Obagi® products work beautifully for many skin tones. How do you know which products are right for yours? Let’s take a closer look at some common skin conditions among people with darker skin tones (check to see where you fall on the Fitzpatrick I – VI scale*1) so that you can be prepared to discuss your options with your skin care physician at your next appointment.
Dark Spots and Discoloration
One of the most common pigmentation problems, especially for those with darker skin, is hyperpigmentation, or localized darkening of the skin. Acne, genetics, sun damage, and skin trauma all may contribute to hyperpigmentation. Both ancestry (genetics) and outward manifestations of skin color can also affect how susceptible you are to hyper-pigmentation.
The Obagi Nu-Derm® System and the Obagi-C® Rx System can both help improve hyperpigmentation. In one study, daily use of Obagi-C Rx provided quick and dramatic improvements in overall appearance, discoloration, and skin tone for all patient skin types.
It’s important to remember, however, that no treatment is a match for the dangers of the sun. The amount of UV damage that your skin receives throughout your life is a significant determining factor in causing hyper-pigmentation.
Sun Damage
UV waves also play an important role in conditions such as premature skin aging and skin cancers.4 Regardless of skin color or ethnicity, anyone can develop skin cancer. Often melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, isn’t diagnosed in people with skin of color until the cancer has spread because melanoma may be less obvious between the toes or hidden on the scalp.5 That’s why it is especially important for people with skin of color to practice regular skin self-examinations and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Obagi’s Sun Shield Matte SPF 50.
Acne and Scarring
Acne affects all skin types and ethnicities, but the darker the skin, the worse the pigmentary abnormalities and scarring that acne leaves behind.
Because skin of color often does not heal as easily after cuts, burns, or even piercings, scars are much more common and likely to last than with lighter skin tones.5 If you have scars that haven’t healed with time, talk to your skin care physician to see if a scar treatment like Dermatix® Ultra, suitable for most skin types, is right for you.
No matter your skin type or color, there’s an Obagi product for everyone. It’s important to speak with a physician about which products are right for your skin type and tone.
Important Safety Information for Clear, Blender, Sunfader, C-Clarifying Serum and C-Therapy Night Cream
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.
WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.
Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.
Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.
PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.
Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.
Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.
Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.