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.” - Dr Warden
What’s Inside An 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)– with 7% arbutin.
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 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.
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.
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.
The system is ideal for people in Hale, Altrincham, Bowdon, Wilmslow and Alderley Edge with sun damage, melasma, age spots, dull or uneven skin tone.
There is often some redness, dryness and flaking at first – this is expected and monitored, not a “bad reaction”.
Product choice (Rx vs Fx, Exfoderm vs Exfoderm Forte, retinol strength, etc.) is always decided during a medical skin consultation, not self-selected online.
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.
| Timeframe | What Your Skin Is Doing |
|---|---|
| 1–6 weeks | Exfoliation & resurfacing |
| 6–12 weeks | Brightening & clearing |
| 12–24 weeks | Tightening & collagen rebuilding |
| Ongoing | Maintenance & protection |
Why I Recommend Obagi Nu-Derm at My Doctor-led Aesthetic 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.
Start Your Skin Transformation
Nu-Derm requires a prescription and medical assessment to ensure it is safe and tailored to your needs.
👉 Book a skincare consultation
Book in for a Consultation
at your local, doctor-led, sister-run skin & aesthetics sanctuary for natural, bespoke results
Dr Caroline Warden is an experienced NHS GP and aesthetic doctor. She has been a medical doctor for over 18 years. She runs the female-led family business with her sister Louise Devereux (creative director & patient co-ordinator)
Their main Skin and Aesthetic Clinic is located in Hale, Cheshire but they also run a pop-up clinic in Disley, Stockport one evening a week.
You will only ever see and have treatments with Dr Caroline Warden.
Whether you're new to aesthetic treatments or ready to refine your routine, her bespoke skin assessments are the best place to start. Dr Caroline Warden will design a tailored plan based on your skin goals, lifestyle, and timeline.
Book your consultation at the clinic in Hale, Cheshire and experience aesthetic medicine.
You’ll be guided through your medical history, goals, and expectations so you can make an informed choice.
Where our clinics are local to:
Our flagship main Hale clinic is conveniently located for patients travelling from:
Alderley Edge, Altrincham, Bowdon, Bramhall, Hale Barns, Knutsford, Manchester, Mobberley, Sale, Timperley, Urmston, Wilmslow, Handforth, Poynton, Cheadle, Didsbury and Warrington.
Our satellite Disley clinic (Thursday evenings at Scott, Skin & Co) is ideal if you’re based in:
New Mills, High Lane, Marple, Mellor, Whaley Bridge, Strines, Chapel, Hayfield or Stockport.
Obagi Nu-Derm FAQ – Dr Caroline Warden Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, Hale
What is the Obagi Nu-Derm System?
Obagi Nu-Derm is a medical-grade skincare system used by doctors designed to transform the appearance of skin that’s been damaged by sun, ageing, hormones or acne. It uses a set of carefully layered products (cleanser, toner, pigment correctors, exfoliant, moisturiser and SPF) to dramatically increase cell turnover, fade pigmentation and improve overall texture and tone.
What skin concerns can Obagi Nu-Derm help with?
Nu-Derm is especially effective for sun damage, age spots, melasma, post-inflammatory marks from acne, uneven skin tone, dullness and early fine lines and wrinkles. Many of my patients from Hale, Altrincham, Bowdon, Wilmslow and Alderley Edge choose Nu-Derm when they want a more complete, medical approach to pigmentation and skin quality.
How does the Obagi Nu-Derm System work?
Nu-Derm works by speeding up cell turnover and reducing excess melanin in the skin. The system exfoliates away dull, damaged surface cells while brightening creams target uneven pigmentation, and daily SPF protects against new damage. Over time, this helps your skin behave more like healthy, younger skin – clearer, smoother and more even in tone.
What is the difference between Obagi Nu-Derm and Nu-Derm Fx?
