Whether you’re a loyal fan of Obagi or you’re just interested to learn more about their ranges, you may have come across the name Obagi-C® RX Starter System, part of the Obagi Medical range. This comprehensive skincare regimen is specially formulated with 4% hydroquinone to reduce hyperpigmentation, and vitamin C, giving skin the youthful look many of us strive for.
We always aim to share useful, unbiased information about the products we stock, so if you’re curious about the Obagi-C® RX Starter System then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll cover the key skincare ingredients that make these products so effective, individual products within the range, the benefits of sticking with the system long-term, and much more. This is your guide to the Obagi-C® RX Starter System, and we’re holding nothing back!
Interested in the benefits of this system and want to skip straight to speaking with one of our Skin Experts? Click here:
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
- What is the Obagi-C® RX Starter System?
- What products are in the Obagi-C® RX Starter System?
- Do I need the Normal to Oily system, or the Normal to Dry system?
- What order do I use the products in?
- What is hydroquinone and why is it in the RX Starter System?
- What is L-ascorbic acid and why is it in the RX Starter System?
- Who would benefit most from Obagi-C® RX Starter System?
- Are there any side effects I should know about?
- How much does the Obagi-C® RX Starter System cost?
- How do I buy the Obagi-C® RX Starter System in the UK?
- Summary: Should I try Obagi-C® RX Starter System?
What is the Obagi-C® RX Starter System?
The Obagi-C® RX Starter System is a prescription-only collection of products with ingredients specifically curated to help make skin look brighter and more youthful.
It achieves this result by including products that use vitamin C to provide antioxidants and brighten skin, as well as prescription-strength hydroquinone to correct any hyperpigmentation, like dark spots.
The system has two different versions; one for normal to oily skin and another for normal to dry skin, so you’re sure to find a system that works for you. The system is also prescription-only, meaning you can only purchase it after a consultation with a professional.
You will find your local clinic offering Obagi products by searching online, or one of our Skin Experts can help.
What products are in the Obagi-C® RX Starter System?
The Obagi-C® RX Starter System combines some of their best formulations to create a step-by-step system for your skin. The products within the system include:
C-Cleansing Gel
This cleansing gel works to clarify and prep skin for all other ingredients, as well as remove makeup and impurities. It contains brightening vitamin C, and also aloe which soothes and hydrates skin.
C-Balancing Toner
This alcohol-free toner helps to balance your skin’s pH levels, remove any leftover makeup or excess oil from pores, and tighten them. This product is non-drying, so it leaves skin feeling refreshed without being too tight and dry.
C-Exfoliating Day Lotion
This lightweight moisturiser hydrates and gently exfoliates at once, leaving you with bright, glowing skin. It’s the perfect complement to the rest of the Starter System to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten the complexion.
C-Clarifying Serum
This serum has a different formulation depending on whether you purchase the Starter System for Normal to Oily, or Normal to Dry skin. It contains 4% hydroquinone to reduce hyperpigmentation, vitamin C to maintain youthful-looking skin, and many more game-changing ingredients.
Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Obagi’s Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen has both UVA and UVB protection and leaves a matte finish. No shiny complexions here! It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, dermatologist-tested, and includes physical and chemical sunscreen ingredients.
C-Therapy Night Cream
This night cream works to effectively lighten dark spots using 4% hydroquinone, while replenishing skin with vitamins C and E overnight while you sleep.
Do I need the Normal to Oily or the Normal to Dry system?
Great question! While this Starter System is incredibly effective, it will only be so if you have the correct version for your skin. Obagi offers two versions; one for if your skin is more on the oily side and one for if your skin is more dry.
You may be aware of which side of the scale your skin falls on, but we always recommend booking in a consultation with one of our Skin Experts who can use their expertise to guide you in the right direction. Often people think they have oily skin when they actually have dry and vice versa, so speak to a Skin Expert to ensure you’re using the correct collection.
What order do I use the products in?
Often we don’t consider how the order of our skincare products can affect the results. If you want to learn more about the correct order to use your skincare products, you’ll find our article on it here.
For the Obagi-C® RX Starter System, your Face Dr Skin Expert can offer tips for the best way to use them. In general though, use the products in the following order.
