The Obagi Nu Derm System
Obagi Nu-Derm System: Transformative Results for Ageing, Pigmented & Sun-Damaged Skin
The Obagi Nu-Derm System is one of (if not) the most powerful and clinically proven medical-grade skincare programmes available for transforming the health, clarity and structure of the skin.
Designed to address moderate to severe signs of ageing and pigmentation, it works at a cellular level to repair and normalise skin function, delivering dramatic, long-lasting improvement.
Unlike cosmetic skincare, which only treats the surface, Obagi Nu-Derm is engineered to penetrate deep into the dermis, stimulating skin renewal and correcting skin damage from within.
It is considered the gold standard in clinical skincare for achieving clearer, brighter, firmer and more even-toned skin.
Why i’m so obsessed with Obagi Nu-Derm System as a doctor?
'“I have been on the nu derm system myself and see firsthand the incredible results. It feels almost like witchcraft!”- Dr Caroline Warden
The system is unique because it does three essential things simultaneously:
1. Reprograms skin cell turnover
It speeds up the skin’s natural renewal cycle, removing old, damaged cells and replacing them with healthier, more resilient new skin.
2. Targets pigmentation at its source
It works on the melanocyte level to suppress excess melanin production, fading melasma, sun spots, age spots and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
3. Restores skin structure
By stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, it improves firmness, elasticity and fine lines, giving the skin a stronger, smoother, more youthful foundation.
Who Is Obagi Nu-Derm System For?
Ideal for those experiencing:
* Uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation
* Sun damage or age spots
* Dull, tired skin
* Fine lines and wrinkles
* Loss of firmness or elasticity
* Texture irregularities
* Melasma or post-inflammatory dark marks
* Overall skin ageing
It’s especially life-changing for patients feeling their skin has visibly aged quickly due to sun exposure, pregnancy, stress or menopause.
What’s Inside actual Nu Derm System?
Obagi Nu-Derm is a structured, 7-step medical skincare system I use in clinic to target sun damage, pigmentation, dullness and early ageing.
There are two main versions: the classic prescription Nu-Derm (with hydroquinone) and the Nu-Derm Fx (non-prescription, using arbutin instead). Both use the same “backbone” of products. The later is more gentle and used on sensitive/rosacea skin types.
1. Cleanser – Foaming Gel or Gentle Cleanser
This is your first step morning and night. The Foaming Gel is designed for normal to oily*skin, while the Gentle Cleanser suits normal to dry or more sensitive skin. Both remove make-up, SPF, pollution and excess oil without stripping the barrier, leaving the skin ready to absorb the active ingredients that follow.
2. Toner
The Nu-Derm Toner helps to rebalance the skin’s pH after cleansing and removes any residue left on the surface. Unlike old-fashioned toners, it’s alcohol-free and non-drying. By very gently preparing the skin, it allows the brightening and exfoliating steps to work more evenly and effectively
3. Clear / Clear Fx – daytime pigment brightener
This is one of the key pigment-suppressing products in the system.
Clear (Rx) – prescription version containing hydroquinone, a powerful ingredient that interferes with melanin production and helps lift stubborn pigmentation such as melasma and sun spots.
Clear Fx (non-prescription) – uses arbutin, a nature-identical brightening ingredient and antioxidant that helps even out skin tone more gently over time.
Both are used regularly to fade dark spots, smooth out patchy colour and brighten the overall complexion
4. Exfoderm / Exfoderm Forte – controlled exfoliation
This step is your chemical exfoliant
*Exfoderm – formulated for normal to dry skin; uses ingredients like phytic acid to gently break down the “glue” between dead skin cells.
Exfoderm Forte – a stronger option for normal to oily skin, containing glycolic and lactic acids to increase cell turnover more actively.
The aim is not to make you peel aggressively, but to gradually shed damaged, dull surface cells, allowing fresher, more even skin to come through and making the pigment creams and retinoids work better.
5. Blend / Blend Fx – night-time pigment & retinoid partner
Blend (or Blend Fx) is used in the evening, mixed with a prescription retinoid called tretinoin or Obagi Retinol, depending on your protocol.
Blend (Rx) – contains hydroquinone and is used at night to continue suppressing stubborn pigmentation while you sleep.
Blend Fx (non-prescription)– hydroquinone-free, with 7% arbutin plus antioxidants like vitamins C and E to brighten, support collagen and tackle sun damage more gently.
