Founded in 1988, the name Obagi Medical has since been synonymous with standout skincare products that deliver proven, transformative, and long-lasting results. As one of the pioneers of medical-grade skincare, Obagi shows no signs of slowing down and continues to produce unique professional-strength skincare systems that make youthful and healthy-looking skin within reach. This dermatologist-favorite brand truly has something for every complexion concern—from signs of aging to acne to uneven pigmentation—and for every skin type. Taking inclusivity to heart, Obagi is the first professional skincare brand to design its clinical research protocols to cover all six Fitzpatrick spectrum skin tones. The Fitzpatrick Skin Spectrum is a scientific classification that determines skin types based on their response to sun exposure and the amount of pigment in the skin. By ensuring that each Obagi product delivers optimal results regardless of skin type and skin tone, you can trust that these skincare heroes will work for your skin and specific concerns. If you’ve been wanting to try Obagi’s top-of-the-line skincare systems but don’t know where to start, don’t fret. Below, we list the best Obagi products for all your skincare needs. Table of Contents: What is Obagi Medical? How to Find the Right Obagi Product for Every Skin Concern The Bottom Line What is Obagi Medical? As a brand, Obagi is known for breakthrough innovations and committing itself to the highest standards of skincare, ultimately raising the bar for the entire skincare industry. Its superior, science-backed, and pharmaceutical-grade products are formulated with nothing but the purest, most effective, and most potent ingredients. Each product the brand puts out has undergone rigorous testing and comprehensive clinical trials at every stage of the development process, from pre-clinical evaluation to consumer preference and usage. This battery of tests is designed to uphold the brand’s three tenets of product standards—Integrity, Safety, and Efficacy—so you can be sure that every moisturizer, serum, or treatment has been tried and tested to work and deliver maximum benefits for every skin type, tone, or concern. While the brand stays on top of skincare development and utilizes cutting-edge technology, Obagi eschews fads and trends, focusing instead on creating timeless skincare systems with solid scientific foundation and support. This results in a wide range of skincare systems that are stellar not only in quality but also in providing reliable, long-term solutions even for the most stubborn skin concerns like photodamage, acne, and premature skin aging. How to Find the Right Obagi Product for Every Skin Concern Obagi understands how skin biology works at the cellular level, making it possible for the brand to craft the most impactful and targeted products that not only correct and prevent skin concerns but also unleash the skin’s full potential while equipping it with all the essentials. Featuring powerful, no-fillers formulas backed by skincare science and innovation, Obagi’s inclusive products—including treatments, cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, masks, eye care, and body care—offer targeted and straightforward solutions for every skin concern, such as acne, discoloration, dryness, and premature aging. Below is a guide on the best Obagi products for your specific skin concerns. For fine lines and wrinkles Sun damage is the number one culprit behind premature skin aging, so it only makes sense to start off your Obagi anti-aging skincare routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen like the Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35. Aside from having the right SPF protection for daily use, this sunscreen filters UVA and UVB rays that cause surface and cellular-level damage to your skin. But that’s not all. This lightweight UV shield is also infused with brightening and free radicals-fighting ingredients that help stop pigmentation right on its track and add a much-needed layer of protection against environmental stressors as you go about your day. Another standout when it comes to addressing premature signs of aging is Obagi’s ELASTIderm system. The ELASTIderm Eye Cream is clinically proven to dramatically reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, lines, and wrinkles around the eyes, thanks to its highly advanced blend of ingredients that takes advantage of the body’s natural skin renewal process. Use it in tandem with ELASTIderm Facial Serum, powered by the brand’s Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™, which supports skin elasticity, restores firmness, and improves the appearance of crepey skin. For unwanted lines in your neck and chest area, Obagi has the answer: ELASTIderm Neck and Decollette Concentrate. With this anti-aging solution, you can say goodbye to sagging skin, uneven skin tone, horizontal lines, and creases. Finally, no skincare regimen is complete without a retinoid, and Obagi’s Retinol 1.0 lets you reap the benefits of this anti-aging MVP regardless of your skin type. Also infused with jojoba oil, shea butter, and vitamins C and E, Retinol 1.0 offers a potent dose of retinol for those whose skin has already adapted well to retinoids. (It