For the Normal to Oily system…
AM
Step 1: Start by cleansing your skin with the C-Cleansing Gel
Step 2: Follow with the C-Balancing Toner
Step 3: Next, apply your C-Clarifying Serum
Step 4: Lastly, apply Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50
PM
The above steps 1-3 should be followed, but replace step 4 with your C-Therapy Night Cream instead.
For the Normal to Dry system…
AM
Step 1: Start by cleansing your skin with the C-Cleansing Gel
Step 2: Follow with your C-Clarifying Serum
Step 3: Next, apply the C-Exfoliating Day Lotion
Step 4: Lastly, apply Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50
PM
The above steps 1-3 should be followed, but replace step 4 with your C-Therapy Night Cream instead.
If you are unsure about the order just speak to your Skin Expert who can help. Your Skin Expert may also suggest a slightly different order to what is listed above based on your specific skin issues and goals, so always stick with the routine they have suggested for you for best results.
What is hydroquinone and why is it in the RX Starter System?
Hydroquinone is a strong skincare ingredient that acts as an inhibitor of melanin production, and it has long been thought of as one of the most effective ingredients for reducing hyperpigmentation and potentially removing it altogether.
It is a particularly strong ingredient, which is why it must be prescribed by a professional and cannot be purchased over the counter. You can learn more about hydroquinone in our article; What is hydroquinone and what can it do for your skin?
What is L-ascorbic acid and why is it in the RX Starter System?
L-ascorbic acid is essentially the purest form of vitamin C, which is a key ingredient in lots of skincare products as it is known as the only topical antioxidant proven to stimulate collagen synthesis, as well as protecting skin by minimising future skin cell damage.
It can help exfoliate skin, boost collagen production, provide antioxidants and brighten skin. It’s also known for reducing pigment, as well as reducing the likelihood of new pigment forming.
10% L-ascorbic acid is used within the Obagi-C® RX Starter System, so it’s an incredibly effective addition to the formulations within this system. You can check out our YouTube video with Dr Julia discussing how to use vitamin C effectively in your skincare routine, or read more about the benefits of vitamin C here.
Who would benefit most from the Obagi-C® RX Starter System?
The Obagi-C® RX Starter System can benefit many skin types, including those looking to:
- Gain all-round healthier skin with a powerful boost of antioxidants
- Future-proof their skin against damage and signs of ageing
- Reduce signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduce hyperpigmentation, dark spots or melasma
- Create a brighter, more radiant complexion
Are there any side effects I should know about?
While this system is considered safe to use, it does contain the ingredient hydroquinone which can occasionally cause side effects due to its strength.
The ingredient can be a skin lightener, so while it should only be used on dark spots and discoloured patches of skin, it can sometimes lighten skin around these areas too, so always keep in touch with your Skin Expert if your skin starts to see signs of this.
You can read more about the side effects of hydroquinone here, but with the advice of your Skin Expert there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to use this system without side effects.
How much does the Obagi-C® RX Starter System cost?
The Obagi-C® RX Starter System is available to purchase after a consultation with one of our Skin Experts, and costs £374 for the complete kit.
How do I buy the Obagi-C® RX Starter System in the UK?
At Face Dr we are authorised stockists of prescription-only Obagi Medical products, so if you’re looking to purchase the Obagi-C® RX Starter System, you can do so through Face Dr by booking a free video consultation with one of our Skin Experts.
The Obagi-C® RX Starter System and its products are available for sale in clinics and through authorised stockists here in the UK, but it does require a prescription to purchase. If you find these products available to purchase online without a prescription, they are likely out of date or counterfeit products and won’t provide the results you are hoping for.
Summary: Should I try the Obagi-C® RX Starter System?
If you are on a mission to improve your skin by achieving a more even skin tone, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and creating a brighter complexion, then this could be the perfect system for you. It’s effective, tailored to your skin type, and known to produce excellent results.
At Face Dr, our Skin Experts offer a comprehensive, totally free consultation over a secure video link, and we will always recommend what we believe is the best product or system for your skin issues.
If you’re ready for a complete overhaul of your skincare routine to see real results, book in a FREE video consultation with one of our Skin Experts to discuss your skin issues, concerns and goals.
Want to read more from our blog? Here are some articles that may interest you:
- What is Obagi CLENZIderm M.D.® and how does it work?
- What is Obagi’s Professional-C® Collection and how does it work?
- What is the Obagi Nu-Derm® system and how does it work?
