Interested in trying the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System, but not sure if you need the FX or RX system? We’re solving the mystery of these two almost identical (but not quite) skincare collections.
Whether you’re unsure what Obagi Medical is, want to know the skin benefits of this excellent system, or you’re curious to know about the ingredient hydroquinone and the hydroquinone alternatives often needed for people with asthma, we’re breaking down everything you need to know.
Think you’d like to give the Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System a go? If you’re not sure whether or not you should be using FX or RX, our Skin Experts can help:
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
- What is the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System?
- What are the results?
- What is the difference between Obagi Medical and Obagi Clinical?
- So what’s the difference between FX and RX?
- What ingredients are in Nu-Derm® RX that aren’t in FX?
- Why would someone want to avoid using hydroquinone?
- Who would benefit from choosing RX over FX?
- Who would benefit from choosing FX over RX?
- How much does the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System cost?
- Where can I purchase the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System?
- Summary: Should I try Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System?
What is the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System?
The Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System is a collection of products specifically formulated to help reduce hyperpigmentation on skin, such as dark spots, sun spots, age spots, melasma, freckles, and other types of discolouration.
There are 2 types of this system available for 2 different skin types; one is for people with dry to normal skin, while the other is for those with normal to oily skin. If you are using the system for the first time, your Skin Expert can help you discover which version is best for you.
You can book a free video skincare consultation with one of our Skin Experts here:
What are the results?
The Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System has given many of our clients fantastic results, and prompted very positive reviews such as:
“Just 3 weeks of using the Obagi system and already my skin tone has improved significantly.”
- Helen W., Face Dr client using the Obagi Nu-Derm® RX Skin Transformation System
The results you could see from using this system include a reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation over time with continued use, with a gradual reduction in all types of skin discolouration such as dark spots, sun spots, age spots, melasma and freckles.
What is the difference between Obagi Medical and Obagi Clinical?
You may be a little confused with all the different names for these products, such as Medical, Clinical, FX, RX, and even the Normal to Oily or Dry to Normal options! Don’t worry though, we’ll keep it simple here;
Obagi Medical
These products use medical grade ingredients that you need a prescription to purchase. It’s simple to buy prescription products through Face Dr, but you must have a free skincare consultation with one of our Skin Experts before they will unlock products for purchase.
The Obagi Nu-Derm® RX Skin Transformation System includes all Obagi Medical products:
Obagi Hydrate® Facial Moisturizer
Sun Shield® Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50
We are an authorised stockist of the Obagi range, however there are other providers available. Keep in mind, if you find Obagi Medical products available for sale without the need for a consultation first, these are likely counterfeit or out-of-date products, or are being sold outside of the guidance of Obagi.
Obagi Clinical
Obagi Clinical offers a very similar range of products to the Medical range, however they are more widely available because you do not need a prescription to buy them. You may even find them in physical stores rather than just online.
This is because although the ingredients used in their formulations are incredibly effective and have shown clients brilliant results, they are not as strong as the medical grade ones, and therefore may not offer the same results depending on your individual skin type.
If you are interested in trying the FX system, speak to your Skin Expert about purchasing either the Obagi Nu-Derm® FX Skin Transformation System Normal to Oily or the Obagi Nu-Derm® FX Skin Transformation System Normal to Dry.
In general, prescription products tend to offer the best results as they have stronger ingredients, and having a consultation with an expert first often means you get the right products that actually work for you.
If you’re interested to learn more about the differences between Obagi Medical and Obagi Clinical, you can read our article; Obagi Medical vs. Obagi Clinical; FX & RX Demystified.
So what’s the difference between FX and RX?
Another great question, and one with a very simple answer; RX represents the Obagi Medical range, which means you need a prescription to purchase the products in the RX range. FX, on the other hand, represents the Obagi Clinical range, and for this one you don’t need a prescription to buy products.
So…
RX = Obagi Medical = medical grade ingredients that need a prescription
FX = Obagi Clinical = gentler ingredients that do not need a prescription
What ingredients are in Nu-Derm® RX that aren’t in FX?