also comes in a 0.5 strength, which is ideal for retinol newbies or those with sensitive skin.) Aside from increasing collagen production and hastening cell turnover, this serum works hard in improving tone and texture, diminishing dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and promoting firmness and elasticity. For hyperpigmentation and dark spots One way to prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation is by using adequate sun protection. However, existing discoloration can be tricky to remove without the right treatment. To refine skin discoloration with Obagi, it’s a must to have Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 15% in your skincare arsenal. Infused with L-ascorbic acid, the most effective and only suitable form of vitamin C for topical application, it penetrates deep into your skin to deliver antioxidant protection against UV damage while brightening hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, the Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish Mask is a brightening face mask that sloughs away dead skin cells that dull your complexion, improves texture, and minimizes hyperpigmentation and fine lines. If you’re dealing with stubborn hyperpigmentation, then Obagi’s Nu-Derm System for normal to dry skin and normal to oily skin is for you. The Nu-Derm System’s star ingredient is seven percent arbutin, a powerful brightening ingredient that works by inhibiting the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase without the known side effects associated with hydroquinone. For your nighttime routine, opt for the Obagi Medical Nu-Derm Blend Fx. This professional-strength, antioxidant- and lactic acid-packed, and hydroquinone-free brightening treatment comes with a richer and thicker formula that works on different layers of hyperpigmentation while enhancing the benefits of other products. Meanwhile, Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Fx is a powerful, clarifying, hydroquinone-free formula designed for day and night use to minimize the appearance of discoloration, including those hard-to-budge concerns, such as melasma, dark spots, and post-breakout blemishes. Best Obagi Products for Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots Restore your complexion’s tone, texture, and radiance with these discoloration-diminishing products from Obagi For acne-prone skin Dealing with a breakout is the quickest way to dampen one’s confidence, which is why it’s important to find skincare products that will safely and effectively prevent your skin from being overrun by the most common causes of acne: bacteria, excess oil production, and clogged pores. So, how do you deal with breakouts, blemishes, and acne that won’t go away? With Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System. Infused with glycerin and two percent salicylic acid, Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Pore Therapy features a medicated formula that neutralizes acne-causing bacteria, clears pores of dirt and debris, controls sebum production, and helps calm irritation and inflammation. The CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Moisturizer further enhances your skin’s protection against acne, makeup, and environmental stressors while adding a shot of long-lasting hydration to parched and congested skin. As far as acne treatment is concerned, you can’t go wrong with CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion. This intensive moisturizer features five percent benzoyl peroxide and two percent SoluZyl Technology that work together in fighting off bacteria and preventing infection without drying out your skin and triggering excess oil production. For on-the-go acne protection, make sure to always keep the Acne Cleansing Wipes within reach. These disposable wipes are infused with witch hazel, two percent salicylic acid, aloe vera, and citrus bioflavonoids to quickly cleanse and refresh your skin while helping calm inflammation. And if you’re looking for a sunscreen that won’t add slick and shine to skin that’s already struggling to keep oil under control, then look no further than Obagi Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50. This high SPF sunscreen not only delivers protection from both UVA and UVB rays, but it’s also infused with antioxidants that help rejuvenate, brighten, and protect the skin. The best part? It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves your skin with a smooth, non-greasy finish. The Bottom Line For over three decades, Obagi Medical has consistently earned the praise and approval of dermatologists, skincare professionals, and celebrities. That’s no surprise considering the brand’s medical-grade formulations continue to lead the industry and set the standard for top-grade skincare solutions that produce visible, long-lasting, and comprehensive results. Obagi’s skincare systems promise to transform your skin—no matter your skin type, skin tone, or concern—and that commitment is something the brand has unwaveringly proven and continues to uphold across all its products and skincare systems. With Obagi’s targeted solutions, you’re setting your skin up for success and ensuring you maintain and preserve your youthful, healthy-looking, and radiant complexion.

