blender and/or Clear, wear sunscreen every day. Even if you don’t burn, exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, even for a short period, can cause hyperpigmentation. By reducing melanin production, hydroquinone can lighten dark spots, but it can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Obagi offers an excellent line of sunscreens that protect your skin against the ultraviolet rays that darken and age your skin.
Obagi Medical Nu-Derm System (Complete System) has Everything you Need to Treat Hyperpigmentation
Obagi Nu-Derm is available as a complete system that target hyperpigmentation and signs of skin aging. The Obagi Nu-Derm System (commonly known as the transformation kit) includes cleanser, toner, moisturizer, exfoliator, and sunscreen. The ingredients in this line moisturize and remove dead skin cells to reveal healthier, more youthful looking skin underneath. We offer the complete systems on our website, as well as the components sold separately.
Obagi-C Rx and Obagi Tretinoin - Powerful ways to Treat Hyperpigmentation
For more focused exfoliation and rejuvenation, tretinoin is a proven ingredient for skin rejuvenation, available in the Obagi line. The Obagi-C Rx C-Clarifying Serum reduces pigmentation with the power of vitamin C and arbutin, another skin-lightening ingredient for skin. The result is skin that looks smoother and has a more even skin tone.
Remember to order these products only if you’ve been seen and advised by your dermatologist or licensed skin care professional. You should never experiment on their own skin, and we want everyone to have the best result for their unique skin’s needs. To see all of our Obagi products that can treat hyperpigmentation, click here.
Quick Links to Order the Complete Nu-Derm Rx Systems:
Quick Links to Order Blender Rx and Clear Rx:
Other Advanced Ways to Treat Hyperpigmentation without Products
Another approach to treating hyperpigmentation and skin concerns related to aging is treatments like microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma). Microneedling is a technique that creates small needle-sized punctures on the surface skin. The micro-openings allow your skin to better absorb topical serums and trigger your body’s natural wound healing properties. PRP uses your own blood plasma, which contains growth factors that repair damaged tissue and rejuvenate skin. Microneedling combined with PRP targets wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of aging skin. It has few side effects and minimal downtime and is an excellent approach to treating skin concerns related to aging.
Find out more about PRP for hyperpigmentation at our website for spa services Rejuvenate Wellness Spa, or go straight to the calendar here to schedule a consultation or appointment.
As you can see, there are treatments for unsightly hyperpigmentation. The combination of at home approaches, like Obagi Nu-Derm, and in-office treatments, like microneedling with PRP, offers synergy, so you can get more pronounced benefits and see quicker results. An esthetician can examine your skin and help you determine the best approach for your unique skin care needs.
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