Consistency: The Secret to Obagi Success
The main reason people fail to achieve the best from Obagi products isn’t the products—it’s inconsistent use. Medical-grade skincare requires commitment to a daily routine. With this proven AM/PM guide, you’ll unlock every product’s potential for the transformations you want.
No matter if you follow a full Obagi system or a custom routine, getting the correct order and timing is the difference between ‘OK’ and truly transformational.
Your Morning Routine: Protect & Prepare
Morning skincare is all about defending your skin and ensuring you’re ready to face the day ahead, whatever it brings.
- Cleanse (1 minute): Use Obagi Gentle Cleanser or your system’s specific cleanser with lukewarm water (never hot).
- Tone (30 seconds): Apply Obagi Toner for balanced pH. Allow 30 seconds before moving to the next step.
- Vitamin C Serum (1 minute): Use Obagi Professional-C Serum for antioxidant protection (3–4 drops, pressed in).
- Targeted Treatment (1 minute): This is where you’d apply Nu-Derm Clear, Blender, or your prescribed actives. Wait 1–2 minutes for absorption.
- Eye Treatment (30 seconds): Gently tap Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream around the orbital bone using your ring finger.
- Moisturise (1 minute): Hydrate with the most appropriate moisturiser for your skin type. Wait 2–3 minutes before SPF.
- Sunscreen (Non-Negotiable!) (1 minute): Finish with Obagi Sun Shield SPF 50. This is essential—apply generously, reapplying every 2 hours when outside.
Total Morning Time: 6–7 minutes
Your Evening Routine: Repair & Transform
Evening is skin repair time. This is when your actives—including retinol or prescription products—go to work alongside your body’s natural regeneration.
- Double Cleanse (2 minutes): Especially if wearing makeup/SPF. First cleanse for grime, second for deeper clean.
- Tone (30 seconds): Prepares skin for maximum product absorption.
- Targeted Treatments (2 minutes): Apply prescription/hydroquinone/Nu-Derm actives. Allow to absorb.
- Retinoid (2 minutes): Use Obagi Retinol or prescribed tretinoin. A pea-sized amount is plenty. Don’t forget neck & jawline! Start every 2–3 nights if sensitive.
- Eye Treatment (30 seconds): Repeat gentle application from morning.
- Moisturiser (1 minute): Lock in all goodness with rich hydrators, adjusting for your skin’s needs seasonally.
Total Evening Time: 8–10 minutes
Weekly Additions for Enhanced Results
- 2–3x per week: Obagi Exfoderm for gentle exfoliation (use on nights you skip retinol).
- 1x per week: Obagi Blue Peel Radiance for deeper exfoliation (best for experienced users).
- Professional treatments: As needed, per your specialist’s advice.
Pro Tips for Routine Success
- Layer from thinnest to thickest products (serum → cream → SPF).
- Take before/after photos monthly to track your progress.
- Stick to the same time every day—habit is your best advantage.
- Listen to your skin—if it gets too dry or irritated, scale back actives and boost moisture.
- Travel with minis or decant products to avoid missing your routine away from home.
Common Routine Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping sunscreen: This undoes all brightening efforts and causes new pigmentation.
- Using too much product: Stick to the recommended dose—more isn’t better and may waste product or cause irritation.
- Not waiting between steps: Patience (a few minutes) equals better absorption and results.
- Inconsistent follow-through: Results take 6–12 weeks—don’t give up!
- Switching products too often: Give each routine time before adding or changing items.
Your Journey to Radiant, Healthy Skin Starts Now
Consistency is simple, powerful, and the real “secret” to Obagi transformation. Shop a full Obagi routine and see what daily commitment and proper guidance can do. For tailored advice, reach our skincare experts—we’ll create a routine that makes amazing skin your new normal.
Your best complexion awaits—just start (and keep going)!