I often get asked in clinic “What is the best treatment for Hyperpigmentation or Melasma?” It is a very common skin concern and one that people with all different skin types suffer with.
If you are wondering exactly what these conditions are, you can see our previous blog here – What is the difference between Melasma and Hyperpigmentation? – Hedox Clinic
Although, you can get some benefits from using laser treatments and from chemical peels, the best treatment for this condition is to use strong cosmeceutical products that contain active ingredients such as Hydroquinone. This specifically targets the layers of pigmented skin.
The market leader, and a product that I recommend in my clinic due to its proven results for reducing hyperpigmentation, is the Obagi Nu-Derm System. I have used this and recommended this for many hundreds of patients.
What is the Obagi Nu-Derm System?
The Obagi Nu-Derm System is a collection of multiple products developed to improve hyperpigmentation and improve visible signs of ageing. There are multiple products to be used, some in the morning and some in the evening.
Obagi Nu-Derm System step-by-step
In the morning, you start off with Obagi Gentle Cleanser to remove bacteria from the skin, you then have Obagi Toner to prepare the pH of the skin to maximise the penetration of all the other products deep within the skin because that’s where you want them to work. Next you have the product that contains the lightening agent – Obagi Nu-Derm Clear, which includes the Hydroquinone. This sinks deep into the skin to block the production of Melanin and that’s how it exerts its anti-pigmentation effect. You then follow with an exfoliant Obagi Exfoderm, so you have brighter skin because you are getting rid of the dead skin cells from the surface. Following that, you apply a moisturiser Obagi Hydrate, because it can be a little bit drying of the skin and then you protect your skin with a good SPF 50 protection and the Nu-Derm System contains a Sun Shield Matte 50 SPF as part of the system.
In the evening, you have a similar regime: the Obagi cleanser, the Obagi Toner and instead of having the Obagi Nu-Derm Clear, you have the Obagi Nu-Derm Blend ( (it’s a slightly creamier product). You mix this with Tretinoin, which is like retinol but even stronger and encourages the product to reach deeper into your skin. After that has all fully absorbed into the skin, you can then apply the Obagi Hydrate moisturiser to prevent any drying.
During the initial phase of the Obagi Nu-Derm treatment, it is normal to experience a little bit of redness and possibly even some peeling. The advice is to start with relatively small amounts of the products, such as the Obagi Clear, Obagi Blender and the Tretinoin and you can gradually build up with these to get the maximum effect.
Using this system can deliver an excellent response and can get rid of even stubborn pigmentation. I certainly recommend it as one of the best treatments for Hyperpigmentation or Melasma.
Here is an example of one of our clients and her amazing results with Obagi Nu-Derm:
If you would like to advice on how to best treat your hyperpigmentation or would like to discuss a skincare routine with our Aesthetic Doctor, please contact the Hedox Clinic to arrange a free remote consultation on 0208 185 7273 or email us at info@hedoxclinic.co.uk