Picking out a product that’s specially formulated for your skin type is one thing, but making sure it also addresses the specific concerns of your skin tone is another. This is particularly true for those with melanated-skin as deeper complexions can have unique needs that require extra care and attention. For one, although melanin-rich skin is not as susceptible to early signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, it’s more prone to hyperpigmentation and discoloration. So, how do you pick out the best skincare products for melanated-skin? We break down everything you need to know, below. Table of Contents: Understanding Melanin-Rich Skin Key Considerations for Melanin-Rich Skin The Bottom Line Shop Top Skin Care Products for Melanin-Rich Skin Understanding Melanin-Rich Skin Before we dive into the importance of choosing skincare products for melanated-skin, it’s crucial that we first understand how a deeper complexion is different from other skin tones. The skin’s surface contains pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, which produce melanin that gives the skin its color. The more melanin is produced, the deeper the complexion becomes—as is the case with melanated-skin, or those that fall under Types IV–VI of the Fitzpatrick Scale. Aside from giving the skin its unique tone, melanin also acts as a protective buffer against the sun’s harmful rays. In one study, researchers found that melanated-skin sustains lesser UV-induced DNA damage than lighter skin tones and is also more efficient at ridding the skin of damaged cells, lowering the risk of skin cancer. This is one reason melanin-rich skin doesn’t display signs of aging at the same rate as lighter skin tones, with some studies showing that deeper complexions appear smoother and firmer. But just as melanin-rich skin has its own unique benefits, it also comes with a few skin-tone-specific concerns, particularly hyperpigmentation and discoloration. “Skin that is melanated has a lower incidence of skin cancers because the increased levels of melanin and larger melanosomes lead to better photoprotection. However, with more melanin, people of color have more post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after trauma and inflammatory conditions like eczema, acne, and other rashes,” explains Kemunto Mokaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston, TX. Redness from sensitivity and inflammatory skin conditions is also trickier to spot in melanated-skin, says Dr. Mokaya, and is often misdiagnosed as it can present as brown, purple, or gray patches. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, this can cause more pigmentation and discoloration issues for the skin, causing uneven skin tone. Additionally, melanated-skin tends to be on the oilier side due to having a larger pore size compared to lighter skin tones. Overactive oil glands make the skin more likely to experience breakouts, which, in turn, leave marks and blemishes that can appear darker and last longer in deeper skin tones. Key Considerations for Melanin-Rich Skin While melanated-skin offers some form of built-in protection against UV rays, this doesn’t make skin of color immune to photodamage. These include signs of aging, such as sun spots or lentigines, loss of firmness, redness, and uneven texture. In the case of melanin-rich skin, Dr. Mokaya says, “Sun protection is vital in preventing premature aging, and despite melanin, people with skin of color should still use sunscreen and practice other sun protective measures.” This means applying (and reapplying) a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that can shield the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Another way to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation in melanated-skin is by paying closer attention to the skin’s natural barrier. “We know that in the case of melanated-skin, a strong skin barrier will not only protect the skin from wrinkles as it does in all skin types, but also from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” explains San Francisco-based doctor of internal medicine Simran Sethi, MD, founder and medical director of RenewMD Beauty & Wellness. To help strengthen your skin barrier, Dr. Sethi recommends turning to ingredients that support skin cell regeneration and barrier repair. “Retinol increases cell turnover rate, which will repair fine lines and pigment. Using a lipid-rich moisturizer with it ensures the skin’s lipid barrier is maintained and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is avoided. And if you’re considering adding skin-brightening ingredients to your routine to help address discoloration, Dr. Sethi says to proceed with caution, adding that it’s best to steer clear of bleaching ingredients that focus on reducing your skin’s melanocytes. “Bleaching ingredients, or hydroquinone, can increase inflammation and result in more hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Sethi. “For darker skin tones, I would recommend avoiding bleaching agents unless you are under the supervision of a physician and limiting the use of chemical exfoliants and face scrubs to twice a week.” Instead, opt for skin-brightening and antioxidant-rich ingredients that encourage cell renewal and prevent UV-induced free radical damage without disrupting your skin’s natural flora and triggering other skin conditions. “These include retinol, vitamin C, and non-hydroquinone lighteners like daisy flower extract, as well as components that improve the skin’s hydration and oil production and properly cleanse the skin to allow for better product absorption,” adds San Diego-based facial plastic surgeon Amir Karam, MD. In fact, hydration is crucial for