SkinMedica vs Obagi 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

As we age, spend time in the sun, and go through hormonal changes, we're bound to experience skin concerns such as melasma, dark spots, rough texture, and wrinkles (the list also goes on and on, unfortunately).

If you are looking for the best solution to any of these concerns, you may find the best results with one of the two dermatologist-developed systems by SkinMedica and Obagi.

Let’s take a deeper look at each of them so that you can make the best choice for you and your skin!

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SkinMedica vs Obagi Systems

SkinMedica Award Winning System

SkinMedica was started in 1999, founded by a renowned dermatologist, Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick. Since then it has expanded to include an entire collection of medical-grade skincare products that target all of the most frustrating skin conditions, such as wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, and sagging.

The company has won awards for more than a few of its products, so they must be good, right? Let’s take a closer look!

The SkinMedica Award Winning System is a trio of luxurious skincare products that, when used together, are proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, tone and texture, as well as address sagging skin. It is deeply hydrating and will improve the luminosity of your skin with continuous use. The price tag is really rather high, but if the claims are true, it is well worth the investment.

The following three products in the system are formulated for all skin types:

• TNS Advanced+ Serum - The TNS Serum is formulated to rejuvenate your skin and enhance firmness. Works progressively over time, with results being visible in 2 weeks, and improving over a 24 week period. They say it can help your skin look up to 6 years younger in 12 weeks of use.
• Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum - Formulated to target hyperpigmentation, it improves even the most stubborn skin discoloration. It uses a combination of powerful (and safe) acids and peptides to gently and effectively lighten dark spots. It also contains an algae extract, which helps restore your skin’s natural protective barrier to avoid future damage. The serum works progressively over a 12 week period, and in studies, was shown to improve dark spots in 95% of participants, and improve skin tone in 100% of participants.
• HA⁵ Rejuvenating Hydrator - This intense moisturizer is formulated with deeply hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid. It contains the proprietary Vitiscence Technology, a blend of powerful antioxidants and algae extract to help support your skin’s natural moisture barrier. It is said to instantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve your skin’s texture.

Obagi Nu-Derm System

Obagi is a company that was founded by dermatologist Dr. Zein in 1988.

The Obagi Nu-Derm System is an advanced 7 step skincare system that is scientifically formulated to promote skin health. The system comes in two types: one for normal to oily, or one for oily to dry. Each system has very similar ingredients and helps with acne, wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, and aging.

Customers have seen results within a month, with dramatic improvements in texture, tone, and reduction of dark spots. Some customers found results with these products after having tried “everything else,” after years of experiencing melasma or spots from sun damage. Most happy customers said they did have to work through a few weeks of redness and peeling as their skin adjusted to the more powerful ingredients. Once they were past that point though, they started to notice dramatic improvements.

Final Verdict

Although both of these systems use scientifically proven ingredients to produce results, The customer reviews and simpler routine make the SkinMedica Award Winning System a more alluring option in our opinion, despite the higher price tag.

This article was originally published on March 14th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 1st 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.