Think of this step as your deep-treatment night cream for uneven skin tone, sun damage and residual acne marks.
6. Hydrate – barrier support moisturiser
Obagi Hydrate is an award winning light but long-lasting moisturiser designed to support the skin barrier during the transformation process. The moisturiser also contains Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Avocado Oil and Glycerine to nourish and help maintain soft, smooth skin.
his is especially important when you’re also using acids and retinoids, as it helps keep the skin comfortable and resilient without clogging pores.
### 7. Sun Shield SPF 50 – daily sun protection
High-factor, broad-spectrum SPF is **non-negotiable** with Nu-Derm. The Sun Shield SPF 50 (available in mineral or matte formulations) protects against **UVA and UVB** – crucial when you’re brightening pigmentation and exfoliating the skin, as untreated sun exposure will bring the pigment straight back. ([Obagi][4])
Used daily, this step helps **lock in your results**, prevent new sun spots and keep your skin calmer and less inflamed over the long term.
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### How it all fits together in real life
In clinic, I build a personalised Nu-Derm or Nu-Derm Fx plan for each patient – usually used **morning and night for several months**, then adjusted into a maintenance routine once your skin has improved. You can explain on your site that:
* The system is ideal for people in **Hale, Altrincham, Bowdon, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Stockport and Disley** with **sun damage, melasma, age spots, dull or uneven skin tone**. ([| Obagi Medical][1])
* There may be some **redness, dryness and flaking** at first – this is expected and monitored, not a “bad reaction”. ([City Skin Clinic][3])
* Product choice (Rx vs Fx, Exfoderm vs Exfoderm Forte, retinol strength, etc.) is always **decided during a medical skin consultation**, not self-selected online.
If you’d like, I can now turn this into a polished **“Obagi Nu-Derm in Hale”** landing section, written in your clinic voice, with headings, FAQs and a call-to-action you can paste straight onto your website.
[1]: https://obagiuk.com/product/nu-derm-fx-systems?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Nu-Derm Fx™ Systems for Younger Skin - Obagi Medical"
[2]: https://www.peoniamedical.co.uk/product/obagi-nu-derm-fx-system-normal-to-dry/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Obagi Nu-Derm Fx® System – Normal to Dry"
[3]: https://cityskinclinic.com/guides/obagi-nu-derm-system/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Obagi Nu Derm System Guide"
[4]: https://www.obagi.com/products/obagi-nu-derm-fx-system-normal-to-dry?srsltid=AfmBOopqg_bGiFhFGnvc8QhBjUnGRF5_EP1hzEYe0XXy69P4H_uenqxM&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Skin-brightening System for Normal to Dry Skin"
[5]: https://cosmeticalondon.co.uk/product/obagi-nu%E2%80%90derm-fx-skin-transformation-system-normal-to-oily/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Obagi Nu-Derm Fx Skin Transformation System Normal to ..."
[6]: https://www.skinstation.co.uk/obagi-blend-fx-non-prescription-57g?srsltid=AfmBOopZFtHcvsQesBl5Mw8kd9KLXIPYvI3xHRLtxif7RDVIBzvPHEtX&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Obagi Nu-Derm Blend Fx (Non Prescription) 57g"
| 1–6 weeks | exfoliation & resurfacing |
| 6–12 weeks | brightening & clearing |
| 12–24 weeks | tightening &
collagen rebuilding |
| Ongoing | maintenance & protection |
Real, Visible Transformation
With consistent use, Nu-Derm delivers:
✨ Brighter, more even skin tone
✨ Faded pigmentation & melasma
✨ Reduced fine lines & wrinkles
✨ Smoother, firmer texture
✨ Smaller-looking pores
✨ Healthier, stronger & more resilient skin
✨ A radiant, youthful glow
Most people start to see improvement within 6–8 weeks, with full transformation taking around 18–24 weeks.
Why We Recommend Obagi Nu-Derm at Our Clinic
At Dr Caroline Warden Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, we specialise in evidence-based skincare and regenerative treatments. Nu-Derm is one of our most prescribed skin programmes because it:
* Treats the root cause of ageing* not just the symptoms
* Creates results close to a chemical peel or laser resurfacing, but through skincare alone
* Provides long-term improvement rather than temporary masking
* Is fully customisable for different skin types and skin journeys
* Works incredibly well when combined with injectable skin regeneration (e.g. polynucleotides, microneedling, Profhilo)
> *It is the closest thing to resetting your skin to a younger, healthier version of itself.