melanin-rich skin that is oily and acne-prone. “Melanin skin that is acne-prone and oily will get more pigmented and oilier if it is over-dried. When dark skin gets too dry, it stimulates increased pigmentation and even more oil as the skin’s goal is to always maintain a strong lipid barrier,” explains Dr. Sethi. To keep your skin hydrated while preventing acne and inflammation, Dr. Sethi recommends gentle antioxidants and powerful hydrators like green tea and hyaluronic acid. The Bottom Line While melanin-rich skin is inherently less susceptible to early signs of aging and sun damage, it also comes with its own unique needs. Hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and dark spots are some of the most common skin concerns, regardless of skin type, but these tend to appear more pronounced and last longer in deeper skin tones. When it comes to pampering skin of color and preserving your youthful complexion, it’s important to choose products and formulas with multitasking ingredients that target dryness, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation without the risks of irritation, inflammation, and over-stimulation of pigment-producing cells.

Any good skincare routine should include the staples: cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and SPF. Serums are the cornerstone of a solid routine and can do almost anything to improve the skin. These concentrated skincare elixirs are a must for tackling your most pressing skincare needs and doing the heavy lifting and choosing the right one can make all the difference in good and great skin. Ahead, we break down everything there is to know about using a facial serum and how to find the best face serum. Table of Contents: What Are Face Serums Different Types of Face Serums The Key Ingredients in Face Serums What Does Serum do to Your Face? How to Incorporate Face Serums Into Your Routine The Bottom Line What is a Face Serum? Despite all the skincare educational content out there, a major question remains: What is face serum, and what does a serum do for your face? From adding moisture to providing beneficial active ingredients and skin-friendly nutrients, serums can target a specific need. As a key step in building a skincare routine, serums often pack a more powerful punch compared to lesser potent products. Lightweight serums typically contain active ingredients in high doses, including vitamins A, C, and E, glycolic, kojic, lactic, salicylic, and ferulic acids, peptides, resveratrol, hyaluronic acids, niacinamide, and retinol. While some may mistake a serum for a moisturizer, the two are entirely different. A serum for the face is far more than yet more potent. It is often used to address a specific skin concern, such as wrinkles, acne, or hyperpigmentation, depending on the main ingredients in the formulation. Since the active ingredients are typically in larger amounts and higher doses, they can better penetrate the skin for more visible results. Different Types of Face Serums Some of the more popular types of face serums include.Acne serums: shrink pimples and diminish acne scars  The Key Ingredients in Face Serums Many different ingredients have made their way into face serums, some of which you might recognize from other skincare products. Niacinamide: This vitamin B3-derived ingredient helps improve the skin’s barrier function while reducing inflammation and minimizing the appearance of enlarged ones. Niacinamide is often recommended for erasing stubborn hyperpigmentation, too.   What Does Serum Do for Your Face? Using a face serum can offer several different skin benefits. Not only do face serums absorb quickly on the skin, but they are also a must for those who are short on time when it comes to skincare. Based on the ingredients, a serum can also be beneficial in calming and soothing sensitive skin. And their lightweight fluidity makes them suitable for those with oily and acne-prone skin since the products aren’t nearly as heavy as creams—there’s also less potential for the pores to become clogged with serums. Drier skin types can benefit from a serum but usually must still incorporate a more traditional moisturizer. Different serums have different targets to correct skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and dryness. The ingredients within a serum will dictate what they can best help with. Still, most serums have anti-aging and protective benefits since many feature antioxidants in their formulations to help prevent premature aging. Since serums contain a high concentration of active ingredients, you’re likely to see more visible results, perhaps even faster, than other skincare products. How to Incorporate Face Serum into Your Routine Adding a face serum to your skincare care routine is simple. It's best to use a serum daily unless the product’s instructions say otherwise. You can also use different serums for different skin concerns and alternate between serums for daytime and nighttime use. When applying a face serum onto the skin, it's best to apply it after cleansing and toning and before any other products, especially heavier ones. You don't need more than a few drops of a serum, and make sure to apply it all over the face and down the neck. Then, after applying a face serum, continue with your regular skincare routine, and finally, lock in with a good moisturizer, which will help prevent any moisture from slipping out and prevent skin from feeling dry. Top it off with sunscreen. You can also layer serums with one another to provide maximum benefit. There's no wrong way to layer your serums, but make sure that the ones you are combining don't have ingredients that will cancel each other out or cause redness, dryness, or irritation.