If it all comes down to the ingredients included in the Obagi Medical range, then what are these mysterious ingredients that may cause issues for some people? In the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System, it’s all about the star ingredient hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone helps to fade hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone by actively destroying cells that produce pigment, and is an incredibly effective ingredient for anyone who wants to reduce the appearance of dark spots on skin.
4% is the maximum recommended strength for hydroquinone in skincare products. You may find hydroquinone products on the internet with strengths higher than 4%, but these are likely unregulated and could do more harm to your skin than good. You can learn more on our YouTube channel, here.
Why would someone want to avoid using hydroquinone?
There are a few reasons why someone might want to avoid using hydroquinone, and would therefore prefer to purchase the Obagi Nu-Derm® FX Skin Transformation System instead. Hydroquinone can result in a number of side effects, such as:
- Skin dryness
- Irritation
- Itching
- Redness
- Mild contact dermatitis
- Allergic reactions
Also, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) suggested people should be mindful of using hydroquinone for long periods of time, as you can develop a condition called ochronosis — a blueish-black pigmentation on skin that looks a bit like spots of caviar.
The likelihood of the above side effects occurring reduces drastically when you work with a professional like one of our Skin Experts to ensure you are using the correct amount of product, and that you have the best product for your skin type to begin with. You can watch Dr Julia explain how to use hydroquinone correctly on our YouTube channel, here.
It’s also worth noting that use of hydroquinone can affect anyone who has a metabisulphite allergy, so you should tell your Skin Expert if you know you have a sulfite allergy so they can find the best alternative products for you if needed. If you are interested in the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System, they will likely recommend the FX version.
Many studies have found sulphites can cause issues for people who suffer from asthma, and it is estimated that between 1 in 40 and 1 in 100 people with asthma are thought to have a sensitivity to sulfites such as a metabisulphite allergy. If you do have asthma you should avoid using products containing hydroquinone, and be sure to tell your Skin Expert about any and all allergies so they can recommend the best skincare routine for you.
Who would benefit from choosing RX over FX?
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation issues and you are looking for a highly effective product to tackle this, the Obagi Nu-Derm® RX Skin Transformation System could be the best choice for you.
RX is best for those who have no known skin sensitivities or have never had any adverse reactions to skincare products, so your Skin Expert will ask questions about this during your consultation.
Who would benefit from choosing FX over RX?
FX is a great choice for anyone who wants similar results to the RX system, but who:
- Has sensitivities to specific ingredients
- Has sensitivities to strong prescription products
- Had a prior negative reaction to the RX system
- Is pregnant (as the ingredients have not been studied extensively enough for safety)
Also, the FX system uses plant-based pigmentation lightening ingredients (arbutin) which are often better for those who are simply looking to maintain results long-term.
If you are unsure whether or not the FX system is better for you, speak to your Skin Expert so they can recommend the best option.
How much does the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System cost?
The Obagi Medical products in our range are prescription-only, and due to the guidelines set by Obagi, the price cannot be displayed online. You can be assured all of our prices follow Obagi RRP pricing.
Where can I purchase the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System?
You can purchase both the Obagi Nu-Derm® RX Skin Transformation System and the Obagi Nu-Derm® FX Skin Transformation System through Face Dr by arranging a free 10-30 minute video skincare consultation with one of our Skin Experts.
On your call, they will use their years of expertise to recommend the brands and products that are most likely to work for you, and will help you adjust your routine as you go.
Many of our clients find a consultation with a Face Dr Skin Expert helps them discover the perfect products for their skin, which means they avoid product wastage and save money.
Summary: Should I try the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System?
If you are looking for a well-reviewed skincare system designed to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, then the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System could be an excellent choice.
With the option of Normal to Oily or Dry to Normal, and medical grade ingredients or non-medical grade ingredients, there is sure to be a version of this fantastic skincare system to suit your skin needs and goals.
You can book a free consultation with one of our Skin Experts to discuss your skin history and see if the Obagi Nu-Derm® Skin Transformation System could be the one for you.
Want to read more from our blog? Here are some articles that may interest you:
- Obagi Medical vs. Obagi Clinical; FX & RX Demystified
- ZO Skin Health vs. Obagi; what's the difference?
- Obagi skincare; Everything you need to know