The main difference is the pigment-correcting ingredient. The classic Nu-Derm “Rx” system uses prescription-only 4% hydroquinone in products like Clear and Blender, whereas the Nu-Derm Fx system swaps hydroquinone for arbutin, a non-prescription, nature-identical brightening agent. Both ranges target pigmentation; the hydroquinone system is stronger and usually gives faster results, while Fx is a gentler, hydroquinone-free alternative.
Is Obagi Nu-Derm prescription-only?
Some parts of the Nu-Derm range are prescription-only (the hydroquinone-based products), and some are non-prescription (such as the Fx brightening creams and support products like cleanser, toner, Hydrate and SPF). In clinic, I’ll advise whether the prescription system, the Fx system or a combination is safest and most effective for your skin.
How long does it take to see results with Obagi Nu-Derm?
Most people start to notice improvements within 4–6 weeks, as the old, dull top layer sheds and the skin begins to look clearer and smoother. Results then build over several months: pigmentation gradually fades, skin tone becomes more even and texture improves. Full “transformation” typically takes 3–6 months, followed by a lighter maintenance phase to keep results.
What does the Obagi Nu-Derm journey feel like? Will my skin peel?
In the early weeks, it’s normal to experience redness, dryness, tightness and flaking or peeling as cell turnover increases – this is sometimes called the “Obagi glow” phase. Not everyone peels visibly, and that doesn’t mean it isn’t working; some people simply shed more skin during cleansing and towel-drying. I review you regularly and adjust usage so your skin stays safe and tolerably comfortable while still progressing.
Who is a good candidate for Obagi Nu-Derm?
You may be a good candidate if you’re concerned about sun damage, pigmentation, melasma, age spots, uneven tone, texture or adult acne, and you’re ready to commit to a structured routine. At my Hale clinic I’ll always check your medical history, current skincare, lifestyle and any in-clinic treatments (such as microneedling, peels or injectables) before recommending Nu-Derm, so we know it’s appropriate and safe for you.
Can I use Obagi Nu-Derm with other treatments like microneedling, peels or injectables?
Yes – in many cases Nu-Derm combines beautifully with in-clinic treatments such as microneedling with exosomes, chemical peels and skin boosters at my Hale clinic, as well as injectables in Hale or Disley. The timing and strength of your Obagi routine may need to be adjusted around treatment dates to keep your skin barrier protected, so this is always planned as part of your personalised treatment plan.
Do I have to use every single product in the Obagi Nu-Derm kit?
The classic protocol uses the full system for best results, but I will sometimes tailor or stage products depending on your skin type, sensitivity and lifestyle. For example, I may delay stronger actives or modify how often you use exfoliants or retinoids at first. The key is a routine that is effective, medically safe and realistic for you to follow every day.
Is Obagi Nu-Derm safe for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin?
Nu-Derm can be used cautiously on more reactive skin, but it needs careful medical supervision and sometimes alternative products or a slower intro are better choices – especially in rosacea or eczema-prone skin. During your consultation in Hale, i’ll examine your skin, talk about flares and triggers and decide whether Nu-Derm, Nu-Derm Fx or a barrier-repair-first approach is the safest route.
How long do I need to stay on Obagi Nu-Derm?
Think of Nu-Derm in two phases:
1. Intensive transformation (around 3–6+ months) – we use the system consistently to actively correct pigmentation and damage.
2. Maintenance – once we’ve achieved clearer, more even skin, we usually move to a gentler, long-term routine using some Obagi products alongside other medical-grade skincare, plus strict SPF to protect your results.
Why should I get Obagi Nu-Derm from a doctor in Hale rather than buying online?
Because Nu-Derm is powerful, you’ll get far better and safer results when it’s prescribed, monitored and adjusted by a medical professional who knows your skin. At my doctor-led clinic in Hale, Altrincham/South Manchester, your Obagi plan is part of a wider skin strategy – including lifestyle, home care and any in-clinic treatments – rather than a box of products you’re left to figure out alone.