When it comes to curating a beauty routine, there’s one product that tops the list of every skincare pro and aficionado no matter the season: sunscreen. Whether cloudy or sunny, daily sunscreen is a holy grail product that’s universally regarded as a must in maintaining skin health—from preventing free radical damage to slowing down premature skin aging. But committing to sun protection doesn’t always come easy for everyone, especially when you want to keep your routines as simple and as fuss-free as possible. So, when we find well-formulated products that effectively fuse makeup with skincare benefits and SPF, we hold on to them for dear life. And that’s exactly what Colorescience is all about. Table of Contents: Who is Colorescience? Is Colorescience sunscreen good for your skin? What are the benefits of Colorescience sunscreen? Shop Colorescience’s Best-Selling Makeup Products with SPF Who is Colorescience? Known for its medical-grade and 100 percent mineral formulations, Colorescience prides itself on not being “just another skincare brand.” And for good reason. Armed with solid science, comprehensive clinical studies, and the latest in skincare technology, every Colorescience product is designed to not only treat existing conditions and enhance complexion but also to ensure immediate, visible, and long-term results. While many brands can freely claim to be clean and natural, Colorescience sets itself apart by taking this commitment to heart. That means using only potent, clinically tested, safe, pure, and natural minerals, antioxidants, and botanicals in every formula. The integrity and efficacy of Colorescience’s formulations have definitely not gone unnoticed, judging by all the awards and recognition the brand has received year after year—from Allure, New Beauty, Women’s Health, and even the Skin Cancer Foundation—earning particular praise for its sheer mineral sunscreen, SPF powder, tinted eye treatment, and barrier-repairing moisturizer. Is Colorescience sunscreen good for your skin? When it comes to sun safety, Colorescience doesn’t hold back. In the brand’s own words, “overprotective is an understatement” when referring to their sun care solutions. Its Total Protection® line of mineral sunscreens not only use 100 percent mineral actives, particularly zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, but also a proprietary zinc oxide coating that directly targets and prevents the formation of free radicals, keeping fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dryness at bay. Unlike chemical SPFs, which absorb UV light and convert it into heat, mineral sunscreens sit on the surface and reflect ultraviolet rays away from the skin. Mineral ingredients are also naturally broad spectrum, and Colorescience’s all-mineral sunscreens shield skin from both UVA and UVB rays without irritating or clogging pores, making them suitable for all skin types. With SPF values ranging from 30 to 50, Colorescience sunscreens provide comprehensive sun protection and are sweat- and water-resistant for up to 40 to 80 minutes. Colorescience sunscreens are the very definition of what a multitasker is. They come infused with heavy-hitting antioxidants—upping the ante in skin protection by delivering a second line of free radical defense—as well as hyaluronic acid and other moisturizing and soothing ingredients that help ensure a healthy skin barrier and radiant complexion. This all-in-one approach to sun and environmental safety makes Colorescience sunscreens effective in combating the harsh effects of UVA and UVB rays, infrared radiation, HEV or blue light, and